Hi all, It’s March 3 and we are going away for 2 weeks on April 12. We have no applicants! This will be our 3rd time using THS and the first two times we got an applicant within 24 hours and they both worked out great! We are starting to worry because it’s been a few weeks since we posted and we haven’t gotten a single applicant.
We only have one review which is a great review. The second house sitter never left a review and I don’t know why- I truly believe he did have a very positive experience but maybe tech is not his thing?
We are starting to get nervous. When should we use our 24 hour boost? And is there any changes you would make on our listing?
It’s really an awesome house, our dog is great, and the location is great if you want to experience a great Vermont town.
I’ve had a peek at your listing. You may not realise but your first/main image is your orange dining room, and whilst it’s a totally nice photo your other photos are far FAR FAR better.
You only get one chance to make a good impression, and a dining room doesn’t compare to the brilliant houses with land available in your area. Whereas your photo’s of the exterior of your home with beautiful flowers wow wow wow! One of those should be your first/main photo.
Personally I’d also re-word “2 half-hour walks a day”, just to make it clear when first glancing, when sitters glance quickly to see if your place may be suitable they may misread it to think you have a very energetic dog.
For example “two walks per day, one on a morning and one later in the day, 30 minutes each.”
Interesting you would make the pup photo the cover photo. I think I would skip past a listing with a cover photo that is the pets, as I’m really looking for a place to stay that is desirable to me first, then checking that the pets look manageable. Cuteness of pets is not a factor for me.
A cover photo that is eye catching and shows a beautiful area or nice home will encourage me to read on.
I guess we sitters are motivated by different things, and it’s about whether we can find a good match that is important.
Thank you so much for that tip! Miraculously, right after I posted this question, the second sitter we had who hadn’t written a review wrote to us saying he’d like to sit for us during the dates we’ll be away. Win! Still great advice about the photo though and I’ll make those changes for next time.
Oooh very good tip! Right after I posted this question, the second sitter we had who hadn’t written a review wrote to us saying he’d like to sit for us during the dates we’ll be away. Win! But I will keep this in mind for next time. Thank you!
Do make sure that sitter writes a review. Before confirming him, I’d be asking him why he had not done one for the first time as I’m assuming you wrote him one. Reviews are just as important for both parties.
He texted me because he had my number from last time… it was clear that he is not familiar with the THS app or website, probably doesn’t have notifications turned on. He is going to sit for us, but this time I’ll make sure to text him a link where he can write the review.