How long once going live on Airbnb did you start getting steady bookings?

Question

Hi, we went live with our first STR (or any rental for that matter) around mid-November.  We possibly made the mistake of posting pre-renovation photos for the first couple weeks.  Towards the end of November, we got professional photos up of the reno and used the 20% new listing promo and quickly got 3 bookings for December in a two week period.  We've had one stay so far and they gave us a 5-star review.  Now, for the last 2 weeks, there has been nothing.  We are in a ski area and we aren't even booked for Christmas, the weekend before Christmas, or anything in January.  I'm worried that the initial promo bump is over and we are in Airbnb purgatory. I drastically slashed prices for the remaining dates in December and all of January.  Am I just being impatient here?  When those first (hopefully 5-star) reviews hit, will we get an algorithm bump?  Thanks for your help, trying not to panic.

Danielle K. · Answer

Thank you! I had moved some photos around and those amenities got stuck.  I love nitpicky, it's important!

Collin Hays · Answer

You should start getting bookings almost immediately.  If not, re-check everything - listing, photos, rates, booking policies, etc.

Often, newbies have rates that are too high and/or booking policies that are far too onerous.

Danielle K. · Answer

I'm using PriceLabs, but still figuring it out. Those are mostly the pro photos (I know!) with a couple iPhone ones mixed in. We hope to have a redo photo shoot in the spring and add some outdoor amenities like a hot tub.

Joseph Bafia · Answer

It took a little time for all of ours to gain some traction early on.  The same scenario occurred where we got a booking right away and thought the reservations were going to keep flowing, and then there was a "pause.  As others have mentioned, you may need to have some patience and see where it goes.

Also, are you only on Airbnb?  We have every one of our properties on both Airbnb and VRBO.  There are some markets we are in where one is MUCH better to us than the other.  There are also facebook groups for various cities/states/communities where you can place and promote your listing.

Happy to help answer any other specific questions!

Garrett Brown · Answer

It's a very cool place! I would be patient in general and not slash prices. Are you using a dynamic pricing tool or checking your competition on AirDNA or Airbnb? What amenities are they doing that you may be able to add to compete? Most places take time to get some reviews in to gain traction. The first year can be the slowest overall. Booking lead time has been dramatically dropping over the last couple of years, and people booking week of is becoming more common, especially for smaller places. Are those the professional photos?

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

What a cool little place, I would stay there for sure! Everything looks great....one little thing, in your description of 'EXTERIOR', you have a lot of interior stuff listed. I know, nitpicky, but if you have a chance. might as well make it perfect :-)

Be patient, if your area is a popular one, you will definitely fill up and stay full. I'd go on ABnB and see what your competition is doing that you can copy.

Maybe a Firepit out front (as long as it's not a fire hazard), maybe a cornhole set? Darts for the inside.... Good Luck!!

Sarah Kensinger · Answer

First off DO NOT slash prices yet! You wouldn't believe how last-minute bookings are right now. If your area is popular over Christmas, you could still get booked and with slashed prices you just lost some revenue. Natlie Palmer who is a well-known STR host, just posted this topic on Instagram and you would find some helpful info here...Natalie Palmer-Insa

Also make sure your marketing copy, photo captions, and photos themselves, are calling to the guest avatar you want in the property. Keywords go a long way even with an OTA listing.

Jon Martin · Answer

I don't know your market but it looks like a lot of thought went into the design and layout.  Well done!

Danielle K. · Answer

Here is the link: airbnb.com/h/thelololodge

Thank you so much, would appreciate any feedback!

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

You shjould get bookings immediately. Maybe post the link so we can take a look....

How long once going live on Airbnb did you start getting steady bookings?

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