I have just joined THS and am almost finished filling out the profile so that we can go live. I have searched under “listing titles” to see what kind of information would get a potential sitter’s attention, but cannot find a similar question asked (most are about how to change the listing title). What kind of information would be most helpful in a listing title? Thanks.
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Hi @TristanBorer and welcome to the forum and THS community.
As a sitter, I like a friendly inviting tone with key highlights of the sit. It shouldn’t be long because people can only see a limited number of characters before opening your listing. I think 40, including spaces.
You could get more specific suggestions if you share some details of your location, house and pets.
You’re first 6-7 words of so are the most important ones, as others sometimes cut off depending on how the sitter is browsing, so stack the beginning part with great words.
You don’t mention what your place is like, so:
Beautiful lake house, stunning views bla bla bla
Swimming pool, sun loungers, and a happy dog, bla bla bla
If you are in-the-middle-of-nowhere and no amenities:
Pretty home, scenic views, beautiful walks bla bla bla
If it’s a city centre apartment, I wouldn’t bother putting the word apartment/flat, it’s a waste of a good word, instead:
Heart of the city, 2 mins to shops & cafes, friendly cat, bla bla bla
Think of your main USP’s, what have you got, that others don’t. A shop within walking distance, a pool, is it spacious, etc.
Think less about your pets unless those words are at the end to help fill it out, because most profiles have a pets, it’s not a USP for your title, but if you do mention your pets, make sure you have a good descriptive word prior to it, and don’t use the word energetic, enthusiastic, or how it walks for miles, as you’ll rule out probably half of the sitters upfront, without them even clicking to know more. Write words that appeal to 100% of sitters.
You’re going to love this site
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Hi @TristanBorer and welcome.
The listing title and first image are so important.
Sitters only see approximately six words of the title so make them count.
Highlight the best features of your sit. This could be the location, the pets, accessibility, family friendly etc.
So many listings state the obvious such as - looking for a dog sitter, cat sitter required.
Some listings show the first image of a toilet, driveway, dark and messy rooms.
Don’t waste the opportunity to make the first impression count and you will have a better chance of sitters wanting to know more about your sit.
Good Luck
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@Twitcher is so right, your first image is soooooo important, and yet so many get it wrong and put a lacklustre pic, a view of the house from the garden is usually best, or a beautiful seating area in the garden, because some others don’t have gardens, and it shows that a dog/cat has somewhere to do their business.
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I’m afraid I don’t agree with this. In fact I was just going to edit my post to add a title that I have just seen as an example:
“sweet dogs need an active sitter” This is not my favourite type of title because it’s focused on the HO needs with little mention of what they can offer. The dog is sweet but that’s almost a given. I do find it useful, though, for the very same reason that you rule it out. IMHO, this is about finding good matches and, if having an active sitter is essential, it’s better to rule out couch potatoes. I don’t think anyone should aim to appeal at 100% of sitters because there’s probably a sitter for everyone but not every sitter is suitable for every sit just as not every sit suits every sitter.
A different point would be how much a HO or a sitter are willing to compromise if they haven’t other options.
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It’s ok, it’s good to agree to disagree, but it’s not about ruling out couch potatoes, it’s about keeping those sitters interested who love dog walks but can’t do hill romps and 2 hour walks to stay interested, which is what putting energetic in the title does, it’s waaay to open to interpretation.
We’re in our 50’s and 60’s and if we read energetic in the title we probably wouldn’t click through to read more, when we’ll happily walk a dog for an hour twice a day etc, we love it. It’s fine to put energetic etc in the main description where it can be put into into context for sitters to read what that actually entails.
We’ve also sat some dogs where the owners have said their pets are energetic and hyper, when all they need is a 20 min walk 
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This is a great question. On the one hand they are titles that sum up the sit, but they also have to be eye-catching and appealing – not just informational. So figure out the important points you want the sitter to get but also may get it fun.
Yes, great question.
The biggest attraction for me is a friendly inviting feel. Doesn’t have to be over the top. “two dogs in the beautiful Lake District “ would do. Or “Snuggly cat in lively town”
If you say “stunning” or “luxurious” it’s more likely to turn me off. The worst option is to make it sound like a job ad. “Experienced cultured neat freak caring animal lover needed “ - always makes me want to respond in a sarcastic way (of course I don’t, except in my head)
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Welcome to THS!
I think most sitters will see your listing after entering their filters: location, dates, type of pet. One of the best titles I’ve come across states “…Normal People.”
Also, if you would like feedback on your completed listing, you can link it to your forum profile and post a request for critiques.
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