CHECKLIST: Making the best spot listing
A great listing helps you:
- Attract more guests
- Earn more bookings
- Increase repeat visits
- Build trust with guests
- Improve your search ranking
- Qualify for the Top Spot badge
Many successful hosts improve their listing gradually over time. Even small improvements can significantly impact bookings and repeat guests.
1. Add great photos
Spots with 10+ photos earn significantly more than spots with fewer photos.
Your photos should help guests imagine:
- where their dog will run,
- how secure the space feels,
- and what the overall experience will be like.
Include:
- Wide shots of the entire space
- Fencing
- Seating
- Water features
- Amenities
- Seasonal photos
Top Spots regularly refresh their photos throughout the year.
Read more:
2. Highlight amenities
Amenities are one of the best ways to stand out.
Spots with amenities receive significantly more visitors and earnings.
Popular amenities include:
- Dog drinking water
- Seating
- Shade
- Swimming pools
- Trails
- Agility equipment
- Toys
- Off-street parking
Even simple amenities can dramatically improve the guest experience.
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3. Make guests feel confident booking
Guests are often visiting private property for the first time. Make sure to have a complete and friendly host profile and verify your profile to establish trust.
Clear information about your spot helps guests feel safe and comfortable. Be sure to include:
- Accurate size and fencing details
- Visibility/audibility of people, dogs, and domestic animals nearby
- Any hazards or safety considerations
- Exact address and access instructions
- Parking information
The more guests know what to expect, the more likely they are to book — and return.
4. Write a strong description
Your title and description should help guests understand:
- what makes your spot special,
- what kinds of dogs it’s best for,
- and what experience guests can expect.
Good descriptions are:
- welcoming,
- detailed,
- and honest.
5. Keep your calendar updated
Reliable availability is extremely important for repeat guests.
If guests love your spot but can’t rebook it, they may begin visiting other spots instead.
Top Spots typically:
- keep broad availability,
- maintain accurate calendars,
- and avoid frequent cancellations.
Read more:
- Managing your calendar
- Minimum and maximum booking length
- Advance notice for bookings
6. Encourage reviews
Reviews help build trust and improve your visibility.
Many successful hosts:
- thank guests after visits,
- ask for feedback,
- and encourage happy guests to leave reviews.
7. Continue improving over time
The best hosts are always learning and improving.
Many successful hosts:
- collaborate with other hosts in the Sniffspot Host Community on Facebook,
- browse other high-performing spots for inspiration,
- ask guests for suggestions,
- add new amenities over time,
- and update their listing regularly.
You do not need to perfect your spot overnight. Small improvements add up.
If you only do 3 things first
Start with:
- Add 10+ photos
- Add guest comfort amenities
- Open your availability
These three improvements alone can significantly improve bookings and repeat visits.
Check out our video on how to create the best spot listing:
See what other hosts are saying about this topic in our Sniffspot Host Community on Facebook!
Discussion Topic: Top Spot
Discussion Topic: Just Listed
Discussion Topic: New Host
Discussion Topic: Amenities
Discussion Topic: Distraction Details
Discussion Topic: Access Instructions
Discussion Topic: Calendar