First Time Listing - Looking For Advice

Owner Questions, Advice & Chat
1

Hi guys!

I just posted my first ever listing on Trusted Housesitters as I am being posted out to the Middle East for work in November / December.

I was wondering if I could have a little feedback on my listing please! (I assume I’m not allowed to link it, but it’s in my profile) .

Just want to make sure I’m not missing anything obvious that will put people off as I’m quite keen to get this position filled asap so I can advise my company I can go :slight_smile:
Thank you!

Ollie

2

From my perspective - It all looks a bit gloomy. Is there a reason you took all the photos at night? You say you have a patio and terrace but no photos of either. Being completely honest it’s not something I would apply for, even though I love Nashville, because I’d wonder why there were no daytime photos (especially for home workers).

3

Welcome! My $.02:

  • Your title is one of the first things people see and it cuts off early. Use this space to sell your sit. Something about 10 mins from bustling city center (music row?) or similar.
  • Your pics are good but consider doing day shots to show brightness.
  • I personally would cut out the name dropping in the intro section. Some people might find it impressive, others might find it a turn-off.
  • You say your area has restaurants/bars/etc, but don’t specify how walkable it is so I’d call that out as it’s a benefit and the US has a rep of requiring a car most of the time. I’d also maybe mention if the bus takes people directly to the city center (is that music row?) and if it runs at night if people want to go hit the bars. Or maybe mention how much an Uber home is?
  • Maybe offer to pick people up from the airport/bus terminal if they’re not arriving by car since they won’t need one for the sit.
  • I’d mention if it’s ok to leave them for an evening at the bars and what/if there is a max alone time you want the sitter to follow.

It looks like a great sit and I’ll be surprised if it doesn’t fill quickly. Were I on the same continent I’d consider applying. Good luck!

4

Honestly the only reason is because I’ve been working super long hours this week so haven’t been at home during daylight :slight_smile:

I will go home early today and snap some daylight photos, and also get some pics of the terrace/patio, appreciate the feedback!

5

Thanks SO much for this feedback, that’s amazing!

  • List item

I will absolutely be going home early from work today to get some daylight photos - I’ve been working super long hours this week so just haven’t been at home in the day time.

Absolutely understood regarding the name dropping, agreed it sounds pretencious.

Also thanks so much, I will mention that the bars and restaurants are very walkable with sidewalks

Unfortunately, I’m not driving yet here in the US so can’t offer to pick the sitter up, but I will offer to get them an Uber to the apartment.

Thanks a million, all great feedback and advice!

2 Likes
6

Your timing might be challenging for many American sitters, because of the holidays. So maybe consider how to attract sitters from abroad as well. Like foreigners won’t typically celebrate U.S. Thanksgiving, at the end of November.

I’d suggest highlighting that Nashville is the country music capital and that there’s loads of high-caliber music at low cost, because of the concentration of professional musicians in the city. That’s especially convenient if you’re in walking distance to such venues.

Also, sights such as the Grand Ole Opry might interest visitors. And Graceland is roughly three hours away, so someone could make a day trip if sitting cats. Mammoth Cave National Park is about 1.5 hours away. It’s amazing: Mammoth Cave National Park (U.S. National Park Service).

And this is totally at your discretion of course, but if you’re hooked up, maybe you offer to get your sitter some special access to something entertainment wise. For context, it can be hard to get sitters at year-end, because many have other plans. So if you can make your sit special, maybe you’ll boost your odds of a great sitter. (You might use your headline to highlight the country music capital element, too.)

7

Fantastic advice, thank you! I have updated the listing with more local advice & details about Nashville!

1 Like
8

Ollie, I think the listing looks good overall and its a sit we would do. Funnily enough we are looking for a Nashville sit currently but those dates wont work for us. Good luck in your search.

9

Hope it helps, good luck! timing might be tough but it’s a prime sit, IMO. I’d love a month in Nashville personally. BBQ and music, what more do you need in life? :slight_smile:

10

Yum! Memphis barbecue and Nashville hot chicken. Biscuits at the Loveless.

I’ve got to see what I can get from DoorDash now, see how close I can get.

11

Great to see you have 5 applications already @Ollie and THS has automatically paused it for you to consider each one and set up any video calls with those applicants you think are suitable. Look for experience in their reviews and definitely cat lovers.