Direct Booking Success Podcast
Episodes
Why I’m Done Teaching STR Marketing the Old Way
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hey, it’s Jenn. After hitting serious burnout at the end of 2024, I stepped back and started rethinking everything about how I teach short-term rent...
5 Ways to Master Direct Bookings Without Overwhelm or High Costs with Jamey King
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the tech and cost of managing your direct bookings? Without the right system in place, you risk lost revenue, double bo...
Unlock the Power of Your Vacation Rental Website with Jodi Bourne
13 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you ready to turn your vacation rental website into a booking powerhouse? In this episode, we explore the art of creating high-converting web...
Beyond Airbnb Using Hospitality to Build Direct Booking Loyalty with Chad Harker
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you ready to take your short-term rental business to new heights? In this episode, we explore the remarkable journey of Chad Harker, a savvy ...
Simplify Your 2025 Marketing with AI for Direct Booking Success
30 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As we step into 2025, are you ready to revolutionize your short-term rental business? In this episode, we're exploring how to simplify, streamline, an...
How We Mastered Direct Bookings for Short-Term Rentals in 2024
23 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As we wrap up an incredible year of growth and learning in the short-term rental industry, it's time to reflect on the valuable insights that have sha...
Using Instagram to Get More Direct Bookings with Katie Bessant
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you ready to turn your Instagram followers into paying guests? In this episode, we explore how to harness the power of Instagram to drive direct b...
How Hosts Can Thrive in the Future with Caitlin Cassady
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you prepared for the future of the vacation rental industry? In this episode, I sit down with Caitlin Cassady, VP of Marketing at Beyond, to ...
Mastering STR Customer Service and First Impressions with Rachael Butler
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you ready to elevate your guests' experience without breaking the bank? In this episode, we explore the art of creating unforgettable stays throug...
Why Hiding Behind Your Logo Is Costing Your Vacation Rental Bookings
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you hiding behind your logo, leaving potential bookings on the table? In the world of short-term rentals, personal connection is the secret ingred...
How Successful Hosts Know Their Ideal Guest with Gil Chan
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you struggling to fill your short-term rental calendar? The secret to more bookings might not be what you think. In this episode, we explore why u...
What Airbnb, VRBO and Booking Do That You Should Too with Uvika Wahi
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you feeling overshadowed by the giants of the vacation rental industry? You're not alone. Many property managers believe they can't compete with A...
3 Types of Marketing Advice You Can Totally Ignore
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you investing time and resources into marketing your vacation rental, but still not seeing the direct bookings you desire? It's possible you'...
Break Free of Airbnb and Take Control of Your Bookings with Jennifer Spencer
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you feeling trapped by your reliance on Airbnb and other OTAs for your vacation rental bookings? It's time to break free and take control of your ...
The Secret to Retaining Guests Even When You’re Fully Booked with Deborah Labi
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the competitive world of short-term rentals, what if your greatest asset was actually your competition? It might sound counterintuitive, but sharin...
How to Use Market Data to Win More Direct Bookings with Mridul Bansal of PriceLabs
13 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you dreaming of more direct bookings but still relying heavily on online travel agencies? It's time to harness the power of market data to take co...
How an Online Summit Can Transform Your Direct Bookings
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you ready to take control of your vacation rental business and boost your direct bookings? In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the 20...
Unlocking STR Success Through Learning from Others
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you feeling like your short-term rental business has hit a plateau? You're not alone. Many property managers and hosts reach a point where they've...
The Secret to Easier Marketing and More Bookings
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the constant demands of marketing your short-term rental property? You're not alone. Many property managers find themse...
Reviving Your Marketing After a Busy STR Season
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As the busy season winds down, are you finding your calendar looking a little sparse? It's a common challenge for short-term rental hosts, but don't l...
Taking the Risk Out of Direct Bookings for your STR with Andrew Schorr
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you ready to take control of your short-term rental business and reduce your reliance on online travel agencies? Many hosts dream of increasing th...
How I Went from Airbnb Reliant to Direct Booking Master
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you ready to take control of your vacation rental business and unlock a world of direct booking success? In this candid episode, I share my person...
The Power of Self-Awareness in Short-Term Rental Success with Ali Cammelletti
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you ready to break free from self-sabotaging patterns that hold you back from achieving the success you envision for your short-term rental busine...
How to use AI in your Vacation Rentals Marketing without Losing your Human Touch with Megan Castor
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you struggling to create authentic, engaging content for your vacation rental business? It's frustrating when your posts lack personality and...
My Favourite Ways to Save Time in Vacation Rental Marketing
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As a vacation rental property manager, your days are a whirlwind of tasks – from guest check-ins and maintenance issues to a never-ending stream of ...
Why a Defined Niche for your STR will Generate more Bookings with Nihal Salah
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you tired of feeling like just another face in the crowd, struggling to make your vacation rental stand out? It's time to break free from the gene...
How to Stay Ahead with AI and Automation in Short-term Rentals with Shiven Vinod Khera
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine transforming your vacation rental business into a seamless, tech-driven hospitality powerhouse, captivating guests with personalized experienc...
Why Consistency in your Marketing Isn’t Enough for Direct Bookings
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you been told that consistency is the key to successful marketing? But what if we told you there's a smarter strategy to drive direct bookings fo...
The Truth About Airbnb Income, Hint… It’s Not What You Think with Lauren Madewell
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Uncover the truth behind the myths of Airbnb passive income. Are you tired of hearing promises of "get rich quick" and effortless rental riches? In th...
Ditch the Facebook Group for Advice on the Right Property Management Software with John Stokinger
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you frustrated by the endless opinions on property management software for Airbnb hosts? Still struggling to find the right fit for your short-ter...
The Key to Turning Your Location into Direct Bookings (and Happy Canada Day!)
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine being able to captivate guests from around the world with the sheer allure of your vacation rental's location. What if you could weave the uni...
Avoid Bad Guests: Trust Marketing for Vacation Rentals with Leo Walton
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Does this sound familiar? You've been told to rely on Airbnb reviews to trust your short term rental guests, but still end up with stained sheets...
How to Transform Unhappy Neighbours into Allies to Keep the Peace for your Airbnb with Chris Cade
17 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Does the struggle with community resistance to Airbnb sound all too familiar? You may have been advised to simply follow the standard Airbnb route, on...
Starting an Online Travel Agency in Canada to Help Hosts with Dany Papineau
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you ready to hear about an unexpected journey that led to the creation of an online travel agency in Canada? Get ready to be surprised as Dan...
Milestone: What I've learned in creating 100 episodes of the DBS Podcast
03 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that creating a successful podcast isn't just about the content? Imagine reaching the top ten on Apple podcasts in the very first we...
Developing Guest Trust for Direct Bookings: A UK Host's Perspective with James Varley
27 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Does this sound familiar? You're struggling to make the switch from long-term to short-term rentals, and you've been told to rely solely on OTAs for b...
How to Market Your Rural vs Urban Vacation Rentals to Attract More Direct Bookings with Brianne Hamilton
20 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the thought of keeping up with the regulations and legislation for short-term rentals, and you're worried about the i...
From Corporate to Cash Flow Queen: How I Built a Midterm Rental Empire with Vivian Yip
13 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Discover the shocking truth behind the explosive growth of midterm rentals! One entrepreneur's journey from escaping the corporate world to building a...
Short-term Rental Alliance Building 101: Getting a Seat at the Regulatory Table with Dana Lubner
06 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Here's a little secret you might not expect: Short-term rental regulations are shaping up to be the next big battleground for hosts and policymakers. ...
How a Retired Couple Discovered Direct Bookings for their 14 Apartments with Michael Guildford
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Discover how a retired couple turned their 14-property business into a direct booking powerhouse, defying the odds in their golden years. But the unex...
Why You Should Stop Chasing 5-Star Reviews And Do This Instead with Damian Sheridan
22 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Discover the unexpected secret to skyrocketing your vacation rental bookings. Uncover the power of video reviews and the surprising impact they have o...
How I Grew My Vacation Rental Business From Scratch Using Social Media with Emily Lethgo
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Behind the Scenes: A Peek Inside a 100-Property Vacation Rental Company with Brian Olson
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered how a laundry facility transformed a vacation rental business into a booming success? Brian Olson, president of Northwest Vacation Renta...
How I Learned the Hard Way that Direct Bookings Build Trust with Brittany Blackman
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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,...
How I Built 80% Direct Bookings and 60% Return Guests with Rose Tipka
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you ready for a surprising twist?Imagine running a multi-million-dollar vacation rental business while homeschooling six kids. Rose Tipka, the CEO...
Welcoming All Guests: How to Make Your Rental Spectrum-Friendly with Suzanne Hacker
18 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 spect...
Uncovering the Unique Challenges for Canadian Short-Term Rental Property Managers with Catherine Ratcliffe
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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-spe...
Why 94% of Guests Still Grocery Shop While on Vacation with Connor Paton
04 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Keys to Riches: Unlocking a Niche in the High-End Hospitality Industry with Deana Steele
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 approa...
365 Days to Direct Booking Success: Essential Website Tips with Bart Sobies
19 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Stand Out or Miss Out: Crafting a Memorable Vacation Rental Brand to Drive Bookings with Carla Chicharro
12 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Does it sound familiar to struggle with standing out and driving direct bookings for your vacation rental properties? You might have been told to simp...
Vacation Rental Secrets: How to Capture More Bookings and Loyal Guests with Jeff Iloulian
05 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you're feeling frustrated because your current marketing efforts are not generating the direct bookings and repeat guests you desire, then you are ...
How to get Website Visitors to Book Direct with Chris Walker
29 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Does it sound familiar to struggle with increasing your direct booking rates? You've probably been told to rely solely on online travel agencies (OTAs...
Delivering 5-Star Airbnb Experiences for Guests with Mike Anderson
22 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Can property managers deliver a five-star guest experience and drive direct bookings? Mike Anderson from Operto Technologies discusses the importance ...
From Long-Term Rentals to Short-Term Success: Investor Stacey St. John's Pivot to Vacation Rentals
15 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you want to make informed real estate investments for short-term rentals? Learn from successful women in the industry as they share their strategie...
An Expert Guide to Direct Booking Success
08 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the pursuit of direct booking success, the unexpected twist lies in the diverse and heartfelt narratives shared by industry experts. As each guest ...
Direct Booking 101: How to Achieve Daily Direct Stays for your Vacation Rental
01 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you tired of unpredictable booking levels? In this episode, I reveal my secrets to getting direct bookings every day while diversifying your chann...
Turn Your Website into a Direct Booking Magnet: Expert Tips from Sarah Orchard
25 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you're feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by the lack of direct bookings for your short-term rental, despite your efforts to increase them through ...
Tech Tools for Property Managers: Enhancing Operational Efficiency in Short-Term Rentals with Christianne Crump
18 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you want to enhance your property management efficiency and streamline your operations? Learn how to achieve improved operational effectiveness in ...
Breaking Barriers and Building Connections: Annie Holcombe on the Value of Mentorship in Vacation Rentals
11 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In a twist of fate, Annie Holcombe's journey in the vacation rental industry began unexpectedly, as she found herself working at a hotel front desk wh...
From Host to Hospitality Brand: Mark Winship's Guide to Personalizing the Guest Experience
04 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In a world of cookie-cutter accommodations, one man dared to defy the norm and revolutionize the short-term rental industry. Meet Mark Winship, whose ...
From Ordinary to Extraordinary: Elevate Your Airbnb Guest Experience Through Upselling with Annie Sloan
27 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Discover the extraordinary journey of Annie Sloan, a CEO who transformed her own experience as a short-term rental host into an innovative software so...
Unleash Your Airbnb Host Potential with Adams Taranda
20 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you want to boost your earnings and expand your business as a host? Are you searching for a way to achieve substantial growth and generate more rev...
From Selling to Sharing: How to Create a Captivating Vacation Experience for Guests
13 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you're feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by the lack of bookings and unhappy guests, despite your efforts to boost your short-term rental property...
Ditching the Myth: Direct Bookings Are for Everyone, Including First-Time Guests!
06 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are direct bookings only for returning guests? In this episode of the Direct Booking Success podcast, I debunk the myth and reveal the secrets to attr...
Breaking Barriers: Lorraine Woodward's Guide to Simple Changes for Accessible Vacations
30 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In a world filled with vacation rental listings, there was one woman who dared to redefine accessibility. What started as a personal journey for Lorra...
Win Over Guests and Boost Bookings: The Art of Building Trust in Vacation Rentals
23 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever had a guest reach out to book directly with you, completely out of the blue? That's exactly what happened to Jenn Boyles, the host of th...
Mastering Airbnb and Embracing Contingency Plans with Zach Busekrus
16 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you're feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by relying solely on Airbnb for bookings, constantly competing for visibility and struggling to maintain ...
Attracting Sustainability-Conscious Guests: Transforming Your Property with Eco-Friendly Practices with Bob Garner
09 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Does this sound familiar? You've been told that implementing sustainability practices in your vacation rental business is crucial for attracting susta...
Boost Your Bookings: Unleash Direct Booking Success at the 2023 Summit
02 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you're feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by the lack of direct bookings for your short-term rental, despite your efforts to promote your accommoda...
Turn Your Website into a Direct Booking Magnet: Expert Tips from Sarah Orchard
25 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you're feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by the lack of direct bookings for your short-term rental, despite your efforts to increase them through ...
From View Count to Bookings: Proven Strategies for Successful Advertising in the Short-Term Rental Sector with Mike Denman
18 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are you ready to take your short-term rental business to the next level? Join Mike Denman as he reveals the secrets of strategic advertising and marke...
Scaling Made Simple: Proven Strategies for Remote Vacation Rental Property Management with Lisa Roads
11 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Does this sound familiar? You've been told that the key to scaling your property management business remotely is to simply work harder and put in more...
Mastering the Mindset: Transitioning from Hobbyist to Pro in the Hospitality Industry with Yvonne Halling
04 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Discover the unexpected twist in Yvonne Halling's journey as she transformed her beloved hobby into a thriving hospitality business. From running a co...
Breaking Seasonality: Daniela Derin's Secrets to High Occupancy Rates with Digital Nomads in Marbella
28 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Discover how Daniela Derin, a holiday rental owner in Marbella, Spain, capitalized on the trend of digital nomads during the pandemic. From forming a ...
The Art of Storytelling: How Destination Marketing Can Take Your Vacation Rental to New Heights with Jodi Bourne
21 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Does this sound familiar? You've been told to constantly lower your prices and offer discounts to attract more guests to your vacation rental. But des...
Data-Driven Strategies for Vacation Rental Growth: Insights from Thibault Masson
14 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine stumbling upon a picturesque French island in the Caribbean, only for it to unexpectedly ignite a passion for data-driven decision-making. Thi...
Don't Wait for the Perfect Time: Boost your Vacation Rental Bookings and Seize Opportunities Now!
07 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are you making the most of each day or just trying to get through it? Accommodation business managers and owners, it's time to seize the day and maxim...
Supercharge Your Hospitality Business: Discover Expert Insights at the Free Direct Booking Success Summit
31 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join me, Jen Boyles, on the Direct Booking Success Podcast as I share two big updates. From my personal journey of moving back to Canada to the launch...
From Airbnb Superhost to Independent Success: The Path to Direct Booking Domination
24 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Does this sound familiar? You've been told that achieving Superhost status on Airbnb is the ultimate goal for increasing bookings. So, you've worked t...
Putting Your Property on the Map: Listing Unique Accommodations on Niche Sites with Alex Wilson
17 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
From vintage trailers to treehouses, Alex Wilson and Dawn Crawford's love for unique accommodations led them on a journey they never imagined. Host Un...
Direct Booking 101: How to Achieve Daily Direct Stays for your Vacation Rental
10 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are you tired of unpredictable booking levels? In this episode, I reveal my secrets to getting direct bookings every day while diversifying your chann...
Tracey Northcott's Guide to Elevating Your Guest Experience for Rental Success
03 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you heard these myths about rental success and the guest experience?Myth #1: As long as the place is clean, guests will be happy. Myth #2: The gu...
Boost Your Short-Term Rental Business with Dave Cordner’s Expert Video Marketing Techniques
26 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dave Cordner had always known the importance of video marketing for his short-term rental business in Belfast. But it was during the pandemic that he ...
From Vision to Success: Prioritising Strategic Growth for Your Vacation Rentals
19 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Does this sound familiar? You've been told to focus on increasing your short-term rental's direct bookings, but you feel stuck in the same place. Perh...
Innovative Hotel Strategies for Your Short-Term Rental with Craig Webb
12 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
From aspiring police officer to successful hotel manager, Craig Webb's journey took an unexpected turn when he discovered the power of digital marketi...
Enhancing Your Vacation Rental's Guest Experience with Jacob Wedderburn-Day of Stasher
05 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a vacation rental property manager who wants to take your guests' experiences to the next level with personalised and exceptional services?Mee...
Attracting Guests and Saving the Planet: The Benefits of Sustainable Vacation Rentals with Vanessa de Souza Lage
29 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sustainability pioneer and vacation rental tech entrepreneur Vanessa de Souza Lage introduces the world's first sustainability badge for vacation rent...
From Likes to Bookings: 3-steps to direct bookings for your vacation rental through social media
22 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are you tired of trying to drive direct bookings by engaging with random guests on social media, only to see no results? It's time to ditch the i...
Building Trust and Relationships in Vacation Rentals with Jane Mack
15 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
She left her city life behind to move to a remote island and run a holiday let management business with her husband. But when unexpected demand for bo...
Unlocking the Secrets of the 100 Collection with Co-Founders Travis Wilburn & Rebecca Lombardo
08 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are you frustrated with trying to achieve higher occupancy rates with curated properties and direct bookings, but not getting the desired results? Dis...
Rise Above the Airbnb Bust: Tips to Keep Your Bookings Rolling in 2023
01 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the past few years, the media has been encouraging people to open short-term rentals and make a fortune, but the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 19t...
Using Chat GPT for your STR with Bart Sobies
24 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you heard of Chat GPT?Of course you have! But do you know how to use it? And how to use it for your STR business specifically? Today's guest Bart...
Calling guests on the phone before they stay with Ged Hartshorn
17 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I loved speaking with today's guest and finding out more about the one thing she has done that has made a real difference to her short-term rental bus...
My must attend short-term rental events in 2023
10 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever been to an industry conference?This year there are even more than ever before! And no matter where you are in the world, there will prob...
Collecting email addresses with Arthur Colker of StayFi
03 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How can you collect all your guests’ email addresses, not just the booker?Today I speak with Arthur Colker who founded StayFi, the innovative soluti...
3 tips to get your short-term rental bookings now
27 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Does your short-term rental need more bookings this spring?In this episode, I share three practical tips for short-term rental owners and managers to ...
Giving guests more with Madison Rifkin of Mount
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What if you could create more revenue while increasing your guests’ experience?That's precisely what me and Madison Rifkin of Mount discuss in this ...
Having an influencer to stay with Emily-Jane Tams
13 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever thought of inviting an influencer to stay?That's what today's guest Emily-Jane Tams did, and the results speak for themselves.Emily-Jane...
Be in it to win it with Paul Stevens
06 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are you staying up-to-date with industry news?Today we speak with Paul Stevens, editor Short Term Rentalz, part of the International Hospitality News ...