On this episode of the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Hostfully – we’re joined by Conrad O’Connell, Founder of BuildUp Bookings, to break down how STR operators can move from OTA dependency to meaningful direct bookings in as little as three months.

Conrad shares the non-negotiable pages every direct booking site needs, the most common SEO mistakes he sees (and how to fix them), and the quick wins that actually drive traffic.

We also cover Google Business Profile, the current state of Google Vacation Rentals, and how to use social media and paid ads to feed your site (without burning budget). You’ll also learn the smartest way to build an email list, why direct bookings aren’t free, and the one mistake operators should stop making today.

If you’re serious about owning your demand, this conversation is a blueprint. Plus: Conrad’s biggest marketing win of the year, favourite brands, and a few shout-outs you’ll want to note.

0:00 Episode starts

1:00 From OTA dependency to direct bookings in three months 

4:22 Dealing with hosts who want more direct bookings 

6:01 Direct bookings are not free 

8:25 The pages every direct booking website needs

11:01 Common SEO mistakes short-term rental managers make

12:26 The simple things you can do to drive website traffic

15:14 Let your guests know you have a direct booking website

16:40 Google Business Profile 

18:50 Google Vacation Rentals 

21:56 Utilise social media to drive people to your website 

22:59 Paid ads on social media 

24:44 The smartest way to build an email list 

27:30 The one mistake operators should stop making

29:18 The biggest marketing win this year 

31:56 Build Up Bookings: https://www.buildupbookings.com/

32:24 Favourite brands: Luxury Retreats and Fieldtrip

34:01 Shout-out: Tyann Marcink Hammond 

35:18 Biggest lesson learned

Looking for a great PMS or digital guidebook? You need Hostfully!

Check out these special offers:

Property Management Software: Get $500 off onboarding by using the code PLANET500.

Digital Guidebooks: Get 30% off for life by using the code HOSTPLANETGB.

Click here to sign up for Hostfully: https://tinyurl.com/3ay8bhtk

Keen to book a Hostfully demo? Click here to connect with Frank Bosi: https://tinyurl.com/Hostfully-Demo

Email Frank: [email protected] 

Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/

James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/

Conrad O'Connell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conradoconnell/

BuildUp Bookings: https://www.buildupbookings.com/

Episode to check next: The Smart Way to Price Your Vacation Rental: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsHYwAUreLs

Host Planet Podcast is presented by James Varley, a holiday let investor and property manager who is also the Founder of Host Planet. Before founding Host Planet, James spent 20 years in the media, including a decade leading corporate communications for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Contact the show: [email protected]

#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #Hostfully #PMS #DigitalGuidebooks #SpecialOffer