97 episodes

Hi! I’m Jenn Boyles. If you are looking to achieve more direct bookings to decrease your dependency on the OTAs and increase your profits and control over your business, then this is the podcast for you! 

Whether you are an Airbnb host, short-term rental property manager, owner or investor, each week I will share business and marketing strategies to help you build your own business. I will also bring you the best in the industry to share their knowledge along with property managers and owners to talk about what they are doing to achieve their own direct booking success.

For more, see: directbookingsuccess.com

Direct Booking Success Podcast Jenn Boyles

    • Business
    • 5.0 • 6 Ratings

Hi! I’m Jenn Boyles. If you are looking to achieve more direct bookings to decrease your dependency on the OTAs and increase your profits and control over your business, then this is the podcast for you! 

Whether you are an Airbnb host, short-term rental property manager, owner or investor, each week I will share business and marketing strategies to help you build your own business. I will also bring you the best in the industry to share their knowledge along with property managers and owners to talk about what they are doing to achieve their own direct booking success.

For more, see: directbookingsuccess.com

    Short-term Rental Alliance Building 101: Getting a Seat at the Regulatory Table with Dana Lubner

    Short-term Rental Alliance Building 101: Getting a Seat at the Regulatory Table with Dana Lubner

    Here's a little secret you might not expect: Short-term rental regulations are shaping up to be the next big battleground for hosts and policymakers. But don't worry, there's a way to navigate this challenging landscape and advocate for fair regulations that protect your business. You won't believe the strategies and resources available to host communities worldwide. Ready to uncover the surprising world of short-term rental advocacy and regulations? Stay tuned to find out how you can be part of this game-changing movement.
    You have to be proactive or you become inactive. The best way to protect the future of your business is to really be taking a proactive stance and looking at how you can professionalize and create an organization that has the sustainability to last beyond just a regulatory battle. - Dana Lubner

    In this episode, you will be able to:
    Forming a Short-Term Rental Alliance: Learn how to unite with fellow hosts for collective advocacy and support.Mastering Short-Term Rental Regulations: Navigate local laws and regulations to ensure compliance and successful hosting.Crafting Effective Advocacy Strategies: Discover tactics to advocate for fair treatment and regulations as a rental owner.Fostering a Sustainable Hosting Community: Build a thriving and supportive community for sustainable hosting practices.Understanding the Impact of Regulations: Gain insights into how regulations can affect the short-term rental landscape and your hosting business.

    My special guest in this week's episode is Dana Lubner. Dana is the director of community development at Rent Responsibly, is a prominent figure in the short-term rental industry. With a background in property management and a pivotal role in establishing Mile High Hosts, Denver's short-term rental alliance, Dana has demonstrated a deep commitment to advocating for fair regulations and sustainable hosting communities. Her extensive experience and contributions to the "How to Save Your Vacation Rental Business" podcast reflect her expertise in navigating regulatory challenges and shaping the future of the short-term rental landscape. Dana's dedication to equipping hosts with essential tools and resources positions her as an invaluable asset for those seeking to thrive in an ever-evolving regulatory environment.

    Learn more about Rent Responsibly
    Website: www.rentresponsibly.org
    Rent Responsibly Network: https://network.rentresponsibly.org

    Connect with Dana:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danalubner/
    **Dana is also open to do advocacy and leadership 1:1 consulting calls. For more details, go to this link - https://meetings.hubspot.com/dlubner**

    The key moments in this episode are:
    00:00:08 - Introduction to Direct Booking Success Podcast
    00:00:36 - Importance of Advocacy and Regulations
    00:02:51 - Building Local Alliances
    00:07:21 - Evolution of Advocacy
    00:10:38 - Importance of Advocacy and Education
    00:15:31 - Importance of Local Short Term Rental Alliance
    00:16:25 - Resources for Advocacy and Leadership
    00:18:45 - Collaborative Regulation Approach
    00:20:52 - Impact of Regulations
    00:24:57 - Rent Responsibly's Support and Services 

    FREE GUIDE: 10 Ways to Drive Guests to your Website instead of Airbnb: a href="https://directbookingsuccess.com/10-ways-to-drive-guests-to-your-website-instead-of-airbnb/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    • 29 min
    How a Retired Couple Discovered Direct Bookings for their 14 Apartments with Michael Guildford

    How a Retired Couple Discovered Direct Bookings for their 14 Apartments with Michael Guildford

    Discover how a retired couple turned their 14-property business into a direct booking powerhouse, defying the odds in their golden years. But the unexpected twist in their journey will leave you on the edge of your seat. Stay tuned to find out how they overcame a shocking setback and harnessed the power of technology to boost their business value. It's a story of resilience, innovation, and the surprising secret to unlocking direct booking success that you won't want to miss.
    The best business you've ever owned is the one you just sold for seven figures. And direct bookings, that data list increases the value of your business. That gives your business something to actually sell. - Michael Guildford
    In this episode, you will be able to:
    Maximize your property's revenue with proven direct booking strategies.Secure your financial future by learning effective passive income strategies for retirement.Enhance guest experience and streamline operations with the power of QR codes in hospitality.Build a valuable guest email list for direct marketing and personalized communication.Discover the crucial role of direct bookings in maximizing your property's profitability.
    My special guest is Michael Guildford
    Michael Guildford, an established figure in property management hailing from Brisbane, Australia, has delved into the realm of direct bookings with a unique approach. Managing a portfolio of 14 apartments in Brisbane's CBD, his journey reflects a quest for passive income in retirement. Michael's expertise lies in leveraging innovative strategies, such as QR codes and email collection, to drive direct bookings and augment the value of customer databases. His firsthand experiences and practical insights offer a valuable blueprint for property managers aiming to optimize their direct booking capabilities and elevate their business prospects.
    Utilizing QR codes in hospitality, such as EmailCollect, enhances the guest experience by providing easy access to Wi-Fi in exchange for contact details. QR codes streamline the guest data collection process, improving efficiency and enhancing guest satisfaction. By incorporating QR code technology, property managers can create a seamless guest experience and foster stronger guest relationships.
    Learn more about EmailCollect - https://emailcollect.com/
    The key moments in this episode are:
    00:00:00 - Introduction to Email Collect
    00:03:53 - The Importance of Direct Bookings
    00:07:55 - Introducing Email Collect
    00:11:37 - Leveraging Guest Data for Marketing
    00:13:57 - The Entrepreneurial Spirit and Global Accessibility
    00:14:35 - Building a Strong Business with Direct Bookings
    00:15:20 - Impact of Negative Reviews
    00:15:49 - Value of Direct Bookings Data
    00:16:29 - Business Independence and Value
    00:16:54 - Conclusion and Gratitude 

    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/
    Show notes are available at: https://directbookingsuccess.com/podcast/
    Follow Jenn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directbookingsuccess
    Join Jenn’s free Facebook group – the Marketing Hub: a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/strmarketinghub"...

    • 18 min
    Why You Should Stop Chasing 5-Star Reviews And Do This Instead with Damian Sheridan

    Why You Should Stop Chasing 5-Star Reviews And Do This Instead with Damian Sheridan

    Discover the unexpected secret to skyrocketing your vacation rental bookings. Uncover the power of video reviews and the surprising impact they have on bookings. Find out how this simple strategy has increased bookings by up to 25%. 
    Your biggest fans are the ones who've stayed there before. - Damian Sheridan
    My special guest for this episode is Damian Sheridan.
    Damian Sheridan, the mastermind behind the Book Direct Show and Scale, boasts an extensive background in the vacation rental realm, spanning over 20 years. His commitment to cultivating a sense of community within the industry has propelled property managers towards direct booking success, while his expertise in video reviews and guest relationship management has reshaped the way businesses approach their operations. With a genuine passion for sharing knowledge and facilitating partnerships, Damian's influence continues to shape the vacation rental landscape, making him a pivotal figure for those seeking to elevate their direct booking strategies and enhance guest experiences.
    In this episode, you will be able to:
    Maximize Direct Bookings: Uncover effective strategies for boosting direct bookings and increasing revenue for your vacation rental properties.Build Strong Community Connections: Discover the significance of fostering a vibrant community within vacation rentals and its impact on guest satisfaction and retention.Harness the Power of Video Reviews: Learn how to leverage video reviews to showcase your vacation rental properties and attract more guests through compelling visual storytelling.Cultivate Positive Guest Relationships: Explore techniques for managing guest relationships to enhance guest experiences, drive positive reviews, and build loyalty.Gain Insights from Book Direct Show and Scale: Tap into exclusive event insights to elevate your vacation rental business by learning from industry experts and successful case studies.
    Connect with Damian:
    https://bookdirect.show 
    https://scalerentals.show
    The key moments in this episode are:
    00:00:00 - Getting Started in the Industry
    00:07:17 - Importance of Community
    00:09:40 - Scale Show Expansion
    00:11:08 - Video Reviews Strategy
    00:14:26 - Encouraging Reviews
    00:14:51 - The Pressure of Five-Star Reviews
    00:16:34 - Building Relationships with Guests
    00:17:46 - Handling Negative Reviews
    00:19:33 - Strategic Video Reviews
    00:21:37 - Direct Booking Success
    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/
    Show notes are available at: https://directbookingsuccess.com/podcast/
    Follow Jenn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directbookingsuccess
    Join Jenn’s free Facebook group – the Marketing Hub: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strmarketinghub

    • 24 min
    How I Grew My Vacation Rental Business From Scratch Using Social Media with Emily Lethgo

    How I Grew My Vacation Rental Business From Scratch Using Social Media with Emily Lethgo

    If you're feeling overwhelmed and struggling to consistently create engaging content for your property on social media, then you are not alone! It can be challenging to come up with fresh ideas and maintain a consistent posting schedule, but there are strategies to make it easier and more effective.
    Direct booking success to me means creating something that is mine through branding my own website and successfully being able to host guests through my own efforts. -Emily Lethgo
    My special guest is Emily Lethgo.
    In this episode, you will be able to:
    Maximize Your Bookings: Uncover strategies for increasing direct bookings and boosting revenue.Amplify Your Reach: Learn how to leverage social media to effectively market your property and attract more guests.Captivate Your Guests: Discover the secrets to creating compelling and engaging content for your short-term rentals.Elevate Your Brand: Explore the benefits of personal branding in the hospitality industry and how it can set you apart from the competition.Master Hashtag Power: Unlock the key tips for using hashtags on Instagram to enhance your property's visibility and engagement.

    Emily Lethgo, a marketing enthusiast and property owner, shares her journey of entering the world of short-term rentals through social media. With a background in business, Emily's passion for branding and storytelling led her to successfully market her property, leveraging the power of content creation and community building. Her practical insights on using social media for property marketing and the benefits of personal branding in the hospitality industry provide valuable strategies for property owners seeking to enhance their online presence and drive direct bookings. Emily's unique perspective and experience offer actionable tips for creating engaging content and utilizing hashtags effectively on Instagram, making her a trusted voice in the realm of direct booking success.

    Connect with Emily:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilylethgo/
    Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emilylethgo
    Website: https://www.hostwithemily.co/thecontentcollective
    Use the code DBS to get the special $7 offer

    The key moments in this episode are:
    00:00:00 - Introduction and Getting Started in Hosting
    00:03:45 - Building a Community and Collecting Emails
    00:07:21 - Choosing Direct Bookings Over OTAs
    00:09:53 - Importance of Content Creation and FOMO Marketing
    00:13:57 - Leveraging User-Generated Content for Property Promotion
    00:14:26 - Leveraging Social Media Content
    00:15:11 - Building Interest and Consistency
    00:16:47 - Tailoring Content for Different Platforms
    00:21:12 - Maximizing Hashtags for Visibility

    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/

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

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

    Join Jenn’s free Facebook group – the Marketing Hub For Hospitality:a...

    • 29 min
    Behind the Scenes: A Peek Inside a 100-Property Vacation Rental Company with Brian Olson

    Behind the Scenes: A Peek Inside a 100-Property Vacation Rental Company with Brian Olson

    Ever wondered how a laundry facility transformed a vacation rental business into a booming success? Brian Olson, president of Northwest Vacation Rental Professional association, spills the beans on the unexpected strategy that took his business to new heights. And what's this about a cookie program that led to 30 new homes? 
    Find out how these unique tactics are redefining direct booking success and the juicy details on the upcoming conference that's causing a stir in the industry in this episode.
    It's really about control. There are customers there. I correct my family who say, 'oh, we're going to stay in our Airbnb.' No, you're not. You're going to stay in a vacation rental. Who you happen to book through everything. It's like you fly a plane that Delta flies. You know, it's not a Delta, Airbnb has become the Kleenex of our generation. - Brian Olson
    In this episode, you will be able to:
    Maximize direct bookings with proven strategies for vacation rentals.Unlock the secrets to building a thriving vacation rental business.Elevate your vacation rental business through community involvement.Seamlessly transition from OTA reliance to boosting direct bookings.Gain exclusive insights by attending industry conferences for vacation rentals.
    My special guest is Brian Olson
    Brian Olson, a partner at Beachcomber Vacation Homes in Oregon, and the current president of the Northwest Vacation Rental Professional Association, boasts over 17 years of experience in the vacation rental industry. With a background rooted in hospitality and a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of vacation rentals, Brian offers valuable insights into direct booking strategies, community involvement, and business growth. His substantial growth from managing a single property to overseeing a portfolio of 100 homes showcases his practical knowledge and success in the field, positioning him as an essential resource for vacation rental business owners and managers looking to enhance their direct booking strategies and achieve business success.
    Join us for North West Vacation Rental Professionals Annual Conference on April 29 and 30 in Boise, Idaho, USA for a fun event filled with opportunities for vacation rental professionals, rent-by-owners, hospitality staff and affiliate businesses. 
    Save your seat and don’t forget to use code SPRING2024 to avail a huge discount for this amazing event.
    For more information, check their website: https://www.nwvrp.org/attend-the-2024-conference
    Brian’s website: www.beachcombervacationhomes.com
    The key moments in this episode are:
    00:00:00 - Introduction and Background in Hospitality
    00:03:16 - Evolution of the Vacation Rental Industry
    00:07:49 - Transition to Direct Bookings
    00:08:24 - Community Engagement and Business Influence
    00:12:59 - NWVRP Conference and Future Plans
    00:14:01 - Importance of Networking and Education at Conferences
    00:15:27 - Learning from Industry Insights and Best Practices
    00:17:44 - Building Relationships through Unique Initiatives
    00:21:08 - Direct Booking Success and Customer Loyalty
    00:22:53 - Invitation to Conference and Special Discount 
    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/
    Show notes are available at:a...

    • 25 min
    How I Learned the Hard Way that Direct Bookings Build Trust with Brittany Blackman

    How I Learned the Hard Way that Direct Bookings Build Trust with Brittany Blackman

    If you're feeling the frustration of struggling to find a way to build trust with your vacation rental guests, even after offering a great experience, then you are not alone! Many property owners in the vacation rental industry are finding it challenging to establish that trust with their guests, leading to missed opportunities and potentially dissatisfied customers.
    You can have this vision and put it all out there. But if you don't take that other perspective of how people are perceiving you and that experience you're providing them, then it doesn't matter how much advertising and direct booking strategy you have. - Brittany Blackman
    In this episode, you will be able to:
    Discover the essentials of starting a successful vacation rental business.Explore the impact of COVID-19 on the vacation rental industry and learn how to adapt.Master effective strategies for securing direct bookings for your vacation rental property.Uncover the key to building trust and rapport with your vacation rental guests.Realize the benefits of utilizing professional photography to enhance your vacation rental listings.
    My special guest in this episode is Brittany Blackman. Brittany Blackman is the owner and founder of Breathe Easy Rentals, possesses extensive expertise in the vacation rental industry, with over a decade of experience. Through her journey from working with a property management company to establishing her own vacation rental business during the challenges of the pandemic, she has garnered valuable insights into the dynamics of building trust with guests. Brittany's emphasis on delivering exceptional guest experiences and her astute attention to detail make her a respected figure in the industry. Her practical experiences and observations provide a compelling perspective on the significance of direct bookings and the pivotal role they play in establishing trust with guests.
    Learn more and connect with Brittany:
    www.breatheeasyrentals.com
    www.facebook.com/breatheeasyrentals
    www.instagram.com/breatheeasyrentals
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-blackman-384141216/
    The key moments in this episode are:
    00:00:00 - Introduction to Breathe Easy Rentals
    00:04:39 - Emotional Roller Coaster of Entrepreneurship
    00:10:17 - Challenges of Finding Vacation Rentals
    00:12:45 - Building Trust Through Direct Bookings
    00:13:32 - Importance of Secure Payment Options
    00:13:56 - Building Trust with Direct Bookings
    00:15:12 - Lack of Trust and Confirmation
    00:18:28 - Providing Feedback to Property Owners
    00:21:18 - Importance of Articulating the Message
    00:26:48 - Direct Booking Success
    00:28:22 - Connecting with Brittany Blackman
    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/
    Show notes are available at: https://directbookingsuccess.com/podcast/
    Follow Jenn on Instagram:...

    • 32 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
6 Ratings

6 Ratings

Annette Arsenault ,

Awesome podcasts!

A friend recommended Jenn Boyle’s podcasts to me, and I’m so glad she did! So so helpful in supporting me on my journey to increase direct bookings for my short term rental. I learn something new each time, and am enjoying putting what I’ve learned into practice. Highly recommended!

B&B Peony Belle ,

Such a refreshing view on hospitality

Well done Jenn!
I really enjoyed your refreshing outlook on direct bookings and hospitality. I look forward to what else you have to offer in the future.

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