Welcome to STR Booked, the podcast that unlocks the secrets of short-term rental success. Each week, we chat with vacation rental owners, managers, and industry experts. We cover everything from marketing strategies and direct booking tactics to brand-building and demystifying technologies. If you're ready to boost your short term vacation revenue and scale your business, you're in the right place!
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Welcome to Grow Your Holiday Let Business, the podcast for holiday home / short term rental owners and property managers managing multiple properties, to give you strategies and tips to grow your business with more ease. I'm your host, Jane Mack, a holiday let agency owner, turned consultant and coach. I take my 10 years of hands on experience and knowledge of owning and running a holiday let agency and share it to you. Listen in as myself, other operators in the industry and professionals i ...
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In this episode, we sit down with Neely Khan, a master storyteller in the hospitality industry, to uncover the secrets behind crafting stories that resonate, connect, and create unforgettable guest experiences. From the psychology of storytelling to practical tips for property managers, Neely shares how understanding your audience and leveraging em…
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Building Your Holiday Let Portfolio: From Start Up to Success
33:50
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33:50In this weeks episode, Jane talks to Jess and Chris, owners of Cosy Holiday Homes in Pembrokeshire. They have created a holiday let portfolio of currently 5 properties, ranging in different sizes and some include a swimming pool. Key takeaways: What they look for in a property when buying it to let out Challenges they have faced and learnings from …
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Managing Difficult Guests: Is the Customer Always Right in Holiday Lets?
17:40
17:40
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17:40In this episode Jane brings up the topic of - 'Is the customer always right?' We live in a culture of customers complaining to get refunds, and no one wants to have confrontation with their guests. Jane shares her 10+ years experience of dealing with thousands of guests and how to handle a difficult situation, included dealing with negative reviews…
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Managing Your Property Owners to Maximise Revenue
18:01
18:01
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18:01In this episode, Jane talks openly about the challenges of managing property owners and how she developed a 5 step framework after managing over 100 owners in her property management business. Her tag line is: Relationships = Revenue, and shares how this 2 way relationships can be developed to ensure property owners stay with your business but also…
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The true cost of poor onboarding in vacation rental businesses—and how to avoid it
48:44
48:44
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48:44"The cost of poor onboarding is a lot more than you think" – Heather Bayer In this episode, Heather Bayer, co-founder of the Vacation Rental Business School and long-time industry leader, dives into the importance of hiring and onboarding for vacation rental businesses. Drawing on decades of experience, she explains how onboarding impacts everythin…
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Starting Strong: Property Management 101 with Jane Mack
14:12
14:12
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14:12In this bite-sized episode of the Grow Your Holiday Let Business Podcast, host Jane Mack offers insights on starting a property management business. Jane shares guidance on defining service offerings, managing resources, setting clear pricing strategies, and highlights the importance of choosing the right systems to scale your business efficiently.…
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The psychology of trust: How to win direct bookings with the right trust signals
43:56
43:56
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43:56"Trust doesn't just happen; you build it, brick by brick." – Chris Maughan In this episode, Chris Maughan, CEO of I-PRAC, will show you how to build trust in your short-term rental business, explaining why trust is the cornerstone of securing direct bookings and customer loyalty. From spotting fraud to creating a business people rely on, Chris brea…
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Building the Brand: Why Your Personal Story Matters in the STR Industry
13:48
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13:48In this episode of Grow Your Holiday Let Business Podcast, host Jane Mack discusses the importance of sharing your personal story as a property manager and business owner. She emphasises the impact of personal narratives on building trust and relationships in the short-term rental industry. Jane shares her own experiences in property management and…
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The ultimate guide to choosing a payment processor that powers your STR growth
28:51
28:51
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28:51"If you can automate payments and disbursements, that’s one less headache for you to worry about. It lets you focus on what you’re really good at—creating amazing guest experiences." — Chris Andrews, Senior Director of Global Partnerships at Yapstone. In this episode of STR Booked, Chris Andrews breaks down the complexities of payment processing fo…
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Empathy and Excellence: The Robin Bass Approach to Property Management
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36:07In this episode, host Jane Mack welcomes Robin Bass from Premier Properties in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. They discuss Robin's journey from New York City to the Caribbean, managing properties with an emphasis on kindness and empathy. Robin shares insights on her experiences, including the importance of treating guests with care and integrating t…
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Harnessing the Power of WhatsApp for Your Holiday Let Business
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29:10
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29:10In this episode Jane is joined by Daniela Derin of Skol Apartments Marbella. Daniela shares her journey from real estate to holiday rentals, discussing how her business adapted during the 2008 financial crisis and later thrived through engaging social media and WhatsApp marketing strategies during the pandemic. Daniela discusses: The power of build…
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How to uncover upsell opportunities to boost your vacation rental revenue
45:04
45:04
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45:04"I was down $5,000, but I had a problem to solve – and that’s how I built Enso Connect." In this episode of STR Booked, host Nihal Salah chats with Francois Gouelo, co-founder of Enso Connect, about how an unexpected rental disaster turned into a powerful business idea. Francois shares how his experience led him to reshape the guest experience and …
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How Yapstone Simplifies Payments for Short-Term Rentals
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31:50In this episode Jane is joined by Ade Risidore, Chief Marketing Officer for Yapstone - the driving force behind Holiday Rent Payment and Vacation Rent Payment. They discuss the importance of community and trust in the industry, and how Yapstone aims to provide a seamless and specific payment service for short-term rental businesses. Ade emphasises …
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How to get the most out of your PMS to unlock hidden revenue, maximise occupancy, and boost profits
40:15
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40:15In this episode, Chris Baxter joins us to share his expertise on how self-caterers can streamline operations, boost occupancy, and maximise profits. With years of experience helping short-term rental owners overcome common challenges, Chris provides invaluable tips for those looking to improve efficiency and create memorable guest experiences. Key …
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Guest Stay Lengths: Balancing Flexibility and Profitability
12:54
12:54
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12:54In this episode, host Jane Mack delves into strategies for extending guest stays at rental properties. Key Takeaways: The benefits of Longer Guest Stays Challenges with Shorter Stays Cost Analysis of Short vs. Long Stays Strategies to Encourage Longer Stays Connect with Jane here: Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Page If you enjoyed the episode,…
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Fully booked? Earn money from the guests you turn away
52:04
52:04
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52:04In this episode of STR Book:ed, Nihal Salah chats with Deborah Labi about her creative journey, embracing ADHD, and her latest venture, Have You Got. Deborah shares how she has built multiple businesses by trusting her instincts and focusing on problem-solving in the short-term rental industry. With Have You Got, she aims to revolutionise guest ref…
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Unlocking Revenue through Storytelling with Neely Khan
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35:10In this episode Jane is joined by Neely Khan, a passionate storyteller. Neely shares her journey into storytelling, starting from childhood, and explains how storytelling has been a significant part of her career, especially in the hospitality industry. The conversation delves into the psychological impact of storytelling on emotions and actions, a…
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Stronger together: Why SCALE are building a community to fuel STR growth
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53:30
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53:30"We saw a gap in the short-term rental industry – too many events where you meet lots of people but leave with little value. So, we created Scale to change that." In this episode, you’ll meet Damian Sheridan and Gianpaolo Vairo, the brains behind Scale Rentals Show. If you’ve ever been to a short-term rental (STR) event and left feeling like you di…
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Mastering LinkedIn for Your Holiday Let Business
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23:12In this week's episode, host Jane delves into the benefits of using LinkedIn for businesses, specifically in the holiday let industry. Jane addresses common apprehensions about the platform, explaining how it has become more engaging and less corporate. She highlights the numerous advantages of LinkedIn, such as increased engagement, networking opp…
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Branding Secrets for Your Holiday Let Business with Claire Robinson
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31:10
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31:10In this episode Jane speaks with Claire Robinson, founder of Weekend Candy, a travel platform dedicated to unique weekend breaks in the UK. Claire shares her journey from being an award winning copywriter and travel writer to creating Weekend Candy, emphasising the importance of having a coherent brand story. She explains the difference between bra…
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The power of passion in property management with Andy Newman
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52:10
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52:10In this episode of STR Booked, Nihal Salah chats with Andy Newman, the visionary behind Newman Hospitality. Andy shares his fascinating journey from a successful finance career to building a thriving property management business with over 150 properties across the U.S. We dive deep into his transition, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he le…
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Top Tips for Attracting Winter Guests to Your Holiday Property
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13:32In this episode host Jane Mack discusses the importance of transitioning your marketing and property preparations from summer to winter. With August coming to an end, it's crucial to start promoting winter bookings to attract early planners. Jane highlights the significance of having a concrete marketing plan and optimising your property to showcas…
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Building a Six-Figure Property Management Business
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25:46
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25:46In this episode, host Jane Mack walks through the essential steps in building a six-figure property management business. Following on from her own experiences she talks about the following: Understanding the importance of solid foundations in business operations, including efficient team structuring and process optimisation. She shares her own expe…
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How to grow your direct and repeat bookings using social media
54:20
54:20
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54:20In this episode, Nihal Salah chats with Daniela Derin, owner of the Skol Apartments in Marbella, about leveraging social media for holiday lets. Daniela shares her journey from estate agency to managing 100 flats, emphasising the importance of understanding your ideal guest and using social media to connect with them throughout the year. She discus…
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SkyRun Park City's secret to 5* reviews: Fall in love with the small details
42:07
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42:07In this episode, Nihal Salah chats with Michael LeClerc, founder of Skyrun Park City, a vacation rental business boasting an impressive 324 five-star reviews and a remarkable 97% owner retention rate! Michael unveils the strategies behind this extraordinary success, drawing from his background as a professional chef to explain how he's crafted a re…
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Mastering TikTok for Your Holiday Business with Derry Green
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38:14In this episode, host Jane Mack speaks with Derry Green, founder of award winning The Secret Garden Glamping, about how to use TikTok for your holiday let business Derry shares his journey from creating a garden glamping pod during the COVID-19 lockdown to becoming the most booked glamping site in the UK. Learn about TikTok's unique algorithm and h…
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From busyness to business: The path to STR success
38:18
38:18
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38:18In this episode of STR Book:ed, Nihal Salah chats with Jane Mack, a seasoned expert in the holiday let industry. Jane brings a wealth of experience as a business founder, published author, certified coach, and podcaster, offering valuable insights for property managers and short-term rental owners. Jane's journey is quite remarkable. After a succes…
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How to get started with direct bookings: Top tips and mistakes to avoid
30:10
30:10
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30:10In this episode, Nihal Salah chats with direct booking expert - Jenn Boyles. This is a woman who's practically got hospitality running through her veins. From growing up as a hotel manager's daughter to becoming a short-term rental owner, Jenn's journey is as fascinating as it is inspiring. We'll dive into Jenn's story of transforming her own renta…
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Revolutionising Guest Referrals with Deborah Labi
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32:20
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32:20In this episode Jane interviews Deborah Labi, founder of the TechSplained Series and the new guest referral platform - Have You Got. Deborah shares her journey from being a property manager in Sydney to developing Have You Got, a community-driven guest referral and listing site. Learn about the platform's features, including a booking process that …
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The Free Advice Trap: Why Property Management Success Requires More
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14:37In this episode Jane addresses the common 'pick my brains' request in the property management industry. She explains why superficial advice isn't enough and emphasises the importance of deep, personalised consultations for real success. Jane discusses her extensive offering of free resources and stresses the necessity of taking actionable steps to …
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Breaking free from OTAs: Your guide to holiday rental success
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42:55
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42:55In this episode, Nihal Salah chats with Lisa Roads, the Holiday Property Coach, about branding, direct booking, and trust in the short-term rental industry. Lisa shares her expertise as a business consultant and growth strategist, emphasising the importance of having a direct booking strategy and not relying solely on online travel agents (OTAs) li…
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The power of kindness: How smiles and automation doubled this STR owner's portfolio
42:46
42:46
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42:46In this episode of STR Booked, host Nihal Salah interviews Robin P. Bass, founder of Premier Properties USVI. Robin shares her inspiring journey from New York City's hospitality industry to building a thriving short-term rental business in St. Croix. Key highlights include: 1. Robin's background in hospitality and fashion, and her decision to pivot…
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Crafting Unique Getaways: Award Winning Jack's Alt Stays Cabins
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33:04
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33:04In this episode, host Jane Mack talks with Daniel Jack, co-founder of Award Winning Jack's Alt Stays Cabins - a one-of-a-kind hot tub cabin concept on the scenic Isle of Cumbrae. Daniel recounts the journey of building their unique holiday cabins from scratch. Starting in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Daniel and his cousin Adam combined their…
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From zero to holiday let hero: How one STR owner built a 70% direct booking business (with no marketing experience!)
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43:00In this episode of STR Booked, Nihal Salah chats with Maggie Mitchell, a short-term rental owner who's achieved remarkable success with her two properties on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. Maggie shares her journey from novice to expert, detailing how she built a thriving business with 70% direct bookings in less than four years, despite having no mar…
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Breaking free : How to Step Away from the Day to Day
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22:31In this episode Jane addresses a major challenge faced by property managers: stepping back from day-to-day tasks while ensuring the business continues to operate smoothly. Jane shares personal stories and strategies on how to transition from being involved in every detail to focusing on business growth. Key points include: Evaluating business proce…
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The Blueprint to Property Management Success with Steve Calascione
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30:56
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30:56In this episode Jane is joined by Steve Calascione, founder of Success With Class coaching business and former co-founder of New England Property Management, which he sold in 2023. Steve shares his journey from a decade in the hospitality industry to venturing into real estate and starting his property management company during the pandemic challen…
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Maximising Summer to Boost Your Property Management Business
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21:44In this episode. Jane discussed how summer is actually the best time to address operational frustrations, noting gaps in processes, and setting up a marketing strategy for winter and next year's bookings. She identifies the importance of tackling these issues in real-time rather than postponing them to winter, sharing personal experiences and clien…
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Mark Simpson Unveils the Secrets to Boosting Your Holiday Let Business
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34:35In this episode Jane Mack chats to Mark Simpson, founder and CEO of Boostly, an award-winning company helping short term rental owners increase their direct bookings through website development and marketing teaching in the Boostly Academy. Mark shares his journey from growing up in a family-owned B&B to launching Boostly, emphasising the importanc…
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Property Management Growth Strategies and Tech Solutions: Insights from Simon Lehmann
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31:56In this episode, Jane speaks with Simon Lehmann, the founder of AJL Atelier, about strategies for growth in property management businesses and the role of technology in this process. Simon is one of the world’s foremost experts on short-term rental and vacation rental. He leads AJL Atelier, a specialized vacation rental, and business consultancy wh…
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Navigating the Challenges of Being a Holiday Let Property Manager
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11:57
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11:57In this episode Jane outlines the challenges of being a holiday let property manager, with housekeeping as the most demanding. While the role is all-consuming, the satisfaction derived still motivates most people in the profession. Jane talks about running a property management business and how this can be stressful due to immediate guest demands, …
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Beyond Accommodation: Enhancing Guest Experience with Gabriel Wall
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29:42In this episode, Jane talks to Gabriel Wall, the owner of award-winning Wall Eden Farm Holidays - a 3 generational family log cabin business. Gabriel shares insights of how he diversified his family business into multiple markets and guest offerings, and discusses his journey from carpentry to establishing a log cabin holiday park incorporating his…
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The Impact of Local Tourism: Attracting and Retaining Visitors with Sheila Gilmore
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32:54Boosting your holiday let business with a Destination Management Organisation (DMO) In this episode, Jane discusses the role of (DMO's) with Sheila Gilmore, the chief executive of Visit Arran. They talk about how DMOs can help local businesses by being part of the community, supporting their growth, and attracting the right visitors to the area. Sh…
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Visibility in Your Holiday Let Business: Three Ways to Get Started
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13:55In this episode, Jane talks about the importance of gaining visibility on social media for your holiday let business. Acknowledging the fear and hesitations many face in putting themselves out there, she shares her personal journey of moving from a offline business to an online one. Jane busts some of the fears associated with posting about yoursel…
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Gain Trust with Your Guests and Stand Out from Your Competition with I-PRAC
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28:56In this episode Jane talks to Neely Khan about I-PRAC accreditation and how it will help your guests feel more comfortable booking with you which is another great way to help your property(s) stand out from the competition. I-PRAC is the global accreditation for trusted, professional and certified short term rental professionals. Key takeaways: Und…
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Gain Your Competitive Advantage by Being More Sustainable with Sustonica
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39:19In this episode Jane talks to Vanessa De Souza Lage, co-founder of Sustonica about how holiday let owners and property managers can gain that competitive advantage by being more sustainable. The main takeaways: Learn the tips and tricks that you never would think about to improve your property's sustainability Discover the benefits of offering a su…
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Maximising Your Instagram Bio and Marketing Strategy with Katie Bessant
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31:12In this episode Jane talks to Katie Bessant on how to maximise your Instagram marketing strategy from getting your bio right to attract the right guests to the types of posts to do to stand out from the crowd. Here are the main takeaways: Understand how has marketing changed in the holiday let industry over the years. Learn the steps to take to set…
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How to Market Your Property through Property Management Software
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34:35In this episode Jane talks to Kelly Odor, Marketing Director of Bookster, about how property management software (PMS) can be used to help property your property. Bookster is property management software specifically designed for holiday rental owners and managers. Key takeaways from this episode: Understand what property management systems are and…
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How to Stand Out from the Competition with Niche Marketing
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31:02If you ever wonder about different ways that can help your holiday let / short term rental stand out from the competition, then niche marketing could be a great option for you. In this episode Jane is talking to Heather Bayer about the art of niche marketing. Here are the main takeaways: Discover the benefits and drawbacks of niche marketing. Learn…
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Marketing and Business Growth Event for Hosts by Hosts
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25:25In this episode Jane talks to Sarah Orchard, founder of Get Fully Booked, about her in person event she is holding to support hosts with their marketing and business growth for 2024. The event will include speakers from across the industry who are all hosts themselves so listen in to get all the details, including: Who exactly the event is for Hear…
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Inspiring Ways to Promote Your Property: From Awesome Photos to Planting Trees
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24:32In this episode Jane talks to Andrew Dalby, founder of ACT Studios, a property marketing company and Beds4Nature, a new free initiative to help properties understand their carbon footprint. Andrew talks about the importance of creating high impact photos and how it's the little things that make a difference. He shares the 3 things that his team loo…
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