I’m currently ‘coaching’ a new very amenable HO in Jersey Channel Islands on how to attract great sitters- I’ve suggested picking experienced sitters for their first time. Do you think this is good advice?
I’ve already suggested changes to photos, sit essentials section they’d not noticed to uncheck or think carefully enough about, and other things that are obvious to me but not to them. It’s very satisfying helping somebody navigate the process. I now feel quite invested in them getting a great sitter…they used my discount code so I’d like them to be successful.
I like when they list things to do in the area. It shows me they don’t expect you to sit home with the pet the entire day. It makes it less about them and more of an equal exchange. I like when they list things only locals would know about as well. I also see a lot of contradiction in how long the pet can be left alone and what they write. It says pet can be left alone for 6 hours. Then it is written the dog needs to be let out several times a day. I have seen that about 4 times already.
@BonnyinBrighton
I’m sure you have already told them the following will help them match up with a good sitter .
Be ready to respond promptly to all applications and schedule a video call with the sitter asap BEFORE confirming the sit .
Make arrangements with the vet to pay any emergency vet bills
Prepare a Welcome Guide and share with sitter asap - this takes time to prepare so sooner hosts start this the better
and a reminder about the THS no internal cameras and no third parties policies .
I have also ‘coached’ new hosts and sitters but only when I feel my input is welcome 
It’s a great feeling when they have a successful first experience and come back to thank you. It’s not just about the humans but also wanting the best for the pets.
I’m not completely altruistic as I’m hoping it goes well and that they will post more sits in the future and that the dates will suit me
I’m sure you’re giving good advice. In addition to what has been said, urge them to read reviews of sitters and what sitters wrote about owners.
I was looking for sits in (on?) either Jersey or Guernsey as I’ve always wanted to go there but none that were suitable came up - so I’ve booked my flights (from Manchester) and accommodation and am heading over for a week in May. The plan is lots of walking, visiting WW2 sites and some sea swimming.
I advised that they should be ‘forensic’ like an investigative journalist 
Some HOs only suggest pet friendly cafes and restaurants 
Some don’t even fill in that section in the WG
I am sure they will @BonnyinBrighton 
We did a sit in Jersey (near Gorey) over Xmas, which was fabulous (except for the weather).
Yes I think so. I think the likelihood of the sit going better for both sides is higher with someone who knows the ropes of THS AND has good reviews. Also, I’d mention to “go with your gut”. When I first started having video chats with sitters as a new HO I had no idea that it shouldn’t be “that hard” with trying to schedule a time to chat (some sitters took 2 days to reply to schedule which to me now = not terribly interested), some sitters asked SOOO many questions about my area (not my pets or my sit) so I now see they were not a match in the mutually beneficial department. One sitter asked copious amounts of questions about her safety as a single female traveler (I get a few of those but SOOO many was a red flag for me). Now when I do a videochat, it is so clear to me when we are a good match, its easy, we align, questions on both ends are not purely one sided to the sit, etc. This was hard to understand as a new HO for me until I “felt” the connection plus the advice from my friend who is a longtime THS sitter told me “you will know” when it is the right sitter.
We were at St Oeuns over Christmas!
I shared info like @Silversitters. Plus, look for at least some reviews by hosts, saying they wanted the sitter to return.
Also to look for written references to cleanliness in reviews for sitters by other hosts if they cared about cleanliness. (Instead of just star ratings, because people are less likely to gloss over or lie in writing.)
I shared suggestions, for instance, when a pair of new hosts and I video chatted and they said after that they needed to video chat with other sitters they’d scheduled. I took another sit instead and they were disappointed. Then they asked how to land sitters like me.
I’ve also coached hosts whom I referred to THS, at their request.
@BonnyinBrighton, we’ve periodically seen personal housesitter websites that offer coaching. Curious.
We’ve also casually encouraged first-time HOs to prioritize experienced housesitter for first time. There’s plenty unfamiliar topics, emotions and processes for HO in first time without adding newbie housesitter. Expand comfort zone in phases - easy to embrace less experienced housesitters thereafter, once HO has been through process at least once.
We’ve looked at several housesits in related islands. Not yet worked out. Flights substantially from UK rather than Schengen area (or further afield) so may suit a UK-based housesitter.
Ferry from France too…and ferries from England as well as lots of flights Gatwick and Heathrow.
Tangentially, I often suggest that hosts compare their listing against others in their area. That way, they know what they’re competing against, like if they need to strengthen their listing, which can give them better odds at getting the best sitters.
I have a sit lined up in a few months time with a HO new to THS, we’ve made all arrangements off of the platform to avoid the £9 sitting fee. I was recommended by a mutual friend. Anyway, the new member has joined as she has other dates that I can’t fulfill. She asked me to look over her profile and make suggestions for improvements. Her home is located in a lovely Kent market town, with few of the social issues that blight others not far away. But, she omitted to mention a few things nearby, among the omissions were an award winning vineyard, a leisure centre with a swimming pool and 2 supermarkets. She did however include that there was a certain ladies fashion store on the high street, one that would appeal to a certain demographic. I pointed out this would be of no interest to 50% of the population and she dropped it from the description and included a few of my suggestions. She has a lovely dog, a great house and lives in a lovely location. She hasn’t had any problem attracting sitters. Funny what some people think will make their sit desirable. Any other examples?
Yes this newbie had included another person’s dog in a photo, I think they wanted to show how friendly their dog was perhaps, but it was confusing as to how many dogs and which one was theirs! So they changed it.
An UPDATE:
The new HOs have confirmed a sitter!!
They’re very impressed with how it’s all worked out…. so let’s see how the reviews go.
Here’s to hoping you don’t have any issues with the new HO and their housesit. Personally I am more risk averse than you for the amount of money saved in this particular situation.
This is not a great way for that new HO to start off on THS. How are they to learn all the ropes without actually using THS as it is meant to be? Aside from that, your suggestions to improve their listing are nice.