Branded & Booked

Steph Weber
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  • Marketing
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Are you ready to stand out in the crowded world of short-term rentals and boutique hotels? Branded & Booked is the podcast for ambitious hosts and property owners who want to create rave-worthy brands and stay consistently booked. Hosted by Steph Weber, an expert in branding and marketing for STRs, this podcast is packed with actionable advice, inspiring stories, and behind-the-scenes insights to help you elevate your property and attract your best guests. Tune in every week to learn how to market your property, create a guest experience they'll rave about, and build a hospitality business.

  1. 15 hr ago

    EP 254: Airbnb just gave hosts another reason to build their own brand.

    Airbnb has been making some big changes lately, and if you're a short-term rental owner, co-host, or property manager, there are a few things we need to talk about. In this episode of Branded and Booked, I'm breaking down Airbnb's recent policy changes, including restrictions around Wi-Fi portals, guest data collection, rental agreements, and third-party tools. I'm also sharing my thoughts on Airbnb's so-called "direct booking" link and why I don't consider it true direct booking. Here's the thing: I'm not anti-Airbnb. We use the platform every single day across the properties we manage. But I do have a problem with how much control we're handing over to a platform when we're the ones assuming the financial risk, maintaining the properties, and doing the work to create great guest experiences. We're also talking about why building your own hospitality brand, growing your email list, and investing in marketing matters more than ever, especially if you're building a business you want to grow for years to come. Plus, I'm sharing a personal update on life behind the scenes, our year of RV travel, the challenges of balancing business and family, and some big decisions we're making about what comes next. My biggest takeaway? If you're already investing your time and money into marketing your properties, you need to think about whose business you're actually building. Airbnb can absolutely be part of your strategy. But it shouldn't be your entire strategy. I'd love to hear how you're navigating these changes and what you're doing differently in your hospitality business. Send me a DM on Instagram at @theweberco and let me know! Disclaimer: This episode shares my personal opinions and interpretation of Airbnb's policies at the time of recording. Review Airbnb's current policies and consult with your attorney about how they apply to your business.

  2. 25 Aug

    EP 253: How to Get More Full-Property Buyouts with Tony Stancato

    What happens when a vacation rental investment turns into a portfolio of boutique hotels? In this episode of Branded & Booked, Steph sits down with Tony Stancato to talk about his journey from buying his first short-term rental in 2020 to purchasing three boutique hotels in three years. What started as a way to offset travel expenses quickly turned into something much bigger as Tony and his business partner began recognizing opportunities in multi-unit properties and eventually hotels. Tony gets into the actual numbers and decisions behind the growth, including how they financed their hotel acquisitions, brought investors into deals, approached renovations, and learned to operate properties in completely different markets. They also dig into Tony's group buyout strategy and why positioning smaller hotels as one large property on Airbnb and Vrbo has created an entirely different revenue opportunity. Plus, they talk about the less glamorous realities of hotel investing: construction budgets that almost always go over, timelines that get pushed, finding financing, navigating seasonality, and the amount of work that actually goes into putting these deals together. One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation? Know why you're trying to grow. If you're looking for additional income, vacation rentals may be exactly what you need. But if your goal is to leave your job or build significant wealth, Tony's advice is to think bigger faster. Set the goal, go after it, and consider setting it a little higher than you're comfortable saying out loud. Connect with Tony: Podcast: Michigan Short-Term Rentals Podcast Instagram: @TonyStancato LinkedIn: Tony Stancato If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you're subscribed to Branded & Booked so you don't miss what's coming next Own a boutique hotel or short-term rental? We help hospitality brands build a brand guests remember. Apply to work with us at TheWeberCo.com.

  3. 18 Aug

    EP 252: I Was Completely Wrong About the Campground I Want to Buy

    One of the reasons we decided to spend this year traveling full-time in our RV was because Collin and I have talked for a long time about eventually buying a campground. I knew living this lifestyle would teach me a lot. What I didn't realize was how quickly it would change what I'm actually looking for. We're only about two months into this trip, we haven't toured a single campground for sale, and we definitely haven't started running numbers. Right now, I'm doing what I think every hospitality investor should do more of: experiencing the product as the guest. And I've been taking notes everywhere we go. In this episode of Branded & Booked, I'm sharing what I've noticed at the campgrounds we've stayed at so far, including the amenities that have genuinely made a difference, the layouts that work (and the ones that absolutely do not), what matters when you're traveling with kids, and the small details that have completely changed the experience. I'm also getting into some of my favorite ideas I've seen along the way, from individual bathhouses and spacious sites to private hot tub rentals, indoor gathering spaces, pools, playgrounds, and even the beginnings of my dream hammock forest. But more than anything, this experience has reinforced something I talk about constantly in branding and hospitality: you have to know who you're building for. The campground built for someone looking for a quick, inexpensive overnight stop should be completely different from the campground built for a family looking for an experiential destination. That decision impacts your amenities, layout, pricing, location, hospitality, marketing, and ultimately what people are willing to pay to stay with you. I'm also sharing what my campground buy box is starting to look like, why I'm thinking about 50+ sites, multiple ways to stay, indoor gathering spaces, seasonality, and the kind of experience I'd want us to create if and when the right opportunity comes along. This is very much the beginning of the journey. And that's exactly why I wanted to document it. Maybe someday I'll listen back to this episode from the campground we actually own and see just how much the vision changed along the way. If you're thinking about investing in a campground, growing a hospitality brand, or simply want a behind-the-scenes look at how I'm thinking about our next potential investment, this episode is for you. Ready to build a hospitality brand people actually want to book? Apply to work with TheWeberCo.com and connect with Steph @theweberco.

  4. 11 Aug

    EP 251: From 3 Million Views to 80% Direct Bookings with Debra Getts

    What actually happens when you stop treating your short-term rental like a property and start building it like a hospitality brand? In this episode of Branded & Booked, I'm sitting down with Debra Getts, owner of Shiny Apple Cabins in Blue Ridge, Georgia, to talk about exactly that. Debra and her husband have built an incredibly clear brand around being some of the most dog-friendly stays in their market. And when I say dog-friendly, I don't just mean they allow dogs. They've thought through the entire experience, from fenced yards and crates to dog blankets, treats, cleaning supplies and the little details that make traveling with your dog significantly easier. But what I really wanted to dig into with Debra is what happened once she took that strong brand and started intentionally marketing it. After going through my STR Marketing Bootcamp and continuing to build out her marketing strategy, Debra put the foundational pieces in place first: a clear brand, a direct booking website, email funnels and systems designed to turn attention into actual guests. Then she started working with influencers. It wasn't an overnight success story. Her first few collaborations came with plenty of learning curves, contract changes and lessons about choosing the right creators. But she kept refining the process until she found the alignment that mattered. One of those collaborations eventually resulted in a reel that reached nearly 3 million views. Since then, Shiny Apple Cabins has grown its Instagram audience from a few hundred followers to more than 6,000, built a waitlist of creators wanting to work with the brand and, most importantly, grown to roughly 80% direct bookings this year. And that's the part I want you to pay attention to. The viral reel wasn't the strategy. The brand and marketing ecosystem behind it were. We're talking about why your brand needs to be established before you bring influencers into the equation, how Debra vets and builds relationships with creators, why email marketing matters when your social reach takes off, and what it actually takes behind the scenes to turn visibility into bookings. We also get into how Debra has built Shiny Apple Cabins around a very specific guest, why being radically dog-friendly has actually helped the business rather than hurt it, and how knowing exactly who you serve influences everything from your amenities to your pricing. If you own a short-term rental or boutique hospitality brand and you're trying to figure out how branding, influencer marketing, social media, email and direct bookings actually work together, this episode is going to give you a very real look at what that can look like in practice. And if you're ready to build the brand and marketing foundation that makes this kind of growth possible, apply to work with us at The Weber Co. We help short-term rentals, boutique hotels and hospitality brands build the strategy, branding and marketing systems designed to turn more of the right people into direct-booking guests.

  5. 30 Jul

    EP 250: How Our Micro-Resort Grew Revenue 76% (And What It Really Took)

    For the first time, I'm pulling back the curtain on what our first full peak season actually looked like at Cabins on the Cumberland. There are so many conversations online about buying boutique hotels, building micro resorts, and creating passive income, but very few people are willing to talk about the numbers behind the scenes. In this episode, I'm sharing ours. I break down our June and July performance year over year, where our ADR and occupancy landed, how a completed guest experience changed everything, and why branding, revenue management, direct bookings, and thoughtful hospitality all worked together to produce our strongest season yet. I also talk honestly about the realities that don't make it into Instagram posts: construction delays, unexpected expenses, cash flow, saving for slow season, and why a profitable hospitality business is about so much more than big revenue months. If you've ever wondered what it actually looks like to build a hospitality business from the ground up, or you're trying to increase revenue at your own property, I think you'll find this episode refreshing, practical, and hopefully encouraging. If you're ready to build a hospitality brand that drives more direct bookings, stronger guest loyalty, and long-term growth, I'd love to help. Learn more about working with my team at theweberco.com. Curious about the property behind today's numbers? Take a look at Cabins on the Cumberland and see how we've built the guest experience from the ground up at cabinsonthecumberland.com.

  6. 22 Jul

    EP 249: The Difference Between a Nice Hotel and a Booked-Out One with Courtney Petrovich

    What separates a hotel that's simply beautiful from one that guests can't stop booking? In this episode, I sit down with hospitality designer Courtney Petrovich, founder of Deanery Designs, to talk about the role design really plays in the success of a hospitality brand. We dive into why boutique hotel design is so much more than selecting furniture and finishes, how thoughtful design can help attract investors before a project is even built, and the operational decisions that can save owners time and money for years to come. We also talk about the shift we're seeing as more short-term rental investors move into the boutique hotel space, why creating a true sense of place matters more than following design trends, and how the smallest details often create the most memorable guest experiences. If you're developing a boutique hotel, planning a micro resort, or simply want your hospitality brand to stand out in a crowded market, this conversation is full of practical insights you won't want to miss. Connect with Courtney: Website: https://www.denoridesigns.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denoridesigns/  Connect with Steph: Website: https://www.theweberco.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theweberco Podcast: https://www.theweberco.com/podcast

  7. 15 Jul

    EP 248: Our First Weeks Living in an RV + A New Way to Bring Your Brand to Life

    We're officially recording our first podcast episode from the camper, and after more than two weeks on the road, it's safe to say this adventure has already taught us more than we expected. In this episode, I'm sharing an honest behind-the-scenes look at what it's been like transitioning into full-time RV life with our family. From unexpected truck delays and finding a long-term tenant for our home to exploring South Dakota's national parks, navigating tiny living with two little boys, and discovering just how much lifestyle freedom entrepreneurship can create, this episode is a candid update on what this season has looked like so far. I also share one of the biggest mindset shifts I've had since leaving: realizing that building a business isn't just about financial freedom. It's also about creating the freedom to experience life differently, and this trip has completely changed the way I think about that. Finally, I'm announcing something I've been incredibly excited to launch: my new On-Site Marketing Intensives. These application-only experiences combine brand strategy, guest experience consulting, content creation, and marketing strategy—all at your property. If you've been looking for hands-on guidance to elevate your hospitality brand while creating a library of intentional content that actually converts, this is exactly what I've built these for. To learn more about the new On-Site Marketing Intensives, view our travel schedule, and submit an application, visit theweberco.com/on-site-marketing. I can't wait to meet some of you in person as we travel across the country.

  8. 16 Jun

    EP 247: How They Reached 70% Direct Bookings (And Why Most Hosts Are Asking the Wrong Question) with Rose Tipka

    Everyone wants more direct bookings. But what if the question isn't "How do I get more direct bookings?" What if the real question is, "How do I build a business that guests want to book from directly?" In this episode of Branded & Booked, I sit down with Rose Taika, founder of Your Family's Place, a vacation rental company in Ohio's Amish Country that generates roughly 70% of its bookings through its own website. Rose is a homeschooling mom of six, a best-selling author, and a hospitality entrepreneur who has built a portfolio of family-focused vacation rentals by thinking differently about branding, guest experience, and long-term business value. Throughout our conversation, Rose shares why direct bookings are the result of years of intentional business building—not a software, funnel, or marketing hack. We talk about how Your Family's Place reached approximately 70% direct bookings, why most hosts focus on the wrong metrics when trying to increase direct reservations, and the role branding, email marketing, content creators, advertising, and repeat guests have played in their growth. Rose also shares why she believes hospitality is ultimately a relationship business and how that mindset has shaped everything from their guest experience to their long-term growth strategy. One of the most powerful moments in the episode comes when Rose says, "Real businesses market." It's a simple statement, but one that challenged the way I think many of us approach direct bookings. In an industry where Airbnb can bring us reservations, it's easy to forget that direct bookings don't happen by accident. They are often the result of years of building a brand, nurturing guest relationships, and consistently showing up. We also discuss the mindset shift from owning vacation rentals to building a hospitality business, creating value beyond the real estate itself, and why scaling a successful hospitality company requires consistent effort over time. Whether you're a vacation rental owner, boutique hotel operator, property manager, or hospitality entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights on branding, marketing, guest relationships, and building a business designed for the long term. Connect with Rose Instagram: @yourfamilysplace_ Instagram: @hostinginthemotherhood Connect with Steph Website: TheWeberCo.com Instagram: @theweberco

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About

Are you ready to stand out in the crowded world of short-term rentals and boutique hotels? Branded & Booked is the podcast for ambitious hosts and property owners who want to create rave-worthy brands and stay consistently booked. Hosted by Steph Weber, an expert in branding and marketing for STRs, this podcast is packed with actionable advice, inspiring stories, and behind-the-scenes insights to help you elevate your property and attract your best guests. Tune in every week to learn how to market your property, create a guest experience they'll rave about, and build a hospitality business.

Information

  • Creator
    Steph Weber
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    199
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Weber Co
  • Show Website
    Branded & Booked

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