Heads In Beds Show

In this episode of The Heads In Beds Show, Paul and Conrad give a TON of ideas on photo and video assets that you need to build your vacation rental brand.

⭐️ Links & Show Notes

• Paul Manzey 
• Conrad O'Connell
• Conrad's Book: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing
• Conrad's Course: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing 101
• Short-Term Rental Photography Secrets with Andrew Keller
• ISOneedphotos

🔗 Connect With BuildUp Bookings

• Website
• Facebook Page
• Instagram

🚀 About BuildUp Bookings

BuildUp Bookings is a team of creative, problem solvers made to drive you more traffic, direct bookings and results for your accommodations brand. Reach out to us for help on search, social and email marketing for your vacation rental brand.

Video ideas:

📍 Property Showcase Videos (25 Ideas)

Core Property Tours

1. 60-Second Property Highlight Reel – Wide-angle shots of living areas, bedrooms, kitchen, outdoor spaces ending with dramatic drone pullback
2. POV Guest Arrival Experience – GoPro-style journey from parking to front door to best view in the house
3. Follow-Me Guided Tour – Host-led walkthrough highlighting unique features and amenities
4. Before & After Renovation Reveal – Split-screen transformation showcasing property improvements
5. Room-by-Room Flash Tour – 3-second clips of each space with text overlays (Master Suite, Chef's Kitchen, Game Room)

Amenity Spotlights

1. Unique Feature Deep Dive – 30-second focus on standout amenities (infinity pool, wine cellar, home theater)
2. Chef's Kitchen in Action – Professional cooking demonstration showcasing high-end appliances
3. Outdoor Living Paradise – Pool, hot tub, fire pit, BBQ area montage with lifestyle shots
4. Master Suite Experience – Morning coffee in bed with sunrise view through floor-to-ceiling windows
5. Smart Home Technology – Voice-controlled lighting, automated blinds, keyless entry demonstration

Advanced Visual Content

1. Aerial Property Overview – Drone 360° orbit at golden hour with distance markers to beaches/attractions
2. Day-to-Night Transformation – Time-lapse showing property from sunrise to illuminated evening
3. Seasonal Property Evolution – Same view across all four seasons (great for year-round bookings)
4. Virtual Tour Teaser – 360° bedroom pan encouraging full Matterport tour viewing
5. Cinematic Property Film – Slow motion, professional lighting, and music telling the property's story

Practical Demonstrations

1. Guest Arrival Guide – Step-by-step check-in process from parking to settling in
2. Amenity How-To Series – Hot tub operation, smart TV setup, grill instructions
3. Property Navigation Map – Animated overlay showing routes to beach, downtown, parking
4. Wi-Fi Speed Test – Real-time demonstration for remote workers
5. Storage & Space Solutions – Closet space, luggage storage, family organization tips

Maintenance & Updates

1. Turnover Time-Lapse – Professional cleaning team preparing property in fast-forward
2. Recent Upgrades Showcase – New furniture, technology, or amenity additions
3. Quality Assurance Check – Host's pre-arrival inspection ensuring everything is perfect
4. Seasonal Maintenance – HVAC service, pool opening, landscape updates
5. Accessibility Features – Ramps, grab bars, accessible bathrooms for inclusive marketing

🎯 Lifestyle & Guest Experience (15 Ideas)

Daily Experiences

1. Perfect Morning Routine – Coffee brewing, sunrise yoga on deck, fresh pastries
2. Cozy Evening Ritual – Fireplace crackling, wine pour, city lights twinkling
3. Family Fun Montage – Game night laughter, pool splashing, movie night setup
4. Couples Retreat Moments – Hot tub under stars, breakfast in bed, sunset dinner
5. Remote Work Paradise – Home office setup, video call with beach backdrop

Entertainment & Recreation

1. Game Room Championships – Pool table trick shots, arcade game highlights, competition laughs
2. Outdoor Adventure Prep – Packing beach bags, loading kayaks, hiking gear organization
3. Spa Day at Home – Bubble bath setup, face masks by the pool, massage table ready
4. Celebration Central – Birthday party setup, anniversary dinner, graduation toast
5. Pet-Friendly Features – Dog bed setup, fenced yard, nearby dog park walkthrough

Culinary Experiences

1. Gourmet Cooking Experience – Using high-end appliances to create restaurant-quality meals
2. Local Grocery Haul – Shopping at nearby markets, unpacking fresh ingredients
3. BBQ Master Class – Grilling techniques, outdoor dining setup, sunset feast
4. Coffee Connoisseur Corner – Espresso machine tutorial, morning coffee ritual
5. Wine & Dine Experience – Cellar selection, proper glassware, tasting notes

🗺️ Local Area & Activities (10 Ideas)

Attraction Showcases

1. Top 5 Local Attractions Countdown – Quick-cut tour of must-visit spots with distances
2. Hidden Gems Revealed – Secret beaches, local favorite restaurants, insider tips
3. Seasonal Activity Guide – Skiing in winter, beach days in summer, foliage tours in fall
4. Foodie Adventure Map – Farmers markets, food trucks, fine dining recommendations
5. Family-Friendly Itinerary – Zoo, adventure parks, kid-friendly restaurants

Experience Documentation

1. Day Trip Inspiration – POV drive to wine country, mountain hikes, city exploration
2. Local Event Calendar – Festivals, concerts, seasonal celebrations nearby
3. Weather-Proof Activities – Rainy day museums, indoor entertainment, covered markets
4. Transportation Options – Rental car pickup, public transit, ride-share availability
5. Shopping & Services – Grocery stores, pharmacies, urgent care locations

⭐ Social Proof & Reviews (8 Ideas)

In this episode of The Heads In Beds Show, Paul and Conrad cover all things Foundational Planning for a vacation rental management company to thrive and grow. 

We cover:

Strategy & Foundational Planning

 • Mission, Vision & Values statements

 • Company origin story

 • Unique Value Proposition (UVP) — guests & owners

 • Geographic focus / service‑territory map

 • Ideal guest personas

 • Ideal property‑owner personas

 • SMART business goals & high‑level KPIs

 • SWOT & competitive analysis report

 • Growth & expansion strategy + market‑entry playbook

 • Succession / leadership‑transition plan

 • Service scope & business‑model definition

 • Market‑research repository (demand, seasonality, ADR benchmarks)

⭐️ Links & Show Notes

• Paul Manzey 
• Conrad O'Connell
• Conrad's Book: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing
• Conrad's Course: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing 101

🔗 Connect With BuildUp Bookings

• Website
• Facebook Page
• Instagram

🚀 About BuildUp Bookings

BuildUp Bookings is a team of creative, problem solvers made to drive you more traffic, direct bookings and results for your accommodations brand. Reach out to us for help on search, social and email marketing for your vacation rental brand.

In this episode of The Heads In Beds Show, Paul and Conrad try something new: a grab bag show with news and notes from around the world of vacation rentals and all growth and the Vacasa - Casago merger. Like this style of episode? Let us know! 

⭐️ Links & Show Notes

• Paul Manzey 
• Conrad O'Connell
• Conrad's Book: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing
• Conrad's Course: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing 101

🔗 Connect With BuildUp Bookings

• Website
• Facebook Page
• Instagram

🚀 About BuildUp Bookings

BuildUp Bookings is a team of creative, problem solvers made to drive you more traffic, direct bookings and results for your accommodations brand. Reach out to us for help on search, social and email marketing for your vacation rental brand.

In this episode of The Heads In Beds Show, Paul and Conrad talk all things conversions: getting more bookings, driving more leads and reviewing your website to find the friction points that stop direct bookings from growing. 

⭐️ Links & Show Notes

• Paul Manzey 
• Conrad O'Connell
• Conrad's Book: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing
• Conrad's Course: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing 101

🔗 Connect With BuildUp Bookings

• Website
• Facebook Page
• Instagram

🚀 About BuildUp Bookings

BuildUp Bookings is a team of creative, problem solvers made to drive you more traffic, direct bookings and results for your accommodations brand. Reach out to us for help on search, social and email marketing for your vacation rental brand.

In this episode of The Heads In Beds Show, Paul and Conrad cover the concept of a marketing audit for vacation rental businesses, discussing what a good audit entails from both the consultant's and the client's perspectives. They explore quantitative (data-driven) and qualitative (opinion and goal-based) aspects of audits for attracting both guests and homeowners. They also touch upon the challenges of conducting free audits, the potential for bias when sales are involved, and the importance of an audit leading to actionable improvements for the business.

⭐️ Links & Show Notes

• Paul Manzey 
• Conrad O'Connell
• Conrad's LinkedIn Post
• Conrad's Book: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing
• Conrad's Course: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing 101

🔗 Connect With BuildUp Bookings

• Website
• Facebook Page
• Instagram

🚀 About BuildUp Bookings

BuildUp Bookings is a team of creative, problem solvers made to drive you more traffic, direct bookings and results for your accommodations brand. Reach out to us for help on search, social and email marketing for your vacation rental brand.

In this episode of The Heads In Beds Show (Part Two), Paul and Conrad dive into the early stages of the vacation rental guest journey — where interest is sparked and decisions begin to form. 

They explore how true inspiration often comes from unexpected, memorable experiences and how smart property managers can tap into that moment before a guest is even planning a trip. From the role of local tourism boards to leveraging blog content and “pattern interrupts,” they unpack why this top-of-funnel phase is often overlooked—and how to make your brand unforgettable.

As guests shift into research mode, the pressure’s on. The hosts break down what travelers are really looking for when comparing destinations and rentals—and why your website needs to stand toe-to-toe with the likes of Airbnb. If your site leaks trust, design, or information, you’ll lose them fast. Tune in to learn how to optimize your marketing for these make-or-break early stages and build demand that puts your properties in high demand (waitlist, anyone?).

⭐️ Links & Show Notes

• Paul Manzey 
• Conrad O'Connell
• Conrad's LinkedIn Post
• Conrad's Book: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing
• Conrad's Course: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing 101
• Part One Of This Series

🔗 Connect With BuildUp Bookings

• Website
• Facebook Page
• Instagram

🚀 About BuildUp Bookings

BuildUp Bookings is a team of creative, problem solvers made to drive you more traffic, direct bookings and results for your accommodations brand. Reach out to us for help on search, social and email marketing for your vacation rental brand.

In this episode of The Heads In Beds Show, Paul and Conrad break down the difference between a Content Creator vs an Influencer and how BOTH can lead to success when installed into your vacation rental social media marketing plan. Enjoy!

⭐️ Links & Show Notes

• Paul Manzey 
• Conrad O'Connell
• Conrad's Book: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing
• Conrad's Course: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing 101

🔗 Connect With BuildUp Bookings

• Website
• Facebook Page
• Instagram

🚀 About BuildUp Bookings

BuildUp Bookings is a team of creative, problem solvers made to drive you more traffic, direct bookings and results for your accommodations brand. Reach out to us for help on search, social and email marketing for your vacation rental brand.

In this episode of The Heads In Beds Show, Paul and Conrad talk all things prompts, AI, how to get the best output for various marketing tasks and a LOT more...

⭐️ Links & Show Notes

• Paul Manzey 
• Conrad O'Connell
• Anthropic Prompt Generation Tool
• Conrad's Book: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing
• Conrad's Course: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing 101

🔗 Connect With BuildUp Bookings

• Website
• Facebook Page
• Instagram

🚀 About BuildUp Bookings

BuildUp Bookings is a team of creative, problem solvers made to drive you more traffic, direct bookings and results for your accommodations brand. Reach out to us for help on search, social and email marketing for your vacation rental brand.

In this episode of The Heads In Beds Show, Paul and Conrad dive into the early stages of the vacation rental guest journey — where interest is sparked and decisions begin to form. 

They explore how true inspiration often comes from unexpected, memorable experiences and how smart property managers can tap into that moment before a guest is even planning a trip. From the role of local tourism boards to leveraging blog content and “pattern interrupts,” they unpack why this top-of-funnel phase is often overlooked—and how to make your brand unforgettable.

As guests shift into research mode, the pressure’s on. The hosts break down what travelers are really looking for when comparing destinations and rentals—and why your website needs to stand toe-to-toe with the likes of Airbnb. If your site leaks trust, design, or information, you’ll lose them fast. Tune in to learn how to optimize your marketing for these make-or-break early stages and build demand that puts your properties in high demand (waitlist, anyone?).

⭐️ Links & Show Notes

• Paul Manzey 
• Conrad O'Connell
• Conrad's LinkedIn Post
• Conrad's Book: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing
• Conrad's Course: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing 101

🔗 Connect With BuildUp Bookings

• Website
• Facebook Page
• Instagram

🚀 About BuildUp Bookings

BuildUp Bookings is a team of creative, problem solvers made to drive you more traffic, direct bookings and results for your accommodations brand. Reach out to us for help on search, social and email marketing for your vacation rental brand.

In this episode of The Heads In Beds Show, Paul and Conrad discuss the crucial role of online reviews in the vacation rental business. 

They dive into which platforms deserve your focus, highlighting the importance of Google reviews for brand search, trust, and SEO. Discover why you should prioritize one review platform at a time for better results and the power of personalized review requests over automated ones.

The hosts share valuable insights on handling both positive and negative feedback, emphasizing the dos and don'ts of responding professionally and promptly without getting defensive. Learn when to take conversations offline and why generic responses are a no-go.

Paul and Conrad also touch on the significance of review velocity, understanding the different standards of review platforms like Airbnb and Verbbo, and when it might be worth claiming listings on niche sites like Yelp. 

Finally, they explore the dual impact of reviews on attracting both guests and homeowners and offer a unique tip on how to potentially boost review numbers. Tune in to master your online reputation and turn reviews into a powerful asset for your vacation rental business!

⭐️ Links & Show Notes

• Paul Manzey 
• Conrad O'Connell
• Conrad's Book: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing
• Conrad's Course: Mastering Vacation Rental Marketing 101

🔗 Connect With BuildUp Bookings

• Website
• Facebook Page
• Instagram

🚀 About BuildUp Bookings

BuildUp Bookings is a team of creative, problem solvers made to drive you more traffic, direct bookings and results for your accommodations brand. Reach out to us for help on search, social and email marketing for your vacation rental brand.