Over the past few months, I have had the chance to get to know many of our owners well. Some have received excellent enquiries, while others have struggled to generate any interest at all. For those in the latter group, here are the most common reasons why a listing may be underperforming — and, more importantly, what you can do to fix each one.
1. You Are Taking Too Long to Respond
This is, without doubt, the single biggest reason why owners lose potential bookings. A traveller searching for accommodation typically sends enquiries to several properties simultaneously, and may also be looking at hotels. If they do not receive a response within the same day, they are likely to book elsewhere. We have seen owners lose confirmed business even at the final stage of a conversation simply because they delayed their reply. Make it a discipline to respond to every new enquiry within a few hours.
2. Your Photos Are Missing, Blurred, Incomplete, or Taken at Night
Travellers cannot visit your property before booking — your photographs are their only means of evaluating it. If there are three bedrooms, photograph all three. If you have a garden, a pool, or any other distinctive feature, photograph that too. Properties with no photos, very few photos, or poor-quality photos simply do not get enquiries. No traveller will risk booking a place they cannot see clearly. Invest in good photography before you go live.
3. Your Description Reads Like Marketing Copy
Descriptions filled with words like "serene," "untouched," and assorted superlatives do not help a traveller make a decision — they make the listing feel generic and untrustworthy. Use simple, factual, clear language. Describe what the property actually offers: the layout, what is within walking distance, how to get there, what guests can do nearby. Use the activities section to communicate convenience, not just proximity. The more specifically useful your description is, the more confident a prospective guest will feel in reaching out.
4. Your Availability Calendar Is Empty
An empty calendar creates a subtle but significant psychological problem for travellers: it suggests either that the property is unpopular, or that the owner is unresponsive. Most platforms allow you to enter existing reservations — even non-platform bookings — into the calendar. Fill it in as accurately as possible. It gives a more honest and credible picture of the property and reduces the number of questions guests need to ask you.
5. Your Rates Are Missing
Not publishing a price is one of the most common and most damaging listing mistakes. Travellers want immediate information. If they cannot see a rate, many will simply move on rather than send an enquiry to find out. A lower price than expected is a pleasant surprise that often converts to a booking; an unknown price is simply a barrier.
6. Your Description Is Too Short
If your property description is only two or three sentences, you are not giving a traveller enough information to make a decision. Write something substantial — enough to convey the convenience, facilities, cleanliness standards, and unique character of your property. A well-written, detailed description is one of the most effective free tools available to a holiday home owner.
7. You Have No Reviews or Testimonials
Online reviews are one of the most powerful trust signals on any platform. Travellers read them carefully before making enquiries. If your listing has no reviews, ask previous guests — friends, family, or early trial guests — to write honest feedback on the platform. Prioritise getting your first few reviews, and focus on making each guest experience exceptional. Once positive reviews start to accumulate, they do a great deal of the selling for you.
8. You Are Not Featured Prominently on the Platform
Many platforms offer promotional placement or featured listings at no cost to owners who meet certain criteria — completion of their listing profile, strong response rates, or early-adopter status. Check whether your platform offers any such programme and take advantage of it. Visibility on the platform's homepage or in category highlights can dramatically increase the number of views your listing receives.
9. Your Property Details Are Listed Incorrectly
Check your listing carefully for factual errors. A common mistake made by homestay owners who let out multiple rooms is entering "1 room available" when in fact they have five or more. A group of travellers searching for a multi-room property will not send an enquiry if the listing shows only one room. Review your room count, bed configuration, guest capacity, and amenity list to make sure they accurately reflect what you offer.
10. Your Account May Be Inactive
Most platforms require you to activate your account by clicking a verification link sent to your email address after registration. If this step was missed, your account may be inactive — meaning you will not receive messages from prospective guests. If you suspect this is the case, try logging in and resetting your password. If the problem persists, contact the platform directly and ask them to resend the activation link.
A Note on Platform Algorithms
All major vacation rental platforms today use algorithmic ranking to determine the order in which listings appear in search results. The factors that most consistently influence ranking are: response rate (how quickly and consistently you reply to enquiries), booking acceptance rate, guest review scores, listing completeness (photos, description, amenities, and calendar), and price competitiveness relative to comparable properties in the same area. Focusing on all of these factors systematically — rather than any one in isolation — gives your listing the best chance of ranking well and attracting a consistent flow of enquiries.
Think of your listing profile as the open sign outside your business. Make sure it is clear, complete, and welcoming — and keep it that way every time a potential guest looks in.