-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
Try adding the word family to your headline or description. EX: Family Friendly
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
Thank you Margaret. Yes, I already have the words family friendly, wonderful for children, etc throughout my property description and have also checked every amenity relating to families with children..... any other suggestions, would be helpful- thank you!
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
I would try putting Recommended for Families in your headline, use the exact words shown on the site for this filter. There is another filter "Free WiFi" that will only show the property if the words Free WiFi are in the headline or description. As odd as it sounds, we have been told that filter is working as intended.
-
-
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
property>edit listing>amenities>scroll down to the bottom under themes, mark "family."
Also under house rules, do you have "suitable for children" marked?
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
Thank you for your note. , Yes, I have always had "family" marked under themes and "suitable for children" marked in house rules as well. I also have family friendly throughout my description. (The "free wifi" filter works fine for me) Is putting "Recommended for Families" in my main headline my only option?
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
I don't have that in my title or description at all. The only wording in mine is "great for extended families" and that is in the "summary line" of the property description. I don't believe that is the key. You said you also checked off the family theme. That leaves one other place....
Did you go into the "house rules" section? It is to the left under "Property" > "Rules & Policies". Then go to House Rules and make sure you click YES to "Suitable for children".
Mine always comes up with any of the family/kid related search filters.
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
You appear to have everything done correctly. I remember a similar issue with the Free WiFi filter so I thought that may be worth a try. See this thread-The specified item was not found. Call CS to see if they can help.
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
Gosh, then I'm stumped. Perhaps we need to call the VRBO Gods out.... homeaway_community_manager...Erinn?
-
-
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
UPDATE: The response below is inaccurate based on newly received information. Please see the response that's marked as correct for the most accurate, up to date information. Thanks.
Erinn
Hi windsor11,
Looks like you've done everything correctly. That means that this is likely a bug. I haven't heard any reports of site wide filter issues, so this may be listing specific. Please contact Customer Support to escalate the issue to Tech Support. Thanks!
Erinn
HomeAway Community Manager
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
Thank you everyone for your feed back- As I mentioned earlier, we have been excellent customers of both HomeAway and VRBO for over 10 years with all 5 star ratings and excellent reviews from many families with children. We depend heavily on vacationing families for our income, and currently have many open summer weeks on our calendar. Our calendars for our 2 seasonal cottages have always filled by early March, so this is distressing
As for an update, I've made several phonecalls to CS over the past month asking for any help or any information on why we are not visible under the prominent "Recommended for Families" filter (ALL of the other homes in our location currently are) I've also asked CS to escalate the issue to Tech support to check for a listing We do offer HA payments and have Family Friendly written throughout our entire description and throughout all of our family-oriented amenities.
This morning I received an email from a Customer Support person in the production department:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Thank you for contacting HomeAway Customer Support. This is ------- with the production department. I was successfully able to find your listing when searching kid friendly in the ---------- location.
As for our new family recommended filter, this is strictly based on direct traveler feedback. There is currently no way for an owner to update their listing so that it pulls into the filtered view. This filter looks at traveler reviews and popular family-oriented amenities and policies offered at the property.
If you have any other questions please let us know. Thanks.Visit www.help.homeaway.com for answers to frequently asked questions. "
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I don't know what else I can do, and would greatly appreciate any help or suggestions that you may have? Thank you!
-
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
Hi homeaway_community_manager. As I wrote in another post today, this is a known filter issue, it's just that most owners haven't yet tested this new filter for their location: "I have studied listings that appear/do not appear with this filter, and there is no common thread based on amenities, settings, etc. Bottom line is that 40% of listings in my area that are all family-friendly do not appear with this filter."
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
Did a test in my area. Sure enough as you said my properties (which are great for families) do not show up when using filter "recommended for families"
ughhhh... here we go again.
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
I'd share my thoughts but don't want to be accused of spreading rumors and/or conspiracy theories. The fact that 40% of listings in my location that ARE family friendly and are NOT included in HA's "recommended for families" speaks for itself. The question for today is "When DO our listings appear in search results?"
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
If I had to guess I'd say that this is less about our listings showing up in this search criteria and more about, if a traveler is given an option to search by "family friendly" will they do so? And if they do search that way, are they more inclined to book a listing that is "family friendly," or not?
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
That SHOULD be the intention of any well-designed a/b test or filter, but when it intentionally excludes "family friendly" listings (40%) from search results, any test results are not statistically valid. Other things at work here.
-
-
-
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
Re-tested my area... db.meyer is spot on. About 40% of properties "disappear" when selecting "recommended for families" filter.
P.S. Strange, I did notice that one property which has 3 "units" shows one when filtered but not the other two. I know this property and there is no way the other 2 would not be "recommended for families"
-
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
I'm just happy I am in the group whose listings show up as family friendly and with free wifi!
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
posted this on a related thread:
Just tested a couple searches for our area, using both Chrome and Edge (same results, no difference resulting from browser used):
- manager/owner-operated filter was not presented
- kid friendly eliminated 20% of the properties which surprised me since family orientation is common for the area.
- family-friendly eliminated 40% of the properties. So according to the filter 20% of the properties want kids but don't want families. Hmmmm.
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
That doesn't even begin to touch on the fact that HomeAway.com and VRBO.com have different filters altogether. Oh and the fact that there are secret text keywords that are picked up by some filters but that only some owners know about / accidentally hit on.
Who designs a filter system partly based on select, undisclosed text in a description field and partly based on an amenities checklist and partly based on a check box under house rules????
-
-
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
As this is an ongoing issue without any clear explanation (is it a bug? is it an A/B test?), I decided to give CS a call.
Me: I am currently having problems with my visibility when a certain filter is used. When I use filters to narrow down the selection in my area to 26 listings of which I show, the filter "recommended for families" when then selected eliminates my property along with 12 others. Why?
CS: Let's look at your listing... give me a moment.
CS: It is because you don't use HA payments. That is why you are not visible.
Me: You don't seem to understand. I am currently visible. I don't know why I "disappear" with this one filter.
CS: You also do not use online payments. That is also the reason.
Me: You are not listening to me. The issue I am speaking about is a certain filter which causes me to disappear. Can I speak to someone else who can understand what I am trying to discuss with you.
CS: No there is no one else I can connect you with.
## End of conversation ##
What us going on?
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
I don't have HA Payments. My listing shows up with "good for families" or "kid friendly". Has nothing to do with HA payments. That rep was clueless.
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
The issue isn't really that the rep is clueless but a problem that they often don't listen and read from a manual... in particular when the flag goes up on a non-HA payments/online bookable property.
My high-price subscription appears to be paying for less and less. Getting tired of be treated like a "bad player" of which I am not.
-
-
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
Hi windsor11 and all,
Thank you all for your patience while I investigated this question/concern.
This filter is currently using feedback received from travelers as part of the review process. However, there is no set list of criteria as we will continuously test and update to ensure that we continue to display the most relevant properties and help travelers find the perfect match for their family vacation.
We recommend making sure your House Rules are properly set to Children Welcome, and to continue to deliver a great family experience to your guests. To learn more about families and their expectations, you can browse our articles on Discovery Hub, as we will continue to provide insights and tips for our top traveler types.
Here's what the recommendations section looks like for all travelers leaving a review:
Travelers can select any of these while leaving a review. I just wanted to give you a visual of where this information is coming from.
Thank you.
Erinn
HomeAway Community Manager
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
Hi Erinn,
I looked at your top traveler types. I now think I understand why I no longer get the wonderful older couples that used to rent my VRs. We are not one of your catered to demographics..... the Pet Lovers might apply...but not really. The Families one might apply, but not really. As I have been renting to this particular group for more than 15 years, your statisticians might want to re-review the over 55 retired or semi-retired, lots of money to spend, time to travel whenever and wherever couple(s) who rent anywhere from 4 days to a month. I can't believe that this was not a traveler demographic that ranked in your top 5. What changes occurred where they are no longer a significant guest demographic on HA?
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
Hi ashevillelookout,
They are still considered, as evidenced in the screenshot I provided above "55+". They are just not one of the most frequent types as listed in the article I shared. We use data collected from travelers to make decisions for the site and for formulating topics for content. Thanks!Erinn
-
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
Erinn homeaway_community_manager
With all do respect and apologies if I don't understand English well but I am utterly confused. Last week you said if we had "done everything" (as I have always done and rechecked to see so), "it was likely a bug"
I don't understand when you say, "This filter is currently using feedback received from travelers as part of the review process"
Why would I appear when filtered for "children welcome" and disappear when filtered for "recommended for families"
Why are there 2 filters which pretty much mean the same thing but then function as a contradiction?
I am further disturbed by what windsor11 posted as the response from Customer Service:
"There is currently no way for an owner to update their listing so that it pulls into the filtered view. This filter looks at traveler reviews and popular family-oriented amenities and policies offered at the property."
If this is true then is what you suggest in your post marked as "correct answer" something that will or won't help?
I have done everything and my property (with countless reviews talking about the great family experience) somehow doesn't "fit" the criteria of "recommened for family"
Why are the developers testing things that even HA cannot figure out?
And lastly, if this issue is not a bug, can I suggest the developers (along with other issues known) send out a in-house memorandum (which especially includes customer service reps.) so as owners like myself will not receive "false" information on why I am facing this problem.
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
Hi rinaldomoon,
My initial response is now incorrect based on more information I have obtained. Hence the reason I made the new post. We have discussed the importance of sharing changes like this with employees with the team who made the change. Thanks for your feedback.
Erinn
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
I have updated my previous response. Thanks for pointing it out.
Erinn
-
-
-
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
Good morning homeaway_community_manager. I am surprised to see your answer for the criteria being used to filter "recommended for families" properties is related to traveler reviews. When I look at reviews on both HA and VRBO, they no longer include the check boxes you copied above. When I went to the link to leave a review for my listing, these check boxes were not there for any "recommended for". Not sure how long these have been missing from the review process, but this would indicate that this new filter "Recommended for Families" would not be a valid filter as the "data" being used is old/out dated. I also looked at the listings that are shown with this filter, and again it is only 60% of the listings in my area. Many of them have only 1 or 2 reviews, several have an average 3* review with negative feedback on cleanliness, etc. My listing with all 5* reviews and recommended for children and teenagers is not included. Can you tell us who determines and how new filters are created and the "testing" process they undergo in order to determine that they are "valid" filters?
Here is the print screen for creating/leaving a property review. Note there are no boxes to check for "recommended" for families with children, families with teenagers, etc.
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
Hi db.meyer,
I have our team looking into why you're not seeing the check boxes. I'm assuming you're using this: https://www.vrbo.com/reviews/write/???? Sub listing # for the ???? in order to produce that screen shot? Please confirm. Thank you.
Erinn
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
Yes, that is the link. Since I am still non-OLB that is the only way I can get reviews. Are you saying that the check boxes are still included under the 14-day review system? Also, when I look at reviews on both non and OLB listings, the boxes are not appearing.
-
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
Hi db.meyer and all,
For stays booked outside of the HomeAway platform, travelers cannot provide recommendations as part of the property review process. To obtain the benefit of this feature and many other new tools, we highly recommend you adopt online booking.
While ‘do you recommend this property for’ is currently what inform our family filter, we will continue to to test criteria and future iterations will look into more signals from travelers such as amenities or policies they are looking for. As always, high quality and exhaustive amenities, photos, and overall content are important to your success, and to increase your chances to be included in this filter, we recommend that you:
- Ensure you checked Children Welcome in your house rules
- Continue to deliver a great family experience to your guests
Thank you.
Erinn
HomeAway Community Manager
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
The fundamental question which has not been answered is why?
Why takeaway perfectly legitimate "family oriented/friendly/recommended" properties from a search?
I "welcome children" but am not "recommended for families"
What's the "game" here?
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
Hi rinaldomoon,
The why was in my response:
"This filter is currently using feedback received from travelers as part of the review process." That is why this filter works the way it does and why an owner cannot put themselves onto this filter. The traveler's reviews determine who falls under this filter. Thank you.
Erinn
HomeAway Community Manager
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
homeaway_community_manager, can you elaborate on how this works? I admit I don't actually understand what "This filter is currently using feedback received from travelers as part of the review process," means.
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
Hi ohst8er,
When we solicit a review from a traveler they have a link they click which will take them to a review form they can fill out. At the bottom of that review form is this:
So, if a traveler checks "families with young children" or "families with teenagers" and that review is then published on the site, then the filter will pick up that listing as "recommended for families" as it was recommended via a review from a traveler. Hence we are pulling that info from what travelers are indicating in their reviews. Make more sense now?
Erinn
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
Erinn, I think the message HA is getting from these posts is the methodology is producing quite flawed results. It might be easy to dismiss complaints from individual owners whose listings are "filtered out". However there are several other inputs about impact at the local market level where, for example, 40% of listings are being excluded by the "family" filter. Owners with local insight - and most likely vastly superior knowledge of the area - are reporting such an outcome does not make sense. Also, more units are being excluded as "not family friendly" than are being excluded as "not kid friendly", which fundamentally does not make sense. In my area, according to the filters 20% of units want kids but don't want families.
Perhaps you can help the appropriate marketing and tech folks realize the approach, while potentially valid, is producing incorrect results?
-
-
-
-
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
Erinn, but if the property is not found as :"family friendly", then there are no bookings, if no bookings - no reviews. any way out of the vicious c i r cle?
-
Re: How to have your property show up when the filter "Recommended for Families" is selected? I've tried everything suggested by CS.
u0999, if you want to make sure that Erinn sees and responds to your post, you need to tag her, otherwise there are just too many threads for her to be able to follow in a timely manner. To tag her you click the @ symbol then type homeaway community manager.
-
