If you’re a vacation rental host gearing up for the new year, you’re in for a treat. We’ve gathered some of the brightest minds in the industry to help you kickstart the year with a bang. 

In the last part of the Hospitable Hosts Podcast Compilation series, we’re unveiling the best tips and strategies to get your vacation rental property ready for the year. These industry leaders have shared their invaluable insights on record so that your short-term rental can be transformed into a powerhouse!

Enjoy the selected highlights below or jump to your favorite streaming platform for a pro-tip conversation! 

The Ultimate Guide to Direct Vacation Rental Bookings

Mark Simpson, Founder of Boostly

Kicking off our lineup is Mark Simpson, an industry expert who has helped hundreds of hosts reduce their dependence on online travel agencies (OTAs) for over a decade. During the podcast, he guides you through all the nooks and crannies of going direct: 

• Moving away from Airbnb 

• Your must-have Direct Booking tools

• DOs and DON’Ts of Direct Booking branding

• The economics of Direct Booking (including taxes and refund liability)

Curious to hear Mark’s top tricks? Listen to the full episode here. 

Why Marketing Is Important for Vacation Rental Hosts

Bill Faeth, Founder of Build STR Wealth

In this episode, Bill outlines why and how to make marketing your hosting superpower. Discover his “golden rules” for vacation rentals and the pivotal role marketing plays among them. It’s a conversation filled with insights, advice, and a dash of humor you don’t want to miss:

• The crushing trio: property management, marketing, and revenue management

• Time to stand out: buyer persona, target markets, and tailored communication 

• Excluding rookie mistakes: social media ads

Curious to hear more from Bill? Listen to the full episode here. 

How Digital Welcome Books Increase Your 5-Star Reviews

Kate Stinchcombe-Gillies, Chief Marketing Officer at Touch Stay

Throughout the fun chat, Kate shares some pro tips on getting the most out of a digital welcome book and answers some common questions:

• How do you create and edit a welcome book? 

• When do you share it with guests? 

• How do you access it in remote locations? 

• What are the common mistakes, and how can you avoid them?

Looking to increase your 5-star reviews? This episode is a must-listen!