Hello,
I realize this is a common question - how do I get applicants as a new owner with no reviews?
I have read many posts on this forum. I tried to follow all the advice. My sit has been posted for weeks with 0 interest/applicants, as well, I posted a prior sit with no applicants. I contacted a few local sitters and only one responded to say they would sit locally for a fee (i.e., if they weren’t traveling, they didn’t want to come to my house for free when they live here).
I appreciate any help and advice that anyone has time to share. Thank you!
Alison
(Added the listing to the member’s profile)
I don’t see your listing even though it says it was added.
The problem most likely isn’t the lack of reviews I’ve sat for numerous hosts with no reviews and I had a lot of competition.
Most common reasons are too restrictive rules regarding having to stay home with pets, no use of car in an area where car is needed, or simply the sit isn’t in such a desirable place where people want to go and have to take care of animals without getting much in exchange.
You need to copy and paste the link to enable a search in this instance.
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Listing looks lovely as does Sky. Unfortunately you’re up against a lot of competition and a shortage of international sitters right now. The only additional things I can think of changing would be Sky actually needs up to 1 hour walking (2 x 30 minutes) so if a sitter is looking for sits with less than 2 hours walking commitment then they’re not seeing your listing. Would alter that detail and then discuss the flex with applicants. Any chance you could offer a car with the sit, or to pick the sitter up from the train or bus and could they manage without a car as I’d address that too for clarity. Pause it, make those changes and relist and see. Maybe a different cover pic & a more attention grabbing title to freshen it up? #allworthatry
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I don’t see a link, only that the user’s public profile is hidden. I suspect that I have certain restrictions placed on my account in addition to post moderation.
Perhaps ‘link’ isn’t the correct word. I’m not very tech savvy.
Hopefully someone more knowledgeable will come up with the correct word.
If it is your current forum status then I guess there isn’t much you can do.
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You have to copy and paste all of the URL that is linked to @agernand’s forum profile into a new web browser and then you can find the sit. There’s no instant click through. It’s probably because they’re a new forum user. #techtip
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I knew you would come to the rescue 
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Careful @TheEnglishFlaneur you’ll be chucked off the forum…….
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My posts were deleted because I copied and pasted the URL and that’s not allowed. It’s all to do with Trust levels according to @Jen who sent me an explanation in a DM
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Thank you for your efforts. My posting restrictions were lifted so I can now see the link but apparently new users cannot.
Hi. I’m sorry you are having trouble finding sitters. I think there are a few things you could do to improve your listing.
Your photos are good in that your home seems uncluttered and clean. But because of the wide angle the rooms don’t look very cozy. Perhaps retake your photos being less concerned about getting every piece of furniture in the shot and show what it would feel like to spend time in those rooms instead.
For me, I like a light filled home. Curtains are drawn in all your photos. If you home is bright during the day time, show that.
The sitters bed looks like some kind of convertible bed. This might put a lot of sitters off. Also basement apartments always seem a little sterile to me. You say in your listing that other bedrooms are available. Maybe you can show pictures of them so sitters know their options.
Sky looks like a great dog. Tell us about him/her. One motivation for sitters is to have a great time with pets. Does Sky like to hike or go to outdoor restaurants? Does Sky like to cuddle or chase a ball?
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The dog can be left for up to 6 hours, so not sure which listing you’re referring to
When I posted that, I was unable to view the profile as my account was restricted but that is no more. I was speaking generally to the reasons it may be difficult for hosts to attract sitters.
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My first thoughts (sitters skim read initially)
*bed settee is a huge NO
- why would I stay in a Basement?!
- no information about your dog’s character/training/likes/dislikes so I’m not very engaged…
- give me a reason to come to your town… what’s to see, experience etc
- Transport links/shops/events on during those dates
- it’s rather a basic bland listing nothing stands out to make me take the trouble to find out more
- it’s expensive and troublesome to visit the USA atm
HOs need to rather hand it to sitters on a plate if the sit isn’t in a particularly desirable location, make it stand out. Big up your dog.
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The dog looks lovely, I have not yet sat for a HUSKY, but it is on my to do list.
I wouldn’t go to USA right now, but if I lived there….. one thing that would put me off is the bed, it looks a little makeshift/flimsy
Also, as you are new with no reviews, can’t be helped of course, it is what it is, but that may also be a factor
I believe that currently it is a sitters market, as they say, and so we can be picky.
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IMO your hurdle is location. You’re in State College, Pennsylvania, USA and I think there just are not that many travelers looking to be in your area, it is not really a tourist destination, it is a college town. Are there any special events or particularly beautiful nature or other attractions in your location that you can highlight? Best of luck!
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I think Makelikeanapeman gave you some great advice, but I would also suggest including a picture of the charming downtown along with a mention of any favorite spots, any interesting activities on campus, and information about hiking at mt. Nittany, or any day trips you enjoy . Lots of folks love the culture and vibe around college towns, but may not be familiar with State College
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