PROPER PIx!

The number of times we've witnessed shockingly poor photos never ceases to amaze us.  Presentation is everything (almost).  If you don't believe that, please don't waste your time reading on!

Composition of elements in the photo, lighting and colours and point of focus that should grab the viewer- these are important considerations but sadly, most hosts, just point and shoot at as much of the room they can capture through their viewfinder.  We strongly believe, pictures are paramount and therefore, it's worth paying something if you can't sort it yourself.  It doesn't have to be a hot shot professional photographer - a friend with a good smartphone camera will do!

But did you know you could get free professional photo shoots?  Check out Airbnb and Tripadvisor.

Don't forget to dress the rooms before you take the pictures.  Dinner table laid out with wine glasses, crockery, cutlery...fresh linen on the bed..clutter removed!

QUICK REPLIES

It may be tiresome to answer questions that you've pre-empted and answered within the content of your listing but that's the nature of the beast.  Regardless, it's important that you respond to every enquiry or reservation request that comes into your inbox as soon as possible.  Your speed in responding is a key factor that Airbnb and other holiday booking websites use to determine how likely you're going to earn them a booking fee or rather, rank at the top or search results.  

You can either get notifications of enquiries and reservations by enabling push notification in the Airbnb app (during the installation) on your smartphone or SMS.  

If you don't have time to provide a full response, just acknowledge the enquiry and follow up afterwards.    

UP TO DATE CALENDAR

Airbnb and other holiday booking websites favour regularly (preferably, frequently) updated calendars - the more up to date the calendar for your property listing is, the greater the "confidence" determined by their algorithms and consequently, the higher the probability, combined with other factors you'll make it to the top of the search results.   

So, login update your calendar with the very latest details on recent bookings, availability and pricing.

MAKE IT SOCIAL

Don't be shy in sharing your property listing on Facebook, Twitter or other social media channels. Likes from your friends or family member can increase visibility of your property listing exponentially.  Airbnb and other holiday booking websites value these social signals and backlinks and may reward you but in any case, if you're listing a property, it's advertising, so maximise your exposure!

ONLY 5 STAR REVIEWS

It only takes one negative review to shatter the reputation you've worked so hard to achieve on Airbnb and other holiday booking websites.  Avoiding negative reviews starts with setting expectations correctly - don't portray a palace when the accommodation is in fact very basic.  Communicating clearly with your guest from the outset is absolutely key to staying in tune with their needs and avoiding disappointment that often leads to a bad review.

We suggest emailing your guest privately shortly after checking out and ask for feedback.  Should they respond positively, then go ahead and leave them a positive review.  Otherwise, address and negative feedback with an apology and / or other gesture.  

CREATE AIRBNB REVIEW

Earn some brownie points from both your guests' and Airbnb's perspective by highlighting local attractions, amenities, restaurants, cafes and of course, those overpriced tourist traps.  

This works by ways with local small businesses that you recommend as they may be willing to promote your listing offline on their notice boards.

PRICE IS RIGHT

When you list a new property on Airbnb and other holiday booking websites, set the rate card very competitively (verging on aggressive) to attract the first few bookings that will kick off the momentum of further bookings - your listing will be favoured / ranked higher if it appears popular in this respect.  Then you can start to increase your pricing...

DON'T SKIMP DETAILS

Can't be bothered to populate the fields in your listing including 20-30 photos?  Then Airbnb and other holiday booking websites, putting aside other factors, will most likely reciprocate the sentiment by way of downgrading the ranking of your listing in search results!

You must fully complete your listing not least to ensure you don't have to repeat the same answer prospective guests who can't find the detail on your Web site.