I completed my post as a Pet Parent but am not getting any applications. When I invited several folks, however , they did responded two appeared to have seen it but all of them said not available for my dates. I did have 3 save my post. Can I ask you to see if you determine if sitters are able to see the posting? And if interested, can someone look to see if I did a good job with the posting? Thanks so much! Do you need info from me to access my post?
@Cpcallison we can’t see your listing - you can ask forum admin to add it to your profile .
@Sam_F @Maeve can you help ?
Welcome to forum @Cpcallison !
Your user on Community Forum isn’t directly connected to your listing, you can get help to add the link to your forum profile as Silversitters suggests, or like this
How to add a listing or profile link to your FORUM profile
The usual way would be to post your dates and get applications, to invite sitters to apply is a bit of a hit and miss. Sitters who favorite your listing would often do it because they can’t do your listed dates but would like a notification if and when the host publish other dates.
It is a good idea to get input on your listing from fellow members, often small tweaks can make it more appealing.
Why aren’t THS moderators monitoring more of these kind of postings? This person clearly needs very basic info/guidance which paid moderators should provide. Leaving it to forum members to respond is just lazy cost saving.
@Cpcallison I have taken the liberty of adding your listing to your forum profile, so you can get some great feedback.
Hi @BJane
The Forum team aren’t part of Membership Services so we don’t have the knowledge that they do. Our function is to look after the day to day running of the Forum, rather than providing MS support to members.
Our Forum is designed for peer-to-peer support, meaning members support and share experiences with each other, and in the case of this discussion, members have done the right thing by asking to see the member’s listing and give some pointers on what might help the OP get some more applications.
Thanks @Therese for updating OP’s listing in their profile, and to @Garfield and @Silversitters for their input in the meantime.
Jenny
Hi there,
I took a look at your listing for you. Overall, you have a friendly and welcoming listing, with lovely photos. Nice cover photo & title!
However, some areas are lacking in info, especially the responsibilities section (sitters need to know much more than 2 short sentences! Currently, your listing details almost nothing about your needs & expectations, which may be why you haven’t gained any applicants).
Here’s some ideas to consider:
1: Introduction
In your intro, start off with some strong reasons why sitters should pick your sit. Tell sitters straight away what’s in it for them. Also tell sitters how many sitters you can host, and what you expect for arrival time and handover (when should a sitter arrive?) It would also help to introduce yourselves a little more - you haven’t even stated your names in your intro. I would include the fact that you live in a gated community in your intro, so sitters know whether it’s a good fit for them. E.g: “Hello, we are X & X, welcome to our home in a gated community on a golf course etc.”
2: Home and location section:
You’ve given some great descriptions about your home, but could extend the info given about the local area. Give some more details about your area and why somebody should visit Lakewood Ranch. Will sitters need their own car, or is yours available? Can you offer to collect sitters from the nearest airport or station if needed? Is food delivery available in your area?
3: Responsibilities:
Please tells sitters:
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Details about Honor; her personality, sociablility, favourite games etc.
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Her feeding and walking times - when is she fed and walked? How long are walks? How does she behave on walks? Is she on or off lead? Does she like other dogs? Can she be walked straight from the house, or does she need to be driven somewhere?
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x3 walks a day will limit your pool of applicants, especially if you expect a midday walk, as it restricts how much free time and flexibility a sitter has (if they want to take day trips, for example). Is it possible that sitters could make 1 walk longer and provide just a morning & evening walk on days they’d like to go out? Or could Honor be taken on car trips?
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Is she on any medications?
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Are there behaviours sitters should be aware of?
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Where does she sleep? (and be ware that on the bed with a sitter will limit your pool of applicants)
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When does she usually wake up?
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How long can she be left alone (anything less than 4 - 5 hours will really limit your pool of applicants)
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How often does she need toilet breaks, and do you have a dog flap?
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Are there areas of the house that Honor isn’t allowed?
Sending invites rarely works out and can be a frustrating time waster. Those that are both available and keen to sit for you and visit your area will find you through their own search.
This is why having a detailed & highly attractive listing that gains applicants is the way to go! Here are some in depth listing guides that may further help you:
By me:
https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/uploads/short-url/pLTxH15JL8f02lWEkv8FsjpLKxD.pdf
By @Fatamorgana:
https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/uploads/short-url/2j2Xbyp2Go6y4DDKISeAKg8njw7.pdf
Best of luck!
Thank you. I have tweaked my listing using helpful suggestions. I am starting to see some more “saves”.
Thank you. It’s a learning curve and your suggestions are much appreciated!
Hi @Cpcallison
Welcome to THS! Your listing looks great, I see you have an application already - good luck!
@Cpcallison
Hi and welcome to THS!
Your listing looks great and looks like you took the advice to add more details to the responsibilities. Your house looks lovely, Honor sound great and you cover all the bases in your listing.
The only thing that might make anyone hesitate would be the size of your dog as some people aren’t comfortable with a larger dog but there are many of us that would have no problem.
Although we normally look for longer sits, if we were going to be in the area, we’d certainly look at applying!
Dan and Nan
I appreciate you feedback! Since tweaking with great suggestions, I have gotten a sit request and 4 saves.
That’s fantastic, hope it works out for you!
Just wanted to say that your listing looks great with the info. I would be looking for now. A sit I would choose to apply for. Best of luck!