Need Help With Your Owner Listing?

Creating a thorough owner listing with plenty of pictures and information is key to securing the perfect sitter for your home and pet.

Of course, it can be hard to know how to get started. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide for your reference, so that when you’re creating your owner listing, you know exactly what it takes to get your listing to stand out to potential sitters…

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Great to see you posting this on the forum @Angela-HeadOfCommunity and not just relying on owners, especially new ones, to read the blog on the website.

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Thank you for this! In section number 6, I think it is best NOT to put the number of days of the sit in the TITLE of the listing. This would need to be changed each time. You might want to edit that. In the section about “Home and Location,” it would be nice to suggest that people who live in cities state the AREA within the city where they live. For example, in San Francisco, it might say, we live in “Noe Valley” or “Outer Sunset.” Even in the medium sized city where I grew up, there are many different areas, each with a unique personality. This might be important to sitters, and owners don’t always think to include this information.

@PVGemini The way I read #6, it’s in agreement with you.

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Yes, that is what it says in #6, but after that, also in #6, this example is given as a suggestion:

Trusted tip: Stuck for inspiration? Keep it short and to the point by simply stating how many and what pets they’ll be caring for, and where. For example, ‘Pet sitter needed for 10 nights for three cats in New York City’.

I am choosing to respond to this post, how to create the perfect owner listing, so that it will once more be visible. The sage advice in that blog post, if overlooked, can often result in sits not being filled.

Sitters repeatedly support the content of that blog post. Many sitters say that when a listing is inadequate in its content, they will not apply and ask for further information. :thinking:

Some listings have titles that show dates (unnecessary anyway) that are from months, and sometimes years ago. Or the title refers to Christmas and the sit is in September. Some sitters will not even click on the listing to read those. Yet another missed opportunity for an owner. A simple edit to create an inviting listing title can make a world of difference. :grinning:

Owners, please take the time to review your listing, including (and especially) if it is not your first time listing. It’s no longer acceptable to list without core photos - exterior, pet(s), and interior ones that include living room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom that the sitter will be using. As for listing details, generally speaking, more is better. :slightly_smiling_face:

Many sitters are reading listings every day. Please don’t give them any reason to pass yours by. :worried:

Francine
Volunteer moderator :canada:

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Hey there fellow Sitter’s.
How many photos should I put up of my house ? Inside and outside ? How many photos of my cat ? Thankyou in advance . This is my first time advertising for a sitter .

Inside photos should be bright (use a phone setting to increase brightness of photos if necessary) uncluttered, and show the sitters’ bedroom, bathroom, living areas and kitchen.

Outside photos are important if it has attractive features (pool, patio, etc) and/or if there is any gardening or other outside work (pool maintenance, snow shoveling, gardening, etc).

One or two photos of the cat are enough.

Some sitters think that photos of local scenery or tourist attractions are redundant, but I like to see them.

Good luck

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Hello

We are fairly new to TH and were meant to move into our new flat last week when we had a sudden and unexpected bereavement. We were meaning to get into the flat, shoot photos and then be able to list our flat, but now of course we can’t do that until we move in 2 weeks from now.

I’m wondering what kinds of photos really make people interested in a sit? Honestly our place is a kind of generic new build flat, and while it will have aesthetic appeal to some once our furniture is in there, I would have thought our location in a cool neighbourhood in Edinburgh plus our adorable 2.5 year old cockapoo would be much more exciting a draw than our sort of boring, cookie cutter kitchen.

That said, there’s a nice balcony! :smiley:

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Hello, @Shellie I would like to wish you a very warm welcome to TrustedHousesitters and the community forum. I am really sorry to hear about your recent loss and hope that the final flat move goes smoothly for you.

As a member of the forum, you can connect with other members, receive feedback and advice about your listing and use the spyglass to search for any previously discussed housesitting questions.

You can also post the link to your TrustedHousesitters listing on your forum profile, that way other members can see it and provide feedback and tips.

Here is how:

https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/how-to-add-a-listing-or-profile-link-to-your-forum-profile

There is also a help desk article about the photos on a home listing:

I am sure that you will also get some great feedback from other community members. Personally, as a sitter, it is nice to see a clear photo of each room that I will be using and preferably furnished and lived in how I will experience the home. Empty rooms or commercial photos do not always give the sitter the overall feel of the home and how they will be using the space.

I have been to Edinburgh and agree that the location along with a fabulous cockapoo is also a massive draw!

I hope that helps :slight_smile:

@Carla-Moderator was very sucscint.

Sitters want to see the space they are going to live in while they are staying in your home.

And also a good understanding of the needs of your pets and your home in your listing. The more upfront you are the better chance the correct sitters for your needs will apply.

There are plenty of great seasoned sitters and eager new sitters.

Communication ( and cleanliness) is key!

Scotland is on our travel list in the next couple years🙂

Keep us posted!

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