When I search for Sitters, only six show up. If I go to the help bot, he can get me to a full listing. How do I get there without his help?
Why are you searching for sitters? In most cases this doesn’t work very well…
The usual way to get a sitter is how a Flower attracts a Bee- you create an appealing listing and make it attractive to potential sitters. Sitters then apply if they have availability and like your location.
Posting your dates is usually best, because sitters will happily travel. What country are you in and are you searching via a specific town/city name or a county or what?
This wins the most winsome Forum post of the day, imo. ![]()
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Hi Oppty, if you are a paid member of Trusted Housesitters, you click on the find a sitter, on the top left of your homepage, then enter in the location. As the others have said, directly inviting a sitter rarely works.
Having a smile at your sweet analogy, a very sound piece of advice all around. ![]()
Lovely analogy !
What makes the listings appealing? I just joined and am not sure how much mine fits the bill.
Welcome @Sultanka - a listing that is full of good images, lots of info on the pets & home, a welcoming tone and clear responsibilities all make for an appealing sit! You can add yours to your forum profile if you’d like feedback from experienced sitters on here. #letshavealook
For a listing to be attractive it must show that you are offering a comfortable, clean and welcoming space for the sitter to enjoy their stay .
A sitter’s choice is most often based on location and the local attractions that the sitter will have time to visit in the area . Listing these will be a helpful for sitters who maybe unfamiliar with what your location has to offer .
Not every sit will suit every sitter . Some are looking for a city break , some for a rural escape, some want the coast and others prefer countryside. Some like a modern home with all the mod cons others like homes that are quirky or have history and character . Some are looking specifically for your town to be near their family or a work meeting.
So your listing doesn’t have to appeal to every sitter on the platform , you just need one to be a good match .
Try to imagine the type of people who you would feel more comfortable hosting and who might find your pets/home appealing. That’s the demographic that you aim your listing at. At the end of the day it’s basic Marketing 101….best wishes.
Hi @Sultanka - mostly a nice listing, but can do with some fine tuning:
1- The Home and Location section - it feels like a copy/paste from a website, especially the last bit about schools and hospitals - sitters are not interested in that. What I would like to know is: can I walk to shops, or public transit stations? You say it’s easy to get to - is that with a car, or on foot? Remember, not all sitters will have a car.
2-How long can Ziggy be left if a sitter wants to do some sightseeing/shopping?
Of course, with pleasure! Sit sounds welcoming and Ziggy chilled plus area easy (not that I know it at all) so that’s a great start. Here are a few more ideas
- change the cover photo to one of Ziggy up close as he’s a cutie and that grabs attention. Add where he sleeps & how long he can be left for as these are key for all sitters. Add a pic of the shower or bath (not just the loo). Maybe a pic of backyard/garden as you mention it? Add that you could pick a sitter up from a local bus or train station when they arrive. Add bed size to amenity list as key for sitter couples. So pause, tweak and relist and you’ll go the top of the sit list again. #wishingyouluck
You mention Rock Creek Park being close to for hiking and nature walks , it sounds great - can Ziggy come on a hike or nature walk ?
( you also say he doesn’t need to be walked and is leash reactive around other dogs )
How long can he be left at home alone for ( you say he is anxious ) will this be enough time for sitters to hike ?
If you can clarify that would help sitters know if this is a good fit .
Thanks for the great tips!! I am fixing it up.
Done! Thank you for all the suggestions.
Thank you! I will add this.