As we step into 2025, are you ready to revolutionize your short-term rental business? In this episode, we're exploring how to simplify, streamline, and set yourself up for success using AI in the new year.

Discover how to create a strategic marketing plan that goes beyond mere consistency, focusing on purpose-driven content that resonates with your ideal guests. Learn how AI can be your secret weapon in content creation, automation, and optimization, freeing you up to focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Here’s what you will be getting:

• Reflect on key lessons from 2024 and how they shape our approach to resilience in 2025
• Understand how AI can enhance your marketing efforts without replacing your unique touch
• Get insights on crafting a three-month content calendar tailored to your ideal guests
• Learn about the upcoming DBS AI Content Sprint, a 90-minute workshop to jumpstart your 2025 marketing strategy
• Discover how to integrate AI with tools like Book Direct Pro for seamless campaign management

Plus, get a special discount code for the DBS AI Content Sprint, where you'll create three months of targeted social media content with proven strategy in driving direct bookings in just 90 minutes! You’ll leave with a full written guide, a lifetime access to the training and a strategy that you can rinse-and-repeat anytime.

Don't miss this opportunity to start 2025 with a clear plan and less stress. Your journey to simplified, effective marketing begins here!

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Show notes are available at: https://directbookingsuccess.com/podcast/

Simplify your STR Marketing in 2025! Join the DBS AI Content Sprint Workshop!

In this live, hands-on workshop, I will guide you through creating 3 months of content targeted to your ideal guest.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

✨ How to use AI to craft engaging, personalized content.

✨ A proven strategy to save time while driving direct bookings.

✨ Step-by-step guidance to simplify your marketing efforts for 2025.

📅 Date: January 9, 2025

You will leave with a full written guide, lifetime access to the training video, and a strategy you can replicate anytime.

Save your seat and start 2025 with a clear, actionable plan to grow your bookings and profits with 3 months of booking-driving content.

👉 https://mydbs.live/sprint

Use discount code: DBSPODCAST40 to join the workshop for only $29

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Work with Jenn to maintain consistency in your marketing and boost your direct bookings without spending so much money on it: https://directbookingsuccess.com/apply/

The ULTIMATE all-in-one marketing platform for short term rental is finally here! Check it out: https://bookdirectpro.com/

FREE GUIDE: 10 Ways to Drive Guests to your Website instead of Airbnb: https://directbookingsuccess.com/10-ways-to-drive-guests-to-your-website-instead-of-airbnb/

Follow Jenn on Instagram:...

As we wrap up an incredible year of growth and learning in the short-term rental industry, it's time to reflect on the valuable insights that have shaped our success. In this special episode of the Direct Booking Success Podcast, I'm sharing my favourite moments from 2024 - a year filled with practical strategies, inspiring stories, and expert advice.

From reaching listeners in 38 countries to recording over 23 hours of content, this podcast has become more than just a source of information. It's a thriving community of property managers and hosts passionate about growing direct bookings and building sustainable businesses.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Inside-out hospitality: Learn how treating your team will genuine care translates to exceptional guest experiences
• Filling calendar gaps: Actionable strategies to boost bookings during slow periods without resorting to discounts
• The power of video reviews: How authentic guest testimonials can significantly increase your conversion rates
• Strategic consistency: Why blindly following the “just be consistent” mantra might be holding you back
• Optimizing your direct booking website: Essential tips for creating a seamless, mobile-responsive booking process

Discover how Lauren's approach to prioritizing employee well-being naturally translates into exceptional guest experiences. Learn about her creative marketing strategies that make her properties stand out in the competitive Smoky Mountains market.

Listen to Episode 106 - The Truth About Airbnb Income, Hint… It’s Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEHQ0UTrCYo&t=2s

Learn more about Lauren and Auntie Belham’s Cabin Rentals:

Website: https://www.auntiebelhams.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auntiebelhamscabinrentals/

"Your past guests are your biggest fans—remind them why they loved staying with you."

Explore effective strategies to fill booking gaps without resorting to discounts or desperate measures. Find out why email marketing remains a powerful tool for reconnecting with past guests and driving repeat bookings.

Listen to Episode 115 - Reviving Your Marketing After a Busy STR Season: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTTMNVE2gKY

"A simple phone video from a happy guest can increase your bookings by 25%—it’s that powerful."

Gain insights from industry veteran Damian Sheridan on reducing OTA reliance and leveraging video reviews to boost conversions. Learn how authentic guest testimonials can significantly impact your booking rates.

Listen to Episode 94 - Why You Should Stop Chasing 5-Star Reviews and Do This Instead: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ngfx2O6DOk&t=7s

Learn more about Damian

Book Direct Show: https://bookdirect.show

SCALE Rentals: https://scalerentals.show

"Being consistent isn’t enough if your efforts miss the mark—align your strategy with your goals."

Challenge the common advice of "just be consistent" and discover why strategic consistency is key to driving results. Understand how to focus on quality over quantity in your marketing efforts.

Listen to Episode 107 - Why Consistency in your Marketing Isn’t Enough for Direct Bookings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxFKqYRyUM8

"If you’re not testing your booking process on all devices, you’re leaving

Are you ready to turn your Instagram followers into paying guests? In this episode, we explore how to harness the power of Instagram to drive direct bookings for your vacation rental property.

Join me as I chat with Katie Besant, founder of the Holiday Hive and social media expert with years of experience in the tourism industry. Katie shares her insider knowledge on creating content that not only catches the eye but also converts scrollers into bookers.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

• Discover the three types of content you need to post for maximum impact
• Learn why Instagram Stories are your secret weapon for conversions
• Uncover the truth about hashtags and how to use them effectively in 2025
• Find out how to optimize your profile to attract your idea guests

“Instagram is the new business card nowadays. If I’m out and about, people don’t ask my business card, they ask my Instagram.” - Katie Bessant

About Katie Bessant

Katie Bessant, owner of The Holiday Hive, is a social media expert dedicated to helping holiday cottage owners and tourism businesses elevate their digital presence and generate more bookings. Growing up in South Devon, Katie has been immersed in the tourism industry her entire life, from working in her family’s B&B to becoming a successful Airbnb superhost. With experience spanning roles like waitressing, cleaning holiday lets, and leading marketing for one of the UK’s largest holiday letting agencies, Katie combines her deep industry knowledge with her passion for social media to empower property owners to stand out online and thrive.

Connect with Katie and The Holiday Hive

Website: https://theholidayhive.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive

Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant/

Stop letting potential guests slip through your fingers. Tune in now and learn how to make Instagram work for your vacation rental business!

The key moments on this episode are:

00:00:00 Instagram: A Booking Powerhouse for Vacation Rentals

00:00:56 Meet Katie Besant: Social Media Expert for Holiday Rentals

00:04:44 Instagram's Power for Direct Bookings

00:06:40 Types of Instagram Content for Booking Success

00:13:48 Balancing Instagram Content and Posting Frequency

00:16:03 Hashtags and Instagram Trends

00:20:17 Effective Use of Call-to-Actions (CTAs)

00:22:34 Getting Started with Instagram for Direct Bookings

00:24:54 Instagram Course for Holiday Cottage Owners

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Show notes are available at: https://directbookingsuccess.com/podcast/

Simplify your STR Marketing this 2025! Join the DBS AI Content Sprint Workshop!

In this live, hands-on workshop, I will guide you through creating a 3-month content calendar targeted to your ideal...

Are you prepared for the future of the vacation rental industry?

In this episode, I sit down with Caitlin Cassady, VP of Marketing at Beyond, to explore the evolving landscape of short-term rentals and how data-driven insights can propel your business forward.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

• Discover why thinking beyond “short-term rentals” and embracing the broader “stays industry” is crucial for success
• Learn how to use real-time search data to make informed decisions about pricing, marketing, and amenities
• Understand the impact of events like concerts and major sports competitions on booking patterns

“Don't just rely on historical pacing data. That is not going to help your direct booking website really start to shine and really start to be as impactful as it probably could be.” - Caitlin Cassady

About Caitlin Cassady

Caitlin Cassady is the VP of Marketing at Beyond, where she spearheads the company's marketing strategy and cross-functional initiatives, transforming data into compelling narratives that deliver measurable business results. With 15 years of experience as a communications and content marketing leader in enterprise tech, Caitlin brings a wealth of expertise to the table. She’s also an avid reader, a recovering journalist, and a self-proclaimed mac & cheese connoisseur.

Connect with Caitlin and Beyond:

Caitlin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlincassady/

Website: https://www.beyondpricing.com/

Whether you're new to data analytics or looking to refine your approach, this episode offers valuable insights to help your vacation rental business thrive in the evolving stays industry.

The key moments on this episode are:

00:00:00 The Future of Travel: Trends Reshaping the Vacation Rental Industry

00:00:51 Meet Caitlin Cassidy: VP of Marketing at Beyond

00:02:51 The Evolving Short-Term Rental Market: Data-Driven Insights

00:07:07 Leveraging Data for Direct Bookings

00:13:13 Beyond Pricing: Data-Driven Strategies Beyond Just Pricing

00:15:50 Event-Based Pricing Strategies: The Taylor Swift Effect

00:23:21 Leveraging Data for Amenity Offerings

00:26:09 Data Democratization: Leveling the Playing Field for Small Property Managers

00:27:30 Key Advice for Growing Direct Bookings

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Show notes are available at: https://directbookingsuccess.com/podcast/

Work with Jenn to maintain consistency in your marketing and boost your direct bookings without spending so much money on it: https://directbookingsuccess.com/apply/

The ULTIMATE all-in-one marketing platform for short term rental is finally here! Check it out: https://bookdirectpro.com/

FREE GUIDE: 10 Ways to Drive Guests to your Website instead of Airbnb: https://directbookingsuccess.com/10-ways-to-drive-guests-to-your-website-instead-of-airbnb/

Follow Jenn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directbookingsuccess

Join Jenn’s...

Are you ready to elevate your guests' experience without breaking the bank? In this episode, we explore the art of creating unforgettable stays through thoughtful personal touches and exceptional customer service.

Join me as I chat with Rachel Butler, owner of the Angel Caves bed and breakfast in Gran Canaria. Rachel shares her journey from bustling London to the serene mountains, where she's mastered the art of hospitality.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

• The power of first impressions and how to nail them, even if you're not on-site
• Simple, cost-effective ways to make guests feel like VIPs
• Strategies for setting clear expectations and exceeding them
• How to handle unexpected issues while maintaining excellent customer service

Plus, get Rachel's expert tips on:

• Crafting a welcoming atmosphere that doesn't require a hefty investment
• Communicating effectively to build guest loyalty
• Balancing personal touches with essential amenities

“You’ve got to be so empathetic to what they’re going through that you understand you.” - Rachael Butler

About Rachael Butler

Rachael Butler is the visionary owner and host of Angel Caves Farmstay & Retreats. Nestled in the breathtaking mountains of Gran Canaria, Rachael is a busy mum of two who, alongside her husband, is lovingly renovating a unique cave house. Angel Caves isn't just a bed and breakfast—it's a sanctuary where Rachael combines her deep roots as a former London-based therapist with her passion for creating transformative women’s retreats.

With years of experience in therapy, Rachael brings a special touch to hospitality, crafting unforgettable guest experiences that go beyond comfort. Her keen understanding of human connection ensures every visitor leaves with cherished memories and a sense of renewal.

Connect with Rachael:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourangelcaves

Website: www.angelcaves.online

Whether you're a seasoned host or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you create lasting loyalty and rave reviews.

Ready to take your hosting to the next level? Don't miss Rachel's special offer for podcast listeners – a 50% discount on her business audit service, designed to boost your bookings and enhance your guest experience.

Join us to learn how small, thoughtful gestures can make a big impact on your short-term rental success!

The key moments on this episode are:

00:00:00 Elevating Guest Experiences: First Impressions and Budget-Friendly Touches

00:00:53 From London to Gran Canaria: Rachel Butler's Journey to Hospitality

00:04:20 Building a Successful B&B: The Angel Caves Story

00:06:04 The Power of First Impressions in Hospitality

00:09:04 Building Trust and Meeting Guest Expectations

00:12:14 Adding Value with Personal Touches on a Budget

00:15:07 Balancing Basic Service with Extra Touches

00:18:25 Handling Guest Issues and Providing Excellent Customer Service

00:22:26 Offering Business Audits for Short-Term Rental Hosts

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Show notes are available at: https://directbookingsuccess.com/podcast/

🚨 EXCLUSIVE FREE MASTERCLASS WITH JENN BOYLES 🚨

Streamline Your Marketing for 2025 and Drive More Direct Bookings

Powered by Book Direct Pro for effortless direct bookings.

🗓 Thursday, December 12th, 2024

🕚 11 AM PST | 2 PM EST | 7 PM...

Are you hiding behind your logo, leaving potential bookings on the table? In the world of short-term rentals, personal connection is the secret ingredient that can set you apart from the competition. This episode of the Direct Booking Success podcast explores why showing up matters and how to craft your story to resonate with ideal guests.

As your host, I share my own journey of discovery - how a simple Instagram story introducing myself led to an overwhelming response, increased bookings, and repeat guests. It's time to step out from behind the curtain and let your personality shine.

“Your story, your face, your authentic self. They’re your secret weapons for building trust and driving bookings.” - Jenn Boyles

Remember, it's about progress, not perfection. Your authentic self is your greatest asset in building connections and driving bookings.

Are you ready to step into the spotlight and transform your short-term rental business? Tune in to learn how showing up can lead to direct booking success.

The key moments on this episode are:

00:00:00 The Importance of Personal Connection in Short-Term Rentals

00:00:55 Why Showing Up Matters in Short-Term Rental Marketing

00:03:30 Crafting Your Story to Connect with Ideal Guests

00:05:15 Practical Steps to Increase Your Visibility as a Host

00:07:30 The Benefits of Showing Up and Taking Action

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Show notes are available at: https://directbookingsuccess.com/podcast/

BLACK FRIDAY DEALS (NOVEMBER 25 TO NOVEMBER 29)

This Black Friday, we’re offering 5 exclusive deals designed to supercharge your direct booking strategy, streamline your marketing, and attract more guests!

From creating 3 months of content in 90 minutes to optimizing your website and social media profiles, each deal is tailored to help you level up your business in 2025.

Don’t miss out – these limited-time offers are available for 24 hours only! Check out the full catalogue and grab these game-changing deals now at https://get.directbookingsuccess.com/blackfriday

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Work with Jenn to maintain consistency in your marketing and boost your direct bookings without spending so much money on it: https://directbookingsuccess.com/apply/

The ULTIMATE all-in-one marketing platform for short term rental is finally here! Check it out: https://bookdirectpro.com/

FREE GUIDE: 10 Ways to Drive Guests to your Website instead of Airbnb: https://directbookingsuccess.com/10-ways-to-drive-guests-to-your-website-instead-of-airbnb/

Follow Jenn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directbookingsuccess

Join Jenn’s free Facebook group – the Marketing Hub:

Are you struggling to fill your short-term rental calendar? The secret to more bookings might not be what you think. In this episode, we explore why understanding your ideal guest is the key to transforming your marketing, increasing conversion rates, and creating seamless stays.

Join me as I chat with Gil Chan, a short-term rental host and founder of Crafted Stays, a hospitality tech company. Gil shares his journey from tech executive to passionate host, and how his experiences led him to create a game-changing platform for direct bookings.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

• Identify your ideal guest avatar using review analysis
• Tailor your marketing efforts to resonate with your target audience
• Design your property and amenities with your ideal guest in mind
• Create a website that converts visitors into bookings

“The more that we knew about our guests, the better that we actually did.” - Gil Chan

About Gil Chan

Gil Chan is a short-term rental host with several properties in the Great Smoky Mountains and Branson market. He owns and manages these properties with his wife. He’s a father of two young kids. He was born and raised in Silicon Valley (California). He has been in technology for 15 years and has been part of 6 other startups before starting his own hospitality tech company, CraftedStays. Prior to CraftedStays, Gil was working in eCommerce and working closely with Shopify. He realized that in the eCommerce industry if you had an idea and wanted to sell directly to customers, you had platforms like Shopify to help you launch your business; however, in the short-term industry, you’re limited to the PMS standard sites or had to hire an agency to build your custom site. Gil is set out on a mission to enable all short-term rental hosts to be successful in direct bookings.

Connect with Gil and Crafted Stays:

Website: https://craftedstays.co

Instagram: https://instagram.com/craftedstays

*GET AN EXCLUSIVE $35 OFF MONTHLY FOR THE 12-MONTHS IN CRAFTED STAYS ONLY FOR DBS PODCAST LISTENERS*

SIGN UP THROUGH THIS LINK: https://app.craftedstays.com/getstarted/dbs

Whether you're just starting out or looking to increase your direct bookings, this episode provides valuable insights to help your short-term rental business thrive. Don't miss out on these strategies to connect with your ideal guests and boost your bookings.

The key moments on this episode are:

00:00:00 The Secret to More Bookings: Understanding Your Ideal Guest

00:00:57 From Tech to Short-Term Rentals: Gil Chan's Journey

00:03:55 The Shift to Direct Bookings: Taking Control of Your Business

00:05:31 Building a Direct Booking Website: Challenges and Opportunities

00:07:31 Crafted Stays: Creating the Shopify for Short-Term Rentals

00:09:54 The Importance of Understanding Your Ideal Guest

00:13:30 Tailoring Marketing to Your Ideal Guest

00:18:29 Beyond Traffic: Optimizing Your Website for Conversions

00:21:18 Crafted Stays: A Purpose-Built Platform for Short-Term Rentals

00:24:46 Continuous Improvement and Special Offer

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Show notes are available at: https://directbookingsuccess.com/podcast/

Work with Jenn to maintain consistency in your marketing and boost your direct bookings without spending so much money...

Are you feeling overshadowed by the giants of the vacation rental industry? You're not alone. Many property managers believe they can't compete with Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo. But here's the truth: you can outshine them by adopting their best marketing tactics.

In this episode, we're joined by Uvika Wahi from Rental Scale-Up to uncover powerful insights on leveraging the advertising strategies of these industry leaders to boost your direct bookings.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

• Understand how Airbnb, Booking.com, and VRBO are spending their marketing budgets and why.
• Learn how to craft compelling narratives that resonate with your ideal guests, just like the industry giants do.
• Discover techniques to create marketing messages that speak to your guests’ desires and fears.
• Uncover strategies to use guest feedback as a powerful marketing tool, inspired by Airbnb’s “Guest Favourite” Label.
• Get actionable tips on how to apply these high-level strategies without breaking the bank.

“What you think is the strength of your property may not be the thing that your guests care about the most. So this is about highlighting what your guests care about and using that to attract future guests.” - Uvika Wahi

About Uvika Wahi

Uvika is the editor at Rental Scale-Up, a leading source of short-term rental news and insights. She analyzes industry trends, contextualizes them with the help of a network of short-term rental operators, and advocates for sustainability within the short-term rental industry and beyond.

Connect with Uvika and Rental Scale-Up

Uvika’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uwahi/

Rental Scale-Up’s Website: https://www.rentalscaleup.com/

Get a weekly dose of STR marketing learnings through Rental Scale-Up’s newsletter; it’s a must read every week! Subscribe: https://www.rentalscaleup.com/newsletter/

Other Resources Uvika Mentioned in the Podcast

Check out these two properties with amazing storytelling strategies:

Skol Apartments: https://www.skolapartmentsmarbella.com/

Casal dei Fichi: https://www.casaldeifichi.com/

Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your direct booking strategy, this episode provides valuable insights to help your short-term rental business thrive in a competitive landscape.

Ready to level up your marketing game? Tune in to learn how to apply big brand tactics on a small business budget and watch your direct bookings soar.

The key moments on this episode are:

00:00:00 Competing with Vacation Rental Giants: Leveraging Their Marketing Tactics

00:01:04 Meet Uvika Wahi: Insights from Rental Scale Up

00:03:51 Analyzing Big Brand Marketing Strategies

00:06:00 Television vs. Digital Advertising in Vacation Rentals

00:08:59 Emotional Storytelling in Vacation Rental Marketing

00:15:16 Developing a Unique Brand Identity

00:21:50 Leveraging Guest Reviews for Marketing

00:26:34 Key Takeaways and Closing Thoughts

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Show notes are available at:...