score:
2

Low Ranking

I know, when new sitters are available in the area, older sitters are pushed lowering in the rankings. I was 1-3, normally, in the rankings. But now, I'm anywhere for high 20's -30's. Is this normal?

I've got 100% responses to messages, under an hour, and 100% photos during stay (which, I know, don't currently apply to ranking) was steadily booking stays, have only 5 star reviews, multiple badges and have now almost NO REQUEST in about a week/week and a half. So, besides the new sitters, I can't see why the ranking changed so drastically. Am I just being dramatic because of the dry spell, is it a calm before the holiday/summer storm? I'm hoping it picks back up, since it's the only source of income at the moment, and I'm kinda missing having a pooch to hang out with!

Comments

Get some tools from the rover store, Business cards with your Coupon code that your create really helps. People love $20 off, and if you dont get the booking but they use your code you get $10. SO you either get a sit and the $20 does not come out of your pocket or you get the $10 cause they used your code. You can generate your URL and code on the Dashboard page.

2 Answers

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score:
0

I'm pretty sure that Rover pushes up new sitters' rankings so they can actually start getting some traffic. This happens occasionally to me. First I was annoyed, but then I realized my ranking came back to somewhat normal in a week or two.

You can always ask for reviews without being pushy - when they pick up their pet, I always ask for a review at that time if they thought everything was good. I'm pretty sure Rover also pushes them for a review via email. On pets that you know the owner thought you were the bomb, it doesn't hurt to send a follow up email like,

"Hi Jennie, I miss having Scruffy here, and his midnight howling (i.e., something cute he does - or wears)! Hope he settled right back into the groove...hey, would you mind reviewing Scruffy's stay with me? It's how I get new business and I'd really appreciate it! Thanks!"

I usually wait about 10 days to send it. And I only send one email. It's not pushy, you remember something cute about their buddy, and you're being honest on why you need the review. Good luck and I hope your ranking is temporary!

Comments

They do push them up, and there's so many people in this city! I just wasn't expecting such a drastic jump haha I hope it is as well. I will use your advise for my upcoming stays, and see how well it goes, thanks :)

I did get an email from Rover after my first hosting experience about reviews. My client wrote an great one and Rover asked me to reply to my clients compliments, which I'd already done, giving the clients a rave review for being such great parents to their dog. They made sure to bring a crate, a comfy dog bed for inside it, and a few favorite treats and toys. It made for an amazing first go at it for their little guy, not to mention my wonderful memories. The replies to a clients reviews are as important as the review itself. It is shown on the site and helps owners looking for a host to know what to consider providing for their pet. Susan D.

score:
1

Do you go on your profile every day? and Write a review for every sit? Maybe post new photos on your profile? I also comment on every review I get. I don't know if any of that matters but I have held on to #1 for a long time now. Let know, I am curious.

Comments

I looked at your profile and I would request more testimonials from your friends and family and I would put some pictures from some of your stays in you profile not just in the stays file. I don't think potential customer even look at those. I hope that helps!

I'm on rover everyday, I'm very active on my profile. I add new photos to it every few weeks with different stays that I've had, and also comment on all of my reviews along with a messages tha thanking them.

I may request reviews/testimonies from past stays. I've got so many that haven't reviewed, but have come for several stays. I never push the review because I fear being pushy, but I might have to. Thanks for the advise :)

"...I would put some pictures from some of your stays in you profile" Wouldn't you need permission from the pet's owner to do that?