Hi all, I am very new to THS but have heard great things about them in the past so signed up earlier this year. I have a sit coming up in September but no sitter as yet, and starting to stress! I did have two sisters apply but they cancelled as the dates no longer worked for their travel plans, and I’ve had 4 sitters “favourite” the listing, but no actual applications despite reaching out. Please could I ask for tips on my listing and how I might get some interest? I’ve put the link in my profile. Thank you so much!
In looking for ways to help you, I’ve clicked on the link by your name and it doesn’t work. Can you re-link your posting ?
Hi, @MariaKx ; welcome to the forum.
I think something may be wrong with the link you pasted; it’s sending me in circles when I try to paste it into the browser. Looks like it’s directing to the edit profile screen:
trustedhousesitters.com/ user/ listing/ 2905478/ edit/ listing-preview/
Here are some instructions for properly linking your profile to your header, if you want to give that a try:
https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/how-to-add-a-listing-or-profile-link-to-your-forum-profile/
Jinx …with more characters to post !
Oh silly me! So sorry… have updated the link, hopefully works now?
Yes, your link works. Although I haven’t read the whole of your listing one thing leaps out for me - the bed that the sitter(s) sleep in. It looks very uncomfortable given that it has storage drawers underneath and pulls out. Isn’t there another bed that they can sleep in? Also, can you post a picture of the lounge? I’m confused by the pics of the dogs as there doesn’t seem to be a Springer Spaniel in the main pics, other than one chasing a black Labrador.
It’s actually really comfortable! Several family members and friends have slept in it. We don’t have a Springer Spaniel, we have a Springador - she is the black dog! 
Since you don’t have reviews yet, you’ll need to make your listing extra attractive to potential sitters. A few positive reviews makes it a whole lot easier.
But for now, many of us travel in couples. The bed rules out all these sitters. (Many hosts offer the master bedroom to help attract duo sitters).
The home also looks a little cluttered. For example, it doesn’t look like there is much kitchen counter space to use or bathroom counter space to use. It also makes the mind think that there may not be space in the pantry or fridge for the sitters food for the week. It’s all about making it look like a place that would be comfortable for someone to live.
It would be good to take some better photos of you can & also have an eye catching cover photo (current one is a house at a distance across a road). Lounge needs adding and can you only take a single sitter in the one bed as that’s limiting your pool of people? Your departure time says 10-1130pm so you need to either flex on that or offer the sitter an extra night hosted as it would be off putting otherwise which may also be a blocker. Better to write TBC on both timings. Try those bits and they should help. #tweaks
Thanks all, appreciate the tips. Will take some better photos and make the bed up into a double - I think I was in such a rush to get the listing up I didn’t really think!
On your listing, Lola is listed as a Springer Spaniel
Unfortunately Springador isn’t an option - is it better to choose Labrador Retriever do you think?
I think she resembles a Lab more than a spaniel, so yes I would go for a Lab then explain in your text and when you do a video call
Your first photo is the most important as it’s what will entice sitters to either check out your listing or pass it by. Your current photo shows three properties so it’s not clear which is the sit home and it’s not sufficiently attention grabbing. What do you think is the main attraction of your sit? You could start with a great pic of your two dogs - many sitters are initially drawn to the pets - or maybe you’ve already identified it: “Stamford’s stunning historic high street”? When does it look it’s best, daytime or evening? Is it worth snapping a pic?
It’s worth including a photo of the garden/outdoor space, especially since there are two dogs. Also, I’d move all your lotions and potions out of the bathroom, possibly put a plant on the windowsill and neatly arrange a towel on the rail. Basically, the aim is encourage sitters to envisage themselves spending time in your home environment.
We sit as a couple, so there’s no way we’d apply to any sit which depicts just a single day bed. It’s worth making it up into a double (or is it kingsize?) and ensuring it looks really snug and inviting, then using that pic instead (but please do still be clear that it’s a day bed).
Your photos show the two dogs on the sofas, and that’s great as it shows what’s usual for them. Be aware this will put some sitters off, but that’s fine since you want to find a compatible match.
Your listing states there are countryside walks right on the doorstep, it’s worth being a bit more specific; are there areas nearby where the dogs can be safely let off lead? What’s their recall like? Do they walk well on the lead, or pull? Can one sitter easily manage them both? Are they nice with other dogs? A little more detail would be useful.
Wishing you the best of luck (especially with your impending confinement)!