Synopsis
Welcome to the Boost Hospitality Marketing Podcast.The only Hotel, Guesthouse and Self Let Accommodation podcast that will give you simple, actionable tips to boost your bookings.My name is Mark Simpson, and I am based in Yorkshire, England.For the last three years, I have run my guesthouse with my family.I know exactly what YOU are feeling right now.You want help with your marketing, but you don't know where to turnThat was me a year ago.That is why I created the Boost Hospitality Marketing Podcast.I will share with you simple, yet essential advice and tips on how you can boost your direct bookings and cut down on commission costs to the online travel agents.After you have listened, get in touch, I would love to hear how you get on
Episodes
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Airbnb Content Creators to watch in 2025
13/01/2025 Duration: 13minWelcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 761 https://www.hostfully.com/boostly/ Welcome to the Boostly Podcast, the go-to resource for short-term rental hosts looking to scale their businesses with direct bookings. In this episode, Mark discusses the launch of a new solo channel while ensuring the podcast's regular content remains the same. This episode focuses on recommending a list of content creators to follow in 2025, highlighting their unique approaches and contributions. The list includes Zach Bougie Cruz, Isaac French, Eric D. Moller, Maddy Rifkin and Casey Evans from Mount, Mike Ionetta (Mike Will Build), Patrick Swiatek, and Matt Kruger (rental cashflow). The recommendations emphasize the innovative and personal ways these creators engage with their audiences and provide valuable insights and inspiration. https://Boostly.co.uk https://Boostly.co.uk/5steps https://instagram.com/boostlyuk https://Boostly.co.uk/podcast
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Boostly’s Game-Changing Predictions for 2025!
06/01/2025 Duration: 47minWelcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 760. stayfi.com/boostly Discount code: BOOSTLY https://www.hostfully.com/boostly/ Welcome to the Boostly Podcast, the go-to resource for short-term rental hosts looking to scale their businesses with direct bookings. In this special year-end episode, Mark returns to share an exciting compilation of 2025 predictions from 15 industry experts across the globe. Covering everything from AI innovation and sustainability to the impact of regulations and the rise of unique guest experiences, this episode is packed with insights to help you prepare for the future of the short-term rental market. Whether you're a seasoned host or just starting, these sharp, 2-minute expert takes will leave you inspired and ready to thrive in 2025. 00:00 - Welcome to Episode 759 02:21 - Evolution of the Boostly Podcast 04:42 - The Power of Consistency 06:13 - Boostly’s Plans for 2025 06:59 - Expert Predictions: Challenges and Opportunities https://Boostly.co.uk https://Boostly.co.uk/5steps https:
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Directo: Revolutionizing How You Get Direct Bookings
30/12/2024 Duration: 29minWelcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 759. stayfi.com/boostly Discount code: BOOSTLY https://www.hostfully.com/boostly/ In this episode of the Boostly podcast, the host welcomes E from STR Secrets as the special guest. The podcast is dedicated to providing hosts with the tactics, tools, training, and confidence to achieve more direct bookings. E shares his journey from working as a maintenance guy in 2010 to owning a 40-unit apartment complex. He discusses the significance of mindset in overcoming business challenges. E emphasizes the importance of understanding desires versus paradigms and how a burning desire can change decision-making and results. The conversation covers how to maintain focus without succumbing to distractions and the crucial role of discipline. E shares insights on how one's environment and the people around them can influence their success. He advises listeners to ask themselves if the advice they receive is from those living the life they aspire to have. The importance of gratitude and
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The STR Mindset Playbook: Overcoming Doubts and Growing Boldly
23/12/2024 Duration: 40minWelcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 758. stayfi.com/boostly Discount code: BOOSTLY https://www.hostfully.com/boostly/ In this episode of the Boostly podcast, the host welcomes E from STR Secrets as the special guest. The podcast is dedicated to providing hosts with the tactics, tools, training, and confidence to achieve more direct bookings. E shares his journey from working as a maintenance guy in 2010 to owning a 40-unit apartment complex. He discusses the significance of mindset in overcoming business challenges. E emphasizes the importance of understanding desires versus paradigms and how a burning desire can change decision-making and results. The conversation covers how to maintain focus without succumbing to distractions and the crucial role of discipline. E shares insights on how one's environment and the people around them can influence their success. He advises listeners to ask themselves if the advice they receive is from those living the life they aspire to have. The importance of gratitude and
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Scaling & Selling: Lessons from Guest Homes with Josh Guest
16/12/2024 Duration: 40minWelcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 757. stayfi.com/boostly Discount code: BOOSTLY https://www.hostfully.com/boostly/ In this episode of the Boostly podcast, host Liam interviews Josh Guest, a successful entrepreneur in the short-term rental industry. Josh started Guest Homes in 2018, initially as a rent-to-service accommodation (SA) business based in Brighton. Despite facing numerous challenges, such as managing properties four hours away, he quickly scaled his portfolio. By networking and leveraging local markets, he managed up to 130 units before selling his business to the Host and Stay Group. Josh shares valuable insights on building and scaling a short-term rental business from scratch. He emphasizes the importance of acquiring units, maintaining quality service for clients and guests, and utilizing technology like channel managers and pricing tools. He also underscores the significance of keeping operational costs low, especially when starting. Josh discusses the importance of marketing strategies,
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Standing Out in STR: How Yhangry is Revolutionizing Guest Experiences with Private Chefs
09/12/2024 Duration: 30minWelcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 756. stayfi.com/boostly Discount code: BOOSTLY https://www.hostfully.com/boostly/ In this episode of the Boostly podcast, host Liam interviews Siddhi from YHangry, a service offering private chefs, as the special guest. Siddhi emphasizes the importance of standing out by providing exceptional guest experiences, similar to the amenities provided by hotels. She explains the origin and mission of YHangry, which aims to make private chefs more affordable and accessible, while significantly improving the chefs' working conditions. The service has proven popular in the short-term rental (STR) space, especially for holidaymakers who prefer not to eat out. Siddhi shares that YHangry can be easily integrated into property websites, allowing hosts to attract more bookings and even earn a commission. She argues that it’s beneficial for both high-end and budget rentals, offering various price ranges and experiences. The conversation also touches on the importance of providing memora
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Streamlining Payments and Protecting Against Chargebacks: Insights from Yapstone
02/12/2024 Duration: 23minWelcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 755. stayfi.com/boostly Discount code: BOOSTLY https://www.hostfully.com/boostly/ In this episode of the Boostly podcast, host Liam interviews Chris from Yapstone about the importance of using effective payment solutions for short-term rentals. Yapstone offers dedicated payment management services designed specifically for short-term rental businesses. Chris explains the benefits of using Yapstone, including easier onboarding, faster fund release, and specialized expertise in managing chargebacks and security deposits. They discuss the evolution of payment methods, the significance of cash flow management, and best practices for handling financial transactions in the hospitality industry. Chris also shares insights into their partnership with property management software and offers advice on choosing the right payment provider. The episode ends with Chris sharing his personal mantra: 'Life is a marathon, not a sprint.' www.yapstone.com www.holidayrentpayment.eu www.vaca
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From Startup to Scale-Up: How I Built and Sold A 130-Unit Business
25/11/2024 Duration: 44minWelcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 754. stayfi.com/boostly Discount code: BOOSTLY https://www.hostfully.com/boostly/ In this episode of the Boostly podcast, host Liam speaks with Sasha, the owner of Norfolk Holiday Properties, about the journey of building a holiday property management agency. They discuss key strategies for starting, scaling, and eventually selling a management business, with valuable insights for hosts and property managers. Sasha shares his experiences of expanding his business from managing family-owned properties to a portfolio of 130 units, handling the challenges of standardizing operations, and ultimately selling the business to Host and Stay. He provides actionable advice on maintaining high-quality listings, avoiding client concentration, and ensuring solid contracts to make a property management business attractive to buyers. This conversation is packed with practical tips for anyone looking to grow and potentially sell their own hospitality management business. https://www.no
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Outsource & Grow: Leveraging Virtual Teams for Short-Term Rental Success
18/11/2024 Duration: 52minWelcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 753. stayfi.com/boostly Discount code: BOOSTLY https://www.hostfully.com/boostly/ In this episode of the Boostly podcast, the focus is on providing hosts with tools, tactics, training, and confidence to secure more direct bookings in hospitality. Liam sits down with Matthew Metro, founder of CS Outsource. Matthew shares that his company helps short-term and mid-term rental operators build virtual assistant teams. They began with guest communications, vendor scheduling, and disputing negative reviews, eventually expanding to digital marketing, bookkeeping, and business development. The discussion delves into the challenges of hiring, training, managing, and retaining virtual assistants (VAs). Matthew underscores the importance of being specific about job responsibilities and conducting a time study before hiring. He also discusses the impact of AI, noting that while it can handle low-level tasks, human touch is crucial for nuanced operations. Matthew advises promoting exi
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Stand Out & Get Booked: The Power of Branding for Hosts
11/11/2024 Duration: 57minWelcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 752. stayfi.com/boostly Discount code: BOOSTLY https://www.hostfully.com/boostly/ In this episode of the Boostly podcast, Liam interviews Dominique Hart. She is an International Visual Branding Strategist, Dynamic Speaker, Serial Entrepreneur, CEO and founder of Dynamik Endeavors, and six-figure Real Estate Investor — all by the age of 30. Now she’s empowering entrepreneurs worldwide how they can elevate their business through the power of dynamic brand design. As a first generation American with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Advertising from Temple University concentrating on Art Direction, and an Executive Certification in Brand Management from Cornell University’s SC Johnson College of Business, and a Masters in Professional Studies from the Masters in Branding Program at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, Dominique doesn’t just follow trends, she merges her corporate background and entrepreneurial insight to teach visionaries all over the world how they can b
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From Overlooked to Overbooked: The Power of Eye-Catching Photos
04/11/2024 Duration: 55minWelcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 751. stayfi.com/boostly Discount code: BOOSTLY https://www.hostfully.com/boostly/ In this episode of the Boostly Podcast, Liam welcomes back Katie and Brian from Overlooked to Overbooked, a company specializing in vacation rental photography. Katie and Brian share their experiences, insights, and expert advice on improving property listings to attract more guests. They discuss the importance of eye-catching photos, color usage, and sequencing. The team also emphasizes understanding the target audience and creating emotional connections through photography. They announce upcoming enhancements to their photo course and offer exclusive discounts to Boostly listeners. If you're a host looking to improve your direct bookings, this episode is packed with actionable tips and expert advice to get you started. www.overlooked2overbooked.com 1. O2O Listing Assessment (50% off with code BOOSTLY24): https://o2o.gumroad.com/l/o2o-listing-assessment/BOOSTLY24 2. O2O Photo Course (DIY
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Superhost Status: Myth or Reality? Let’s Look at the Data
28/10/2024 Duration: 20minWelcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 750. stayfi.com/boostly Discount code: BOOSTLY https://www.hostfully.com/boostly/ In this episode of the Boostly Podcast, Mark discusses the significance of Airbnb's Superhost badge with Kenny Bedwell, CEO of STR Insights. They explore the perception and impact of the badge, emphasizing that while it may slightly increase revenue through filters, it doesn't guarantee success for hosts. Bedwell explains that 56% of hosts are Superhosts, with criteria including a rating of 4.7 or higher and at least 10 nights booked per quarter. The conversation also covers the Guest Favorite badge, representing the top 20% of listings based on reviews, which can increase revenue by 11%. Bedwell highlights the importance of staying updated with Airbnb's amenities and optimizing listings on the platform. He shares tips on increasing guest reviews and achieving success as a host. The video ends with Bedwell promoting STR Insights' services to help investors find profitable short-term rental
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When an OTA Bans You: A Host’s Story of Resilience and Reinvention
21/10/2024 Duration: 56minWelcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 749. stayfi.com/boostly Discount code: BOOSTLY https://www.hostfully.com/boostly/ In this episode of the Boostly Podcast, guest Elam King shares his challenging journey in the short-term rental business after being unexpectedly banned from Airbnb. Hosted by Boostly, the podcast focuses on providing tools and advice to hosts in the hospitality industry. Elam discusses the events leading to his account suspension, including a shadow ban and the eventual cancellation of $440,000 in reservations. He details the confusion and frustration dealing with Airbnb's customer service and the impact on his business, which at its height operated 20 properties generating over a million dollars in revenue annually. Despite the adversity faced, including legal battles and system glitches, Elam remains optimistic about the future. He discusses potential plans for entering coaching or starting a bookkeeping firm, drawing from his experiences to help others. The conversation touches on broad
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The Future of Direct Bookings: Where Is the Book Direct Movement Headed?
14/10/2024 Duration: 52minWelcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 748. stayfi.com/boostly Discount code: BOOSTLY https://www.hostfully.com/boostly/ In this episode of the Boostly podcast, the conversation explores different host categories, emphasizing the distinction between hobbyist hosts and professional companies, and the challenges they face in the current market. The episode discusses the influence of Airbnb and suggestions for educating guests on the benefits of booking directly, beyond just cost savings. It addresses strategic decisions for property managers aiming to grow their businesses while maintaining brand integrity and the potential niche markets for new OTAs in the evolving landscape. The importance of focusing on controllable outcomes in business growth is a prominent theme throughout the discussion. https://Boostly.co.uk https://Boostly.co.uk/5steps https://instagram.com/boostlyuk https://Boostly.co.uk/podcast
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Turning Stays into Stories: A Host’s Journey to Creating Memories
07/10/2024 Duration: 58minWelcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 747. stayfi.com/boostly Discount code: BOOSTLY https://www.hostfully.com/boostly/ In this episode of the Boostly podcast, we hear the inspiring story of Andy Cheetham, owner and managing director of The Terrace Windermere. Host Liam and Andy discuss how the Boostly podcast empowered Andy to transform his business from relying almost entirely on OTAs to achieving a significant share of direct bookings. Andy shares detailed insights into his property journey, innovative tech stack, and the critical strategies he's implemented to boost his bookings. The conversation also covers heartwarming anecdotes, the importance of having a strong and passionate team, and valuable lessons learned from years in the industry. This episode is a treasure trove of actionable advice for anyone in the short-term rental business looking to drive more direct bookings and improve their operations. www.theterracewindermere.co.uk orrestheadhouse.co.uk https://Boostly.co.uk https://Boostly.co.uk/
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Partnering for Success: Connecting Your Property with Travel Experts
30/09/2024 Duration: 35minWelcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 746. stayfi.com/boostly Discount code: BOOSTLY https://www.hostfully.com/boostly/ In this episode of the Boostly podcast, Liam welcomes Mariah Rockman, co-founder of the Smiling House Group, to discuss the new Villa Tracker platform. Mariah explains how Villa Tracker creates a unique B2B2C bridge for vacation rental professionals and travel professionals, offering a closed platform to facilitate bookings and enhance trust in the hospitality industry. The podcast covers Mariah's professional journey, the needs of travel professionals, and the exciting features of Villa Tracker that cater to luxury and design-oriented properties. Mariah also shares her insights for hosts on staying connected, leveraging multiple booking channels, and embracing unique services to grow their businesses. https://smilinghouse.ch/ https://www.villatracker.com @smilinghouseluxury @Villatracker https://Boostly.co.uk https://Boostly.co.uk/5steps https://instagram.com/boostlyuk https://Boostly.co
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Mastering Direct Bookings: Email Marketing Strategies
23/09/2024 Duration: 32minWelcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 745. stayfi.com/boostly Discount code: BOOSTLY https://www.hostfully.com/boostly/ In this episode of the Boostly podcast, the focus is on a powerful tool for short-term rental hosts—StayFi. Returning guest Arthur Kolker, CEO and founder of StayFi, explains how the platform allows hosts to collect guest data through WiFi logins and leverage it for impactful email marketing. The discussion covers new features, the importance of email marketing for direct bookings, and strategies to build guest relationships. The conversation also touches on effective email campaigns, automations, and optimizing email open and click-through rates. Hosts are encouraged to integrate StayFi into their tech stack to reduce dependency on OTAs and foster a stronger brand presence. stayfi.com https://www.instagram.com/stayfi_software/ https://Boostly.co.uk https://Boostly.co.uk/5steps https://instagram.com/boostlyuk https://Boostly.co.uk/podcast
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Concierge Secrets: How Amenities Can Make or Break Your Bookings
16/09/2024 Duration: 30minWelcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 744. stayfi.com/boostly Discount code: BOOSTLY https://www.hostfully.com/boostly/ In this episode of the Boostly podcast, Liam interviews Annie Sloan, co-founder and CEO of The Host Co. Sloan discusses the importance of offering creative and valuable amenities in short-term rentals, beyond the typical offerings like late checkouts. They cover how amenities can enhance guest experiences, streamline operations, and generate additional revenue. Sloan shares her journey from being a short-term rental host to building The Host Co. and offers practical advice for integrating amenities seamlessly into rental properties. The episode highlights the role of personalized and automated amenities in improving guest satisfaction and increasing direct bookings. https://www.thehost.co/ https://www.instagram.com/thehostcompany/?hl=en https://Boostly.co.uk https://Boostly.co.uk/5steps https://instagram.com/boostlyuk https://Boostly.co.uk/podcast
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27 Units, 7 Years: Defining Success in Vacation Rentals
09/09/2024 Duration: 40minWelcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 743. stayfi.com/boostly Discount code: BOOSTLY https://www.hostfully.com/boostly/ In this episode of the Boostly Podcast, Liam interviews Gordon Martin, the CEO of People's Places and Things Incorporated, a vacation rental experience company based in Newfoundland, Canada. Gordon discusses his journey from starting with a single property in 2017 to managing 27 unique vacation rentals. He highlights the importance of defining your business, knowing your ideal client, and focusing on guest experiences. Gordon also talks about the challenges and wow moments he faced, especially during the pandemic, and shares valuable insights on essential tools and systems for property management. The episode concludes with Gordon's plans to rebrand his company to Newfoundland Vacation Rentals and his emphasis on creating memorable vacation experiences. https://pptrocks.ca Insta @newfoundlandvacationrentals Fb @newfoundlandvacationrentals Tiktok @nfldvacationrentals https://Boostly.co.uk
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Boost Your Bookings: Strategies to Fill Calendar Gaps
02/09/2024 Duration: 32minWelcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 742. stayfi.com/boostly Discount code: BOOSTLY https://www.hostfully.com/boostly/ In this episode of the Boostly podcast, Liam interviews Sean Wilkinson, the co-founder of HostShare. Sean shares insights about HostShare, a platform designed to help short-term rental hosts convert their vacant nights into valuable travel opportunities. The discussion delves into how the platform works, its benefits to hosts, and the inspiration behind its creation. Sean explains how HostShare allows hosts to trade last-minute vacancies for vacations, potentially saving thousands of dollars per year. The platform ensures a seamless sign-up process by integrating with Airbnb, and it offers a unique community experience where hosts can share and learn from each other. Sean also touches on future plans for HostShare and provides valuable advice for individuals looking to turn their business ideas into reality. www.Hostshare.co www.facebook.com/hostshare www.instagram.com/hostshare https://B