Key Actions to Maximize Your Chances of Getting Your First Bookings on Airbnb and VRBO

Three simple yet effective tactics to make your listing stand out and attract your first guests.

16/01/2025 - Starting with a new listing on Airbnb or VRBO can be challenging, especially without any guest reviews. However, by adopting targeted strategies, you can quickly turn an empty listing into a sought-after option. Here are three proven tactics to help you achieve this.

1. Temporarily Allow Dogs

While you might prefer to avoid accepting pets in the long run, offering a temporary pet-friendly policy can broaden your audience. For instance, you can specify in your listing that well-behaved, mature dogs are allowed, provided their owners have positive reviews on their profiles.

This flexibility appeals to families or travelers accustomed to bringing their furry companions. Once you’ve secured a few bookings and reviews, you can adjust your rules to match your original preferences.

2. Highlight a Unique Advantage in Your Listing Title

Your title is the first thing travelers notice. Use it to showcase a distinctive feature that grabs their attention. For example:

“Bright Apartment – Free Parking Included” or “Cozy Chalet – Free Late Check-Out for First 3 Bookings.”

These concrete, attractive details make your listing stand out from the competition while offering immediate value to potential guests.

3. Offer Promotions with Clear Deadlines

Creating time-limited promotions is an effective way to drive bookings. For example, you could offer a 20% discount for stays booked between March 1 and March 31. Clearly outline the timeframe in your listing to encourage travelers to book quickly:

“Book by February 28 and enjoy 20% off your stay in March.”

These temporary offers create a sense of urgency, motivating travelers to act before the promotion ends.

Why Do These Tactics Work?

By combining flexibility, attractive advantages, and time-sensitive promotions, you give your listing increased visibility and immediate competitiveness. These strategies not only help you attract your first guests but also lay the groundwork for generating positive reviews—crucial for building your property’s reputation.

👉 Start implementing these tactics today and turn your listing into an irresistible option for travelers with TeamCHECKiN services.