Are you a short-term rental host looking to grow your business and build stronger guest relationships? In this episode, Jeff Chisum, mortgage expert and successful STR operator, shares his invaluable insights on everything from securing financing for your vacation properties to creating a memorable guest experience that keeps people coming back year after year. Jeff’s real-world strategies on targeted marketing, leveraging your guest database, and maintaining consistency will help you tackle common challenges and unlock new growth opportunities in your rental business. This episode surely goes well with a cup of coffee ☕️. Another episode of Direct Booking Simplified, just for you! 🎙️💜 Summary and Highlights 1. Financing Your Short-Term Rental Property Understanding Financing OptionsA big misconception in the STR world is that you need to put 20% down when buying a vacation home or rental property. Jeff explains that’s not always true, especially if you’re buying a second home or investment property. There are special financing options that can help you buy with as little as 10% down. Tip for New Hosts:Before buying your property, talk to a mortgage expert who understands STR-specific loans. This can help you find better financing options and save money. 2. Mindset Matters: Overcoming Challenges Facing Challenges with a Positive MindsetOne of the most important things Jeff emphasizes is having the right mindset. In the STR business, you’ll face obstacles—whether it’s managing your property, dealing with guest issues, or handling market changes. Jeff believes these challenges should be seen as opportunities to grow, not as roadblocks. Tip for Hosts:When you hit a bump in the road, instead of getting discouraged, think about how you can solve the problem. This mindset will help you move forward and get stronger as a host. 3. Building Relationships with Guests Keep Guests Coming BackJeff shared how important it is to build strong relationships with your guests. When he bought a golf course cabin, the previous owners had loyal guests who returned year after year. By honoring these relationships, Jeff kept those guests coming back. Tip for Hosts:Even if you’re new, you can start by getting to know your guests. Small gestures, like remembering their preferences or offering special deals for repeat visits, can build loyalty and keep people coming back. 4. Using Social Media to Get More Guests Targeted Marketing on Social MediaJeff talks about how he uses Facebook and Instagram ads to target the right guests for his properties. Social media allows you to reach specific audiences—whether it’s golfers, families, or pet owners. By running targeted ads, you can attract guests who are most likely to book your property. Tip for Hosts:Start experimenting with social media ads to attract guests. You can run small, targeted ads without spending a lot of money. It’s all about reaching the right people with the right message. 5. Building an Email List for Direct Bookings The Power of Email MarketingOne of Jeff’s top tips is to collect guest emails and build a database. This gives you a way to connect with past guestsand encourage repeat bookings. Jeff also recommends creating lookalike audiences in Facebook ads, which helps you find new guests who are similar to your best customers. Tip for Hosts:Start building your email list from day one. Use it to send booking reminders, special offers, and updates about your property. And don’t forget to upload those emails to Facebook to target similar guests. 6. Consistency is Key to Success Stay Consistent in Your EffortsOne thing Jeff learned from his own experience is that consistency is crucial. Whether you’re marketing, responding to guest inquiries, or keeping your property in great shape, consistency leads to steady growth. It’s not about doing everything perfectly, but about doing the right things regularly. Tip for Hosts:Pick a few important tasks (like marketing or guest communication) and do them consistently. Even small, regular actions add up over time and help you grow your business. 7. Podcasting as a Tool for Networking and Learning Sharing Knowledge Through PodcastingWhile Jeff is primarily a mortgage expert and STR host, he also runs a podcast. He shares that podcasting or guesting in podcasts is a great way to learn from others and connect with experts in the industry. Plus, it helps you build a personal brand and stay visible to potential guests or collaborators. Tip for Hosts:If you enjoy sharing your experiences, consider appearing in podcast. It can help you build relationships, share useful tips, and even attract new guests. Key Takeaways for Hosts: By applying these key takeaways , you can set yourself up for long-term success in the STR industry. Whether you’re just starting or you’re already managing multiple properties, Jeff’s advice will help you stay on the path to growth. Follow Jeff Here ⬇️ Transcription Jeff: And then there was the other issue of we really felt like Airbnb, Vrbo, the OTAs were killing the industry to an extent because of the fees and their rules and their regulations and the way they treated hosts, the way they treated guests, and we really wanted to take control and take some power back from the OTAs and The way to do that was direct bookings to help people save money to increase our profitability. Also go out and market those sites to those people that were interested in those activities. And then the golf course cabin had a 10 year history as a Airbnb. And that’s really the main reason why we bought that. So we bought that property after the lake house about. Six or seven months after we closed on the lake house. And that was the big attraction is it had that 10 year history. So when we purchased the property, we got a check written to us for those bookings, those bookings transferred, the database transferred. We had all the emails. And so we really started pushing those people to our direct booking site. Gil: Hey folks, welcome back to direct booking simplified. We break down the strategies and tactics to win in direct bookings. And on today’s show, I have Jeff. Jeff, welcome to the show. Jeff: Hey, thanks for having me

In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with Isaac French, founder of the iconic Live Oak Lake, to discuss how he built a unique hospitality experience that caught the attention of guests and influencers alike. From design tips to marketing strategies, Isaac shares actionable advice for anyone looking to turn their property into a must-book destination. Summary & Highlights We break down the key lessons from Isaac’s journey and share simple, actionable advice that anyone new to the hospitality industry can use to succeed. 1. Start with a Unique Experience Isaac’s first piece of advice is simple but powerful: the key to standing out is creating a truly unique experience.When Isaac started building Live Oak Lake, he didn’t just want to create another vacation rental. He wanted to create a place that guests would remember forever—a place that felt special and different from anything they’d ever experienced. For Isaac, the focus was on designing a memorable experience. He made sure every detail—from the decor to the activities available—was carefully thought out to make the property stand out. The takeaway? If you’re starting in hospitality, think about how you can make your property unique. What can you offer that other places can’t? Whether it’s the design, the location, or special activities, make sure your guests feel like they’re getting something special. 2. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment Isaac didn’t have formal marketing training, but he made up for it by being willing to try new things. Instead of following the same old marketing strategies, he took a bold, experimental approach. This included using tools and strategies that were common in other industries, like pop-up forms on websites to collect emails, and remarketing ads to stay in front of potential guests. Isaac says that his curiosity and willingness to experiment helped him discover what worked for his business. He learned from other industries, like e-commerce, and adapted those strategies to the hospitality world. If you’re new to marketing your property, don’t be afraid to try different things. Use your website, social media, and email marketing in creative ways. Test what works for you, and learn from your results. 3. Tell a Story and Build a Community One of the things that helped Isaac’s property grow was his ability to share his story on social media. People love following the process of building something new, and Isaac shared everything—his design choices, challenges, and wins—along the way. This built a loyal following even before the property was open for bookings. Isaac also used storytelling to connect with potential guests. He shared the unique aspects of his property and the vision behind it, making people feel like they were part of something special. If you’re starting a new hospitality business, think about how you can tell your story. Share the process of building your property, talk about why it’s different, and connect with people on social media. People love to follow along and support businesses they believe in. 4. Passion and Dedication Will Drive Your Success Isaac believes that one of the biggest keys to his success was his passion. He was genuinely excited about creating something special and making sure everything was perfect. He says that when you’re passionate about your business, it attracts people—whether that’s guests, investors, or collaborators. Isaac shared two key quotes that drive his mindset: Passion is contagious. If you’re excited and dedicated to your property, it will show in everything you do—and that will help you attract guests and grow your business. 5. Don’t Be Afraid to Change Course if Needed Sometimes, the best way to improve your business is to be willing to make changes. Isaac stressed that it’s important to regularly assess your property and business. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to pivot or even start over. Sometimes, the best opportunities come from reimagining your property or business model. Isaac mentioned that he could have chosen to scale his business quickly, but he took his time, refining the experience before moving forward. He encourages entrepreneurs to evaluate their businesses honestly and be open to making changes if needed. If you’re just starting, it’s okay if things aren’t perfect from the beginning. Be willing to make adjustments as you learn what works best for your guests. 6. The Future of Hospitality Is About Experiences Isaac believes that the future of hospitality is all about offering unique, memorable experiences. People are moving away from traditional luxury hotels and looking for places that offer something different—whether that’s a beautiful design, a cool location, or fun activities. Isaac believes this trend is just beginning, and there’s huge potential for businesses that can offer unique stays. If you’re just starting out, think about how you can create an experience that stands out. Focus on the experience your guests will have, not just the place they’re staying. This could mean designing a unique space, offering personalized services, or creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Key Takeaways for Beginners in Hospitality Isaac’s story proves that when you combine passion, creativity, and a focus on unique experiences, you can turn your ideas into something truly special. Want to learn more from Isaac? Transcript Isaac: The way you do one thing is the way you do everything. And so you really have to care, and you have to pursue excellence, and that’s part of like going back to that initial vision of like every single detail, every single aspect of this, even the parts people aren’t going to see matter. And if you have that attitude, that will put you in very good stead to create something that truly is word of mouth worthy and one of a kind. Isaac: And then, Number two, there’s this great quote by this gentleman named John Wesley, who was like an English preacher 300 years ago, but I just love this quote. He said, light yourself on fire with passion and people will come from miles around to watch you burn. So I feel like you have to be energetic. You have to have like, believe in whatever you’re going to do. Isaac: And then you will become a magnet. When you have that dream that turns into a conviction,

In this episode of Direct Booking Simplified, we discuss Niche Marketing Strategies for Short-Term Rental Hosts with marketing expert Nihal Salah. Together, we brainstorm how to elevate your property by targeting specific guest segments, from dog lovers, digital nomads, unique guest needs, and personalized experiences. Key Takeaways In a recent podcast episode, we spoke with Nihal Salah, a seasoned marketer with experience across various industries including short-term vacation rentals. The discussion focused on the power of niche marketing for STR hosts. Key Takeaways: The top advice from Nihal was to consistently talk to your guests – through reviews, data, and direct conversations – to deeply understand their needs and adapt your property and marketing accordingly. Embracing discomfort and a “get to” vs “have to” mindset were also highlighted as key mindset shifts. Overall, the episode provided a compelling case for short-term rental hosts to identify and cater to a specific niche, rather than trying to be everything to everyone. Careful segmentation and personalization can lead to outsized results. Connect with Nihal here: Transcript Nihal: I think good marketing is simple. The principles are the same. The principles are almost timeless. So I know everyone’s talking a lot about AI and stuff with marketing content. And, but when you start looking at the principles of solid marketing, They are the same across industries. It’s about understanding who your best audience is to serve, how you articulate what you offer your value proposition, how we articulate what you do in the most clear and succinct way to that audience and what channels you use to reach them. You do all, you do those three things and you know your audience really well and you build a strong brand around all of that. That’s marketing. It’s not complicated. Gil: Hey folks, welcome back to direct booking simplified on today’s show. I have Nihal. Nihal, welcome to the show. Nihal: Thank you for having me. Gil: Yeah. Do you mind giving folks a quick introduction on yourself first, before we get started? Nihal: Sure. Um, well, let’s start at the very beginning. Um, I’m half Egyptian, half English. Um, I live between Spain and, uh, Wales in the UK. Um, and I am a marketer by trade. I have been doing marketing for, um, For about 17 years now, across a number of different sectors, and I’ve worked with organizations all the way from Fortune 500 to tiny early stage startups, so, and everything in between and across the A number of sectors, um, from education technology, learning technology, blockchain, um, cybersecurity, did auction tech once, which was incredibly boring. And I recently fell into the wonderful world of short term vacation rentals, which I absolutely love. And at the moment I work with a payment processing company called Yapstone, um, who specialize in payment processing for short term vacation rent. Gil: And yep. So it has different variations depending on kind of where you live. Right. So we might not be familiar with the app stone parent company. What’s the two subsidiaries. Nihal: We’ve got vacation rent payment in the U S. And we have holiday rent payment in the UK and Europe so that yeah different products because finance is so regulated lots of compliance and stuff so you need to make sure that you’re adhering to all of the rules and regulations in each of the markets. Gil: Yeah. What was your, um, your first experience in, in short term rentals? Like how did you Nihal: Um, like everyone I speak to in this industry by accident, I’ve not spoken to anyone who intended to come into short term rentals. And so when I, I was speaking to said something to me that made me laugh, he’s like, no one grows up thing saying, Oh, when I grew up, I want to be a property manager. I’m like, that’s a good point. But, um, I have a friend who I’ve worked with before who started working with, Um, And he reached out to me and said, I need some help with product and content marketing, would you be interested in, in joining me? And I said, you know what? I know nothing about short term rentals from, um, from the business side. I know a lot from the guest side, because I probably stay at about 15. Short term rentals a year because I travel a lot. Um, so yes, let’s do it. And here we are. Gil: Yeah. Yeah. And from what I hear, and this is probably across many different industries and like verticals, but the marketing that you put into. Short term rentals is not all that different than possibly other industries. There’s a lot of the same foundational pieces. Would you agree with that? Nihal: I completely agree with that. I think good marketing is simple. The principles are the same. The principles are almost timeless. Um, so I know everyone’s talking a lot about AI and stuff with, with marketing content and, but when you start looking at the principles of solid marketing, They are the same across industries. It’s about understanding, you know, who, who your best audience is to serve, you know, how, how you articulate what you offer your value proposition, how we articulate what you do in the most. Clear and succinct way to that audience and what channels you use to reach them. You do all, you do those three things and you know your audience really well and you, and you build a strong brand around all of that. That’s marketing. It’s not, it’s not complicated. It’s simple. It’s difficult. Um, So yeah, Gil: Yeah. Yeah. And you have, um, you have a specific passion or a passion topic that you’d like to talk about specifically within short term rentals around niche marketing. Can you tell folks a little bit more about what is niche marketing to begin with? Silence. Nihal: you will, you, I guarantee you, and if you

Marketing expert Scott Quesnell shares his data-driven frameworks for supercharging your online presence and booking conversions. Let’s discover Scott’s strategies on how to leverage powerful tools like Google Analytics and SEM Rush to uncover insights about your customers, systematically test and optimize your marketing tactics, and build a flywheel of sustainable growth. Whether it’s fine-tuning your website content, refining your Facebook ad creatives, or mastering local SEO, Scott’s actionable strategies will give you a serious competitive edge. If you’re ready to start outsmarting the competition and taking your direct booking game to new heights, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Highlights and Summary In the competitive short-term rental market, being visible online is essential to attract guests. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is key to improving your property’s online presence, helping your website appear higher in search results and meet what users are looking for. This guide outlines important SEO strategies specifically for short-term rental operators, focusing on a data-driven and customer-focused approach to marketing. Highlights: Summary: This guide provides essential SEO strategies for short-term rental operators to improve their websites and content for search engines. It focuses on three main areas: This approach helps drive growth and engagement in the short-term rental industry. Follow Scott Here Transcription Scott: SEO is marketing where you tailor your website to what people are searching for. So when people are searching for websites like yours, they are using specific terms. And the job of someone who’s doing SEO is to put those specific terms and language And answers to the questions that people are looking for on their website. So you can tell Google, Hey, this is a one stop shop for anybody who is looking for websites like me. And then if Google likes that, they will give it to the people looking for you. And that’s kind of the, the flywheel of SEO is just consistently figuring out what people, what terms people use to find companies like yours, optimizing your website to Rank for those terms. And then just making sure that you’re making that content better, answering all the questions that might come up and have something for every type of searcher that uses those terms. Gil: Hey folks, welcome back to direct booking simplified. We break down the strategies and tactics to win in direct bookings. On today’s show, I have Scott Quesnell. Scott, welcome to the show. Scott: Thanks for having me, Gil. Gil: Yeah. You’re one of the few folks I know in our space specifically that knows. So I’m really happy to have you on the show. I know a lot of folks kind of outside of our industry, but there’s not a lot of folks kind of within the industry that is, uh, well versed in this topic, um, to kind of kick us off, do you mind kind of giving an introduction to our listeners? Silence. Scott: um, talking to other Airbnb owners, like just trying to figure out what the day in the life is like for them, uh, specifically around the financial operations and marketing aspect of things. But then once we started talking about marketing, I Started to realize that they, they were a little confused on the topic, you know, so financials, they didn’t give away that much because they’re just like, who’s this random guy asking, like, to see how much money I make operations. They, they all had it nailed down on their operations, but marketing, I sort of realized that there was, um, a need for knowledge in the space. And so this year in January, I started the STRLF newsletter, and it’s a newsletter, uh, that talks, that gives away marketing tactics, tips that I’ve learned in my marketing career. For short term rental house, hotel, uh, hotel owners and property managers. Um, and ever since I started that, I, it’s been growing really well. I’ve been able to talk to even more short term rental entrepreneurs and really understand where their biggest pain points are in marketing. So that someday soon I’ll be able to, uh, solve that with some sort of service. Gil: Nice. Nice. And you’re getting into hosting yourself as well, too. Is that right? Scott: That’s right. So that that’s kind of what kicked off my my whole Airbnb tour campaign that I did Because I just wanted to learn like, you know What are the permits and like what are all the legal stuff I have to worry about but then my marketing brain automatically went to Asking them questions about that and realize that there’s actually a need in the marketplace and something that I could, I could easily solve. Gil: Yeah. Yeah. Do you feel that our space is much different from a tactical or even strategic level than other industries that you have done marketing for? Scott: Uh, the only difference I would say, I guess there’s, there’s two differences. So one is, you know, all short term rentals, they’re local. So they’re in a specific location and, you know, More times than not, they attract people from that surrounding area. So that’s one difference, um, that I’ve, that I’ve seen because in my last agency, I worked with a lot of companies that would service the entire U S so their market was specific age groups or like interests versus where they actually live. And then the second one is when you. Advertise for a short term rental. It’s not like if you were selling soap or something to where it’s an impulse buy, there’s a lot of people that will see your ad and not do anything. And then come back days, weeks, months later and book, but it’s hard to attribute that when you start to advertise. And so I think that discourages a lot of short term rental entrepreneurs when they start to advertise because they think, oh, my ads aren’t working. But in reality, The ads are solving the problem