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The Boostly Podcast

Business & Economics Podcasts

Ready to reclaim control of your bookings and break free from the unpredictability of OTAs like Airbnb? Craving the stability of building your business on your terms? Dive into the Boostly Podcast, where Mark Simpson and Liam Carolan unveil the secrets to unlocking a flood of direct bookings. With a rich mix of insights, Mark and Liam equip you with the tools and strategies needed to secure your independence in the hospitality industry. Liam Carolan shines in the "Behind The Host" mini-series, offering a peek into the journeys of successful hosts. Mark Simpson, the driving force behind the Boostly Podcast, shares actionable advice and the latest trends to help you stay ahead. Join us for a journey over 700 episodes deep – all designed to empower you with knowledge and tactics for boosting your bookings. Catch our engaging video content on the Boostly YouTube channel at boostly.co.uk/youtube. Your path to direct booking mastery starts here!

Location:

United States

Description:

Ready to reclaim control of your bookings and break free from the unpredictability of OTAs like Airbnb? Craving the stability of building your business on your terms? Dive into the Boostly Podcast, where Mark Simpson and Liam Carolan unveil the secrets to unlocking a flood of direct bookings. With a rich mix of insights, Mark and Liam equip you with the tools and strategies needed to secure your independence in the hospitality industry. Liam Carolan shines in the "Behind The Host" mini-series, offering a peek into the journeys of successful hosts. Mark Simpson, the driving force behind the Boostly Podcast, shares actionable advice and the latest trends to help you stay ahead. Join us for a journey over 700 episodes deep – all designed to empower you with knowledge and tactics for boosting your bookings. Catch our engaging video content on the Boostly YouTube channel at boostly.co.uk/youtube. Your path to direct booking mastery starts here!

Language:

English


Episodes

The Future of Guest Services: Software Innovations for a Professional Touch

3/25/2024
Welcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 719. This episode of the Boostly podcast features a deep dive into Breezeway, a property operations and guest experience platform, with its CEO and founder, Jeremy. The platform, which focuses on helping short-term rental hosts improve the guest experience through optimal property preparation, maintenance, and communication, is discussed in detail. Jeremy shares insights into the genesis of Breezeway, its core functionalities including detailed task management, messaging for seamless host-guest communication, and guidebooks for enhancing guest experience. The podcast further explores the importance of operational excellence in the hospitality industry, especially for short-term rentals, the evolving trends towards professionalism, and how Breezeway's integrated solutions address the operational complexities facing hosts today. Finally, Jeremy discusses the future of guest experience and teases upcoming features aimed at further reducing the operational load on hosts while elevating guest satisfaction. www.breezeway.io https://www.linkedin.com/company/breezeway/ https://www.instagram.com/breezeway.io/?hl=en https://Boostly.co.uk https://Boostly.co.uk/5steps https://instagram.com/boostlyuk https://Boostly.co.uk/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:29:37

STR Collab: The Cornerstone for Rental Entrepreneurs

3/18/2024
Welcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 718. This episode of The Boosty Podcast features in-depth discussions on leveraging StayFi for improving direct bookings, email and text message marketing, and the benefits of StayFi's new homepage feature. It highlights how StayFi, initially a WIFI marketing company, has evolved to empower short-term rental operators in collecting guest data and facilitating direct bookings, thereby reducing reliance on third-party platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. The podcast covers the integration of StayFi with various property management software, outlines strategies for starting with email marketing, and introduces StayFi's HomePage as a tool for enhancing guest engagement and generating additional revenue through upsells. Additionally, it discusses the technical setup for StayFi, its compatibility with hardware providers, and future developments aimed at simplifying email marketing for short-term rental operators. The episode concludes with Q&A, addressing audience queries about StayFi's features, strategies for maximizing direct bookings, and the potential integration of StayFi with other marketing tools. https://www.facebook.com/groups/353269054306582 https://Boostly.co.uk https://Boostly.co.uk/5steps https://instagram.com/boostlyuk https://Boostly.co.uk/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:54:54

Filling Calendar Gaps with a Unique Auction Style Service

3/11/2024
Welcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 717. In this episode of the Boostly Podcast, host Liam discusses Bid and Stay with its founder, Emma Johnson of BidnStay a new service that facilitates last-minute accommodation bookings by enabling hosts to 'auction off' their vacant spaces. Emma explains how hosts set a silent reserve price that they are willing to accept, and guests can secure a booking by beating this reserve. The podcast discusses increasing occupancy rates and promoting direct booking by developing local activity packages for guests. Finally, Emma shares her path to establishing Bid and Stay and discusses her goals and challenges, focusing on onboarding hosts for a broader offering. www.bidnstay.com https://Boostly.co.uk https://Boostly.co.uk/5steps https://instagram.com/boostlyuk https://Boostly.co.uk/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:19:45

How to Combat Unfair Regulations in 2024 with Rent Responsibly

3/4/2024
Welcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 716. In 2024, the short-term rental industry faces the increasing problem of unfair regulations. David Krauss, CEO and co-founder of Rent Responsibly, discusses this issue and presents potential solutions. The discussion digs into how to stand against the legislation that threatens short-term rental businesses all over the world. David sheds light on Rent Responsibly, a platform designed to educate and empower hosts to respond to these regulatory challenges. He also introduces the Rent Responsibly Network, a community platform dedicated to short-term rentals. He provides insights into the importance and benefits of joining this community, such as gaining regulatory information, building personal influence, and achieving business growth in the industry. https://network.rentresponsibly.org/ https://Boostly.co.uk https://Boostly.co.uk/5steps https://instagram.com/boostlyuk https://Boostly.co.uk/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:28:31

Using A Property Managemet Consultant To Grow Your STR Business

2/26/2024
Welcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 715. In this episode of Boostly, Ron Curtis, founder of WavyStays, discusses his journey in the short-term rental business and how he manages 20 properties while working a full-time job. He details his strategy of co-hosting and the opportunities it offers for revenue generation. The episode further delves into the technical aspects of running such a business, with specific software recommendations and the role of data in decision-making. Finally, Ron emphasizes the importance of marketing oneself early on, as well as the potential growth of the hospitality industry with changing travel trends. https://www.tiktok.com/@doctor_financial https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronald-curtis-38560491/ https://www.instagram.com/wavystaysllc/ https://Boostly.co.uk https://Boostly.co.uk/5steps https://instagram.com/boostlyuk https://Boostly.co.uk/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:26:37

Expert Tips From Hospitable Host: Laura Muse

2/23/2024
Welcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 714. Mark sits down with Laura Muse, a successful hospitable host based in Sheffield, about her journey in the hospitality industry. Laura shares her personal experiences from transitioning from property investor and developer to a luxury holiday let owner in the Peak District. She discusses her love for renovation and interior design, the joy of creating lasting memories for guests, and the challenges of managing staff. She also touches on the importance of integrating technology into the hospitality industry. Further, she mentions the satisfaction she gets from partnering with local businesses to offer guests an immersive local experience. Laura showcases her properties' unique features, such as the Instagrammable brass baths, and shares her approach to providing a memorable accommodation experience. She concludes by sharing her business expansion plans and how they are planning for the future. https://Boostly.co.uk https://Boostly.co.uk/5steps https://instagram.com/boostlyuk https://Boostly.co.uk/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:12:30

Book Direct Blueprint: Creating a Direct Booking Strategy

2/21/2024
Welcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 713. Mark and Maddy discuss how to maximize business success in 2024 by focusing on experiential travel and creating direct booking strategies. They describe how Mount, Maddy's company, enables businesses to provide a variety of experiences to travelers ensuring an increase in guest reviews and converting more guests into superfans. Mark shares his own experiences and strategies in the hospitality industry, including the importance of knowing your guest avatar, building a database, and creating partnership experiences. They also introduce a joint initiative, the STR co-op, aimed at unifying the fragmented short-term rental industry, and provide insights on how businesses can benefit from it. https://Boostly.co.uk https://Boostly.co.uk/5steps https://instagram.com/boostlyuk https://Boostly.co.uk/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:39:00

Understanding the Mindset of Growing a Large STR Company

2/19/2024
Welcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 712. The Boostly podcast episode features Mahwussh Alam, the CEO of One Perfect Group, a company that manages hundreds of units in high-opportunity locations. Highlighting her journey from starting with one unit to managing many, Mahwussh talks about her strategies for scale, such as focusing on managing key properties, understanding investors' mindsets, and knowing when to say no. The episode also covers their utilization of technology and the role of honesty in business. Mahwussh shares her insights on how to navigate the challenges in the industry, affirming the significance of continuous growth, asking questions, embracing change, and focusing on long-term plans for the business. Mahwussh's profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahwush/ One Perfect Stay's Linkedin profile: https://ae.linkedin.com/company/oneperfectstay-holiday-homes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oneperfectstay/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oneperfectstay/ Website: https://www.oneperfectstay.com/ https://Boostly.co.uk https://Boostly.co.uk/5steps https://instagram.com/boostlyuk https://Boostly.co.uk/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:30:30

Boostly Bitesize: Creating and Utilizing Google Forms

2/16/2024
Welcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 711. In this episode of Boostly Bitesize, host Mark Simpson discusses how to effectively collect and use guest data for hospitality businesses. He explains how a simple Google form can be used to gather guests' emails, cell phone numbers, number of people in the party, and check-in dates right at the point of reservation, thus eliminating check-in frictions. He further illustrates how business owners can use these forms to conduct market research by asking questions about why the guest chose their property and how they discovered it. Mark also discusses automation strategies to engage guests celebrating special occasions. Lastly, he talks about ensuring a consent line in the form to stay GDPR compliant. https://Boostly.co.uk https://Boostly.co.uk/5steps https://instagram.com/boostlyuk https://Boostly.co.uk/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:08:50

How This Host Achieved a $7 Million Business Exit: Unveiling the Mystery

2/14/2024
Welcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 710 In this episode of the Boostly Podcast, Mark sits down with Isaac French, founder of Live Oak Lake. French tells the story of his journey, starting from buying a book for 99 cents to selling his business for $7 million. French discusses his beginnings in Texas, his move to Idaho, and his return to Texas where he built a property with unique cabins. Despite being kicked off Airbnb, French's business flourished, grossing over a million dollars in its first year. French credits his success to direct bookings, influencer marketing, and the book 'The Book Direct Playbook'. He emphasizes the importance of social media, specifically Twitter which he identifies as being a goldmine for networking and investment opportunities. French also touches on his new venture, teaching others about 'experiential hospitality' through his masterclass and community platform. French provides practical advice on navigating the hospitality business, from honing in on the details to maintaining long-term relationships with influencers. https://twitter.com/isaacfrench_ https://Boostly.co.uk https://Boostly.co.uk/5steps https://instagram.com/boostlyuk https://Boostly.co.uk/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:27:48

Real-Time Marketing Review from Mark Simpson to a New Hospitality Owner

2/12/2024
Welcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 709 In this podcast episode, James Kinnersley joins Mark Simpson to discuss strategies for increasing direct bookings. With James' properties being largely marketed through Booking.com and Airbnb, they discuss optimizing these channels and collecting guest data. Exploring everything from property branding to guest communication, the conversation aims to provide useful insights for property owners to boost their business. They also discuss the potential expansion of their marketing onto Uplisting, a property management software platform recently acquired by AirDNA, James' employer. The episode concludes with advice on sending out regular communication to past guests to increase direct bookings or referrals. https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kinnersly-3911ab26/overlay/about-this-profile/ https://Boostly.co.uk https://Boostly.co.uk/5steps https://instagram.com/boostlyuk https://Boostly.co.uk/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:42:48

Integrating AI With Your PMS to Improve Guest Communication

2/9/2024
Welcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 708 This episode features a conversation with Sam Dundas, the co-founder of Besty AI, about the future potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the short-term rental and hospitality industries. The discussion revolves around how AI can assist in managing repetitive tasks and day-to-day operations, alongside improving the efficiency of property management systems. The podcast also touches on the rapid growth of AI applications, the importance of transparency in vendor communication, and the value AI brings in enhancing guest experiences. Sam highlights the importance of continuous product improvement and the benefits of trying new software to meet individual operational needs. https://www.instagram.com/getbestyai https://getbesty.ai/ https://Boostly.co.uk https://Boostly.co.uk/5steps https://instagram.com/boostlyuk https://Boostly.co.uk/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:32:21

Boosting Your Brand: Tips from a Multi-Million Vacation Rental Business Owner

2/7/2024
Welcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 707 In this episode of the Boostly Podcast, Liam sits down with Rose Tepka, CEO and founder of Your Family's Place and author on Hospitable Hosts. Rose shares the numerous developments in her business including media appearances, becoming a best-selling author, and her continued work in the short term rental industry. She discusses how she partners with influencers to market her properties, creates guest surveys to improve the guest experience, as well as her strategies to achieve 80% direct bookings. Rose emphasizes the value of establishing a hospitality-focused brand, continued innovation, and playing the long game in the industry. She also reveals exciting future plans for the expansion of Your Family's Place. @hospitablehostsbook @yourfamilysplace_ @hostinginthemotherhood https://Boostly.co.uk https://Boostly.co.uk/5steps https://instagram.com/boostlyuk https://Boostly.co.uk/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:35:06

Navigating the Shift from a 900 Room Hotel to a Charming B&B

2/5/2024
Welcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 706 In this episode of the Boostly podcast, Harro, the owner of a bed and breakfast establishment called The Hive at 52, discusses his hospitality career and his transition to running his own business. Having worked in hospitality for over 20 years and running his own B&B for 10 years, Harrow shares valuable insights on how to handle guest reviews, the importance of doing the basics right, and how sustainability is a defining feature of his business. He reveals that a significant 80% of his bookings are direct, with guests attracted mainly by good reviews and his regular presence on social media. Currently based in Cheshire, England, Harrow also talks about his plans for the B&B and shares a key piece of advice: 'In with love, out with stress.' Www.thehiveat52.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/THEHIVEAT52BNB https://Boostly.co.uk https://Boostly.co.uk/5steps https://instagram.com/boostlyuk https://Boostly.co.uk/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:33:05

The Journey from Long-Term Rentals to Owning a Hotel

2/2/2024
Welcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 705 In this episode of the Boostly podcast, we welcome back Josh Goldstein. Having initially focused on short term rentals, Josh provides an update on his most recent ventures, which include starting a fund and making a pivot into boutique hotels. He discusses the benefits of boutique hotels, his plans for updates and renovations, and how he uses CloudBeds to optimize the property's management. Josh also offers advice on taking efficient action, the significance of researching and learning through various resources, and choosing the right investment strategies that cater to their individual preferences. bunkhouseworldwide.com @bunkhouseworldwide https://Boostly.co.uk https://Boostly.co.uk/5steps https://instagram.com/boostlyuk https://Boostly.co.uk/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:27:14

How to Be More Eco-friendly Whilst Increasing Profits

1/31/2024
Welcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 704 In this episode of the Boostly podcast, Liam sits down with Vanessa de Souza Lage, CEO of Sustonica, about eco-friendly strategies for vacation rentals. Vanessa shares how Sustonica provides a certification for sustainability for short-term rentals and discusses practical steps hosts can take to become more environmentally responsible. Topics covered include sourcing eco-friendly products, the importance of reducing energy consumption, and how hosts can communicate their commitment to sustainability with guests. Vanessa also shares details about Sustonica's services, their acceptance by booking.com, the importance of trust in the hospitality industry, and the potential for vacation rentals as a force for good. https://sustonica.com https://Boostly.co.uk https://Boostly.co.uk/5steps https://instagram.com/boostlyuk https://Boostly.co.uk/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:30:27

Tech Solutions: Efficiently Handling 350 Units Across Six Markets

1/29/2024
Welcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 703 On this episode of the Boostly Podcast, Liam talks with special guest Jason Lopez, the Senior Director of Business Development at Jurny, an AI-powered property management software for short-term and vacation rentals. They discuss the use and impact of AI within the world of hospitality, looking at how Jurny was born out of a need for improved technology in property management. Jason highlights how AI quickens response times, increases efficiency, and can assist hosts in their day-to-day tasks. He also touches on the importance of staying on top of tech trends, marketing your direct booking site, and his own experiences transitioning from a service-led business to a product-led business. www.jurny.com https://Boostly.co.uk https://Boostly.co.uk/5steps https://instagram.com/boostlyuk https://Boostly.co.uk/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:21:54

Valuable, Free Education For Rental Hosts!

1/26/2024
Welcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 702 This episode of the Boostly Podcast features James Varley, the founder of Holiday Cottage Handbook, a comprehensive resource that provides free educational content for short-term rental hosts. The conversation delves into Varley's background in media, how his transition from buy-to-let investment to short-term rentals led him to create his platform, and his mission to become the go-to place for the short-term rentals industry. Varley discusses the importance of preparation, research, and effective communication in both content creation and short-term rentals management. He also shares his outlook on AI's influence on the media and tech space, and recommends the Property Hub podcast and Rob Dix's book, 'The Price of Money.' https://www.holidaycottagehandbook.com/ https://www.facebook.com/holidaycottagehandbook/ https://Boostly.co.uk https://Boostly.co.uk/5steps https://instagram.com/boostlyuk https://Boostly.co.uk/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:36:14

How to Utilise AI to Improve ANY Business

1/24/2024
Welcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 701. In this episode, Liam sits down with Dara Ledjevardian discuss the rise of AI and the benefits of using a system such as Delphi in the hospitality space. The Delphi system, which captures how you think, what you know, and your expertise, can prove to be an invaluable tool for hosts to better manage their operations and respond to guest inquiries. Dara touches on the concept of 'digital cloning,' enabling you to scale your accessibility and knowledge to an infinite number of guests at once. Dara anticipates that as the technology develops, more areas in education and information accessibility will be revolutionized. As well as saving time responding to customer queries, hosts can also use the system to strategize their content, based on popular questions. @with_delphi (twitter) https://www.delphi.ai • https://Boostly.co.uk • https://Boostly.co.uk/5steps • https://instagram.com/boostlyuk • https://Boostly.co.uk/guidebook • https://Boostly.co.uk/website • https://Boostly.co.uk/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:22:58

Using a Book Direct Marketplace to Drive Direct Bookings

1/22/2024
Welcome to Boostly Podcast Episode 700. Bradley den Dolk, founder of GetAwayGoGo, joins the Boostly Podcast to share his perspective on the powerful potential of last-minute booking platforms and entrepreneurial strategies. He describes the conception and growth of GetAwayGoGo and the advantage it provides for both hosts and guests, with its combination of professional property trust, book-direct prices and a comprehensive platform for finding deals. Bradley lends insights on keeping business passion alive, managing a last-minute booking business, and effective usage of marketing tools. He also suggests several influential books that have helped him in his entrepreneurial journey. www.getawaygogo.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-den-dulk/ • https://Boostly.co.uk • https://Boostly.co.uk/5steps • https://instagram.com/boostlyuk • https://Boostly.co.uk/guidebook • https://Boostly.co.uk/website • https://Boostly.co.uk/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:35:06