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

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: https://www.facebook.com/groups/marketinghubforhospitality

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: 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

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: https://www.instagram.com/directbookingsuccess

Join Jenn’s free Facebook group – the Marketing Hub: https://www.facebook.com/groups/marketinghubforhospitality

Are you ready for a surprising twist?

Imagine running a multi-million-dollar vacation rental business while homeschooling six kids.

Rose Tipka, the CEO of Your Family's Place, not only achieves this but also shares her secrets in a 52-part Instagram series. But here's the real surprise – her direct booking success strategy isn't just about marketing; it's about building relationships.

Want to know how she does it? Stay tuned to uncover how Rose's unconventional approach has redefined direct booking success and how you can apply her strategies to your own vacation rental business.

Life is messy. But I got to tell you, life is messy for everybody. Life is messy for people with one kid. Life is messy for somebody with a bunch of kids that go to regular school. That is the reality for all of us. And for me, choosing to homeschool is because I want my kids to have the freedom of time and opportunity to follow their interests, their passions. - Rose Tipka

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Enhance Your Brand Presence with Direct Booking Relationships: Discover powerful strategies to build direct relationships with guests and boost your vacation rental brand.
• Empower Your Entrepreneurial Journey as a Mother: Uncover effective tips for balancing the demands of motherhood while running a successful vacation rental business.
• Level Up Your Vacation Rental Management Skills: Master insider tips and tricks for efficient and effective vacation rental management.
• Elevate Guest Communication Strategies for Hosting Success: Explore expert strategies for communicating with guests to create memorable experiences and secure repeat bookings.
• Amplify Your Vacation Rental Visibility: Unlock the secrets to maximizing your vacation rental's visibility and attracting more bookings.

My special guest is Rose Tipka

Rose Tipka, CEO of Your Family's Place, and the mind behind Hosting In The Motherhood, brings a wealth of experience to the vacation rental industry. As a homeschooling mom of six children, she manages $3 million worth of vacation rentals in Ohio, situated near Amish Country. With a focus on building direct booking relationships, Rose's expertise extends to guest communication strategies, maximizing vacation rental visibility, and balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with motherhood. Her success in strengthening brand presence and increasing direct bookings makes her a trusted authority in vacation rental management, offering valuable insights for hosts seeking to enhance their direct booking strategy.

Watch Rose on TV: https://fox8.com/on-air/new-day-cleveland/travel-tips-from-a-vacation-rental-expert/

Connect with Rose:

www.yourfamilyspace.com

www.hostinginthemotherhood.com

https://www.instagram.com/yourfamilysplace_

https://www.instagram.com/hostinginthemotherhood

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Background

00:02:33 - Building Book Direct Relationship

00:05:07 - Memorable Guest Interactions

00:09:57 - Personalized Approach

00:12:08 - Building Credibility

00:14:52 - Building Brand Visibility

00:16:52 - Triangulating Authority

00:18:14 - Homeschooling and Work-Life Harmony

00:24:56 - Direct Booking Success

00:26:05 - Building a Real Business

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: https://www.facebook.com/groups/marketinghubforhospitality

Imagine if you could make your vacation rental not just a place to stay, but a sanctuary of safety and comfort for families with children on the spectrum. 

Suzanne Hacker, a vacation rental business coach, shares her journey of creating spectrum-friendly rentals that go beyond the norm. From extra locks on doors to calming colours and sensory-friendly lighting, Suzanne's insights will open your eyes to a whole new level of inclusive hosting. Join her at the Welcoming All virtual summit on inclusive hosting, where she and other experts will share practical tips to enhance guest experience and increase direct bookings. Discover how being spectrum-friendly is more than just a niche – it's a powerful way to attract guests who are actively seeking accommodation that meets their specific needs. Don't miss out on this opportunity to turn your vacation rental into a haven for all.

The more that we can embrace things, people that are looking for that help with their vacation will come and stay with you and they will come direct because they are doing the research. - Suzanne Hacker

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Ensure guest safety by implementing effective measures in your vacation rentals.
• Create welcoming and inclusive environments for guests on the autism spectrum.
• Implement practical tips to enhance the guest experience and property management efficiency.
• Embrace inclusivity in hosting to cater to the needs of all guests.
• Learn successful strategies for increasing direct bookings and maximizing revenue.

My special guest this week is Suzanne Hacker.

Specializing in vacation rental business coaching, Suzanne Hacker is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in real estate investment and property management. Her expertise extends to creating spectrum-friendly accommodations, driven by a genuine commitment to inclusive hospitality. Drawing from practical insights gained through firsthand experience in hosting vacation rentals, Suzanne offers valuable perspectives on enhancing the safety and comfort of accommodations for guests with cognitive disabilities. With a focus on implementing practical solutions, such as additional door locks and mindful interior design elements, Suzanne's approach underscores her dedication to improving the guest experience for a diverse range of travelers. As she joins the podcast, listeners can anticipate gaining valuable knowledge and actionable strategies for making their vacation rentals more spectrum-friendly from Suzanne's wealth of expertise.

Connect with Suzanne:

Website: www.welcomingwow.com

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

Join Suzanne and Lorraine’s 2-day FREE Virtual Event that talks about managing your STR, getting more direct bookings and making your short term rental properties inclusive and accessible. Learn more details here: www.welcoming-all.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/

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: https://www.facebook.com/groups/marketinghubforhospitality

Are you a short-term rental operator in Canada? Have you ever felt like the industry content you come across doesn't really apply to your Canadian-specific challenges? Maybe you've been told to just follow the same strategies as those in the US, but ended up feeling frustrated and stuck? If you're tired of trying to adapt generic advice to your Canadian business and not getting the results you need, you're not alone. Let's uncover the unique industry issues specific to Canada and find the solutions you've been looking for.

If you're hosting a conference in a specific country, then it really needs to have an element of that country's content. - Catherine Ratcliffe

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover Canadian-specific industry issues that impact your short-term rental business.
• Learn how to address human trafficking concerns within the Canadian short-term rental market.
• Uncover successful strategies for direct booking in the Canadian short-term rental industry.
• Understand the importance of building and maintaining strong guest relationships in the Canadian short-term rental market.
• Navigate and ensure compliance with specific Canadian rental regulations for short-term rentals.

My special guest this week is Catherine Ratcliffe.

Meet Catherine Ratcliffe, the visionary behind STR Benefits Consulting and Lost Together Stays, and the driving force behind CanStays Rental Alliance. With a keen understanding of the Canadian short-term rental landscape, Catherine's journey in the industry and her unwavering commitment to addressing Canadian-specific regulations make her a trusted voice in the field. Her dedication to organizing the CanStays Rental Alliance conference reflects her passion for supporting and empowering Canadian short-term rental owners. Catherine's expertise and advocacy for informed and compliant business operations make her a compelling and valuable guest for this episode.

https://www.canstaysrentalalliance.com/

$100 off the conference registration using code DBS

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:03:01 - Can Stays Rental Alliance and Its Purpose

00:06:30 - Addressing Human Trafficking in the Short-Term Rental Industry

00:10:41 - Advocacy and Education on Public Safety and Human Trafficking

00:16:22 - The Importance of the CanStays Conference

00:17:10 - Diverse Topics at the Conference

00:19:01 - Unique Canadian Regulations

00:21:23 - Importance of Understanding Canadian Market

00:29:36 - What Direct Booking Success means to Catherine

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: https://www.facebook.com/groups/marketinghubforhospitality

If you're feeling the frustration of struggling to create a memorable guest experience and falling short on guest loyalty, then you are not alone! Are you tired of the same old methods not bringing in the direct bookings and guest loyalty you desire? It's time to switch things up and take your hospitality game to the next level. Let's dive into the game-changing strategies to boost guest loyalty and secure those direct bookings!

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Mastering guest experience: Elevate your rental business by creating unforgettable guest experiences that keep them coming back for more.
• Building a standout brand identity: Learn how to craft a unique and compelling brand for your rental properties, setting them apart from the competition.
• Experiential branding made easy: Discover how to create immersive and memorable experiences for your guests, leaving a lasting impression that drives direct bookings.
• Unlocking upselling opportunities: Tap into effective strategies to increase revenue by upselling additional services or experiences to your guests.
• Direct booking success secrets: Uncover the winning strategies for driving more direct bookings, reducing reliance on third-party booking platforms.

“If you can get a customer, whether it's from a direct booking or not, to just want to come back every year, then that can provide a huge lifetime value. Even if you offer that guest a discount to start or you bend over backwards to try and make them happy, you've got to think of this as the long game.” - Connor Paton

My special guest this week is Connor Paton.

Connor Paton, co-founder and CEO of Noshable, seamlessly blends his real estate expertise with a deep understanding of the ever-evolving hospitality industry. His journey from property management to prop tech startups has equipped him with a unique vantage point on the challenges and opportunities in the field. With a keen eye for enhancing guest experiences, Connor's insights into the importance of brand loyalty and the evolution of the short-term rental landscape offer valuable takeaways for property managers and hospitality professionals. Through his innovative approach to grocery concierge software, Connor is dedicated to empowering property managers to elevate guest satisfaction and drive direct bookings.

Connect with Connor: 

https://www.shopnoshable.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/connormpaton/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopnoshable/

**Book a demo with Noshable and mention that you heard about them on this DBS podcast to receive a boosted revenue share and have the delivery fee covered for your first guest.**

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Noshable

00:02:59 - Evolution of Hospitality

00:08:00 - Building Brand Loyalty

00:10:43 - Basics of Guest Experience

00:12:11 - Guest Priorities and Experiences

00:12:39 - The Importance of Meeting Guest Expectations

00:13:42 - Noshable - A Unique Grocery Delivery Service

00:14:28 - Convenience and Revenue Generation

00:15:37 - Leveraging Noshable for Property Managers

00:19:50 - Noshable's Market Coverage and Future Plans

00:25:00 - Building Brand Loyalty

00:26:05 - Reasonable Hospitality

00:27:30 - Direct Booking Success

00:28:06 - Special Offer for Listeners 

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: https://www.facebook.com/groups/marketinghubforhospitality

Are you ready for a game-changing strategy that's turning the world of luxury vacation rentals upside down? Get ready to uncover the surprising approach that's redefining the guest experience and skyrocketing direct bookings. It's a behind-the-scenes look at how this mastermind is rewriting the rules, attracting elite guests, and creating an unforgettable stay. Get ready to dive into the unexpected and join the revolution in vacation rentals. Excited to learn more? Stay tuned for the big reveal!

'It means that I don't have to be concerned about the price in the market. So what I mean by that is because we have a lot of people who just come directly to us. They don't shop around, so we don't have to concern ourselves with what other people are doing.' - Deana Steele

In this episode, you'll be able to:

• Discover the secrets to marketing luxury vacation rentals in Kelowna and attracting elite guests.
• Uncover the art of building strong relationships with real estate agents to elevate your property portfolio.
• Master the pricing strategy for luxury rentals to maximize profitability and desirability.
• Learn the power of targeting niche demographics for exclusivity and heightened guest experience.

In this week's episode of the Direct Booking Success, I'm joined by Deana Steele.

Deana Steele, the founder of Keys to Kelowna, brings over 20 years of experience in luxury vacation rentals. Her journey into the hospitality industry was a serendipitous blend of real estate fascination and a love for customer service. Operating in Kelowna, BC, Canada, Deana's properties are synonymous with elite experiences. With a keen eye for rare opportunities, Deana emphasizes the value of properties exceeding the $3 million mark, offering unparalleled locations and privacy, making each stay an exclusive affair. Her unique approach to luxury vacation rentals and her expertise in hosting elite guests distinguish her as a prominent figure in the industry.

Connect with Deana:

https://www.keystokelowna.com

https://instagram.com/keystokelowna

https://instagram.com/deanasteele

You are invited to join The Real Hosts of Short-Term Rentals Mastermind for FREE. The Real Hosts broadcast live every Monday, discussing strategies and industry news with the occasional special guest and audience Q&A. More information: https://instagram.com/therealhosts

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:00 - Introducing Dina Steele

00:07:48 - Defining Luxury and Elite

00:10:05 - The Experience of Luxury

00:14:42 - Marketing to the Elite Demographic

00:15:39 - Finding Elite Guests

00:18:17 - Unique Branding and Pricing Strategy

00:23:29 - Influence and Networking

00:27:01 - What Direct Booking Success means to Deana

00:29:05 - Benefits of Joining the Real Host

00:29:43 - Diverse Business Models

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 group – the Marketing Hub Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/marketinghubforholidayrentals

Do you ever feel like you're putting so much effort into your website, but not seeing the direct booking results you want? You've probably been told to work harder and figure it out, but the more you try, the more frustrated and stuck you feel. It's time to stop the cycle of ineffective actions and start making real progress. Let's break free from the pain of not getting results and find a better way to optimize your website for increased direct bookings.

All of our websites, every single year, and we do this for all of our clients, we go through, and we update the titles of the website to say book direct because you want people to know that they can book direct before they've even clicked on the link. - Bart Sobies

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Increase direct bookings with proven strategies.
• Optimize your website for maximum direct bookings.
• Build trust and credibility with social proof.
• Ensure mobile responsiveness for easy direct bookings.
• Harness the power of email marketing and data analytics.

My special guest is Bart Sobies.

Bart Sobies is the founder of iBooked Online, a company specializing in website optimization for direct bookings. With over four years of industry experience, Bart has honed his expertise in creating effective and visually appealing websites tailored to the accommodation sector, including hotels, motels, and short-term rentals. His deep understanding of property managers' challenges in establishing and maintaining an impactful online presence has positioned him as a trusted authority in the field. Bart's strategic focus on enhancing website functionality and design to drive direct bookings has resulted in tangible success for numerous properties across various scales. His commitment to remaining at the forefront of technological advancements underscores his dedication to providing property managers with cutting-edge solutions for increased direct bookings and improved online visibility.

Connect with Bart: 

https://www.instagram.com/ibooked.online/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-sobies/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/accommodationmanagers

More information: https://www.ibooked.online/

*Mention the DBS Podcast for a $200 savings on the set up of your website. Offer ends May 19th, 2024.* 

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:08 - Introduction to Booking Success Podcast

00:01:47 - Introduction to iBooked Online

00:07:56 - First Impressions and Website Review

00:09:16 - Aligning Photography with Booking Seasons

00:11:20 - Optimizing Website Photography

00:12:45 - Creating Emotional Connection through Visuals

00:14:03 - Crafting Clear and Concise Descriptions

00:15:51 - Utilizing AI for Description Refinement

00:17:18 - Focusing on Guest Experience in Property Management

00:18:18 - Testing and Streamlining the Booking Process

00:38:19 - Planning and Execution

00:39:00 - Search Engine Optimization

00:41:20 - Image Optimization for SEO

00:42:24 - Reviewing Book Direct Strategy

00:47:57 - Special Offer for Listeners

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 group – the Marketing Hub Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/marketinghubforholidayrentals