Direct Booking Success Podcast

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 bookings, and a frustrating guest experience. In this episode, we break down exactly what you need—from secure payments to owning your brand—to make direct bookings effortless and profitable.

Jamey King, Senior Marketing Manager for North America at eviivo, joins us to share his expertise in streamlining technology and helping property owners take control of their bookings. With years of experience working with brands like VRMA, Point Central, and Safely, Jamie offers valuable insights into building a strong foundation for direct booking success.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The key systems every property manager needs for seamless direct bookings
• How to increase revenue by maximizing control over pricing and promotions
• The power of guest relationships and how personalization enhances the experience
• Why owning your brand is crucial for standing out in a competitive market
• How to access and leverage guest data to drive repeat bookings
• The importance of reducing overbooking risks and keeping operations smooth

Jamey emphasizes the significance of having a reliable property management system (PMS) to help automate and optimize direct bookings without excessive costs or complexity. He also highlights how eviivo provides an all-in-one solution designed to keep direct bookings simple, secure, and profitable.

“The goal is to capture guest dollars while maintaining control over pricing, guest experience, and your brand. When you own the booking process, you own your success.” – Jamey King

Connect with Jamey King

Are you ready to turn your vacation rental website into a booking powerhouse? 

In this episode, we explore the art of creating high-converting websites with website strategist Jodi Bourne.

With her extensive experience in the vacation rental industry and as a guest herself, Jodi shares invaluable insights on crafting a digital presence that not only looks great but drives revenue.

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Learn how to craft a compelling digital front door that instantly appeals to potential guests
• Understand the three primary goals of an effective website: creating FOMO, building trust, and converting visitors
• Gain insights on using professional photography and video to showcase your property
• Explore the importance of storytelling and personal branding in your “About Us” page
• Uncover common website mistakes that hurt trust-building and conversions

Jodi Bourne, with her extensive experience of staying in over 70 vacation rentals, brings a unique perspective as both an industry expert and a seasoned guest. Her approach combines technical know-how with a deep understanding of guest psychology, helping you create a website that resonates with your ideal visitors. 

“There’s going to be people that are going to choose your property regardless. You want to be honest and upfront with them in your imagery and videos. So show it at your best light, but also be truthful.” - Jodi Bourne

About Jodi Bourne

Jodi Bourne is a vacation rental consultant and website designer passionate about helping property owners create standout guest experiences and achieve business success. With over a decade of experience and a portfolio of strategies tailored to vacation rentals, Jodi combines her hospitality expertise with a deep understanding of branding, marketing, and direct bookings. She specializes in building guest-centric websites and implementing start-to-finish strategies that drive bookings and foster repeat guests. Having stayed in 67 vacation rentals herself, Jodi uses her insider knowledge to design spaces and experiences that resonate with travellers. Her innovative approach consistently helps owners increase profitability while elevating the guest experience.

Connect with Jodi Bourne

Website: jodibourne.com

Instagram: instagram.com/heyjodibourne 

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

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 entrepreneur who has transformed his single-room Airbnb listing into a thriving portfolio of seven properties with an impressive 75% direct booking rate. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• The importance of providing exceptional hospitality as a foundation for success
• How to leverage guest data to create personalized experiences and drive repeat bookings
• Strategies for building local partnerships to enhance your offerings
• Tips for implementing upsells that benefit both guests and hosts

“If you’re utilizing the right tech, it could go such a long way with being able to buy back some of your time and operate at a higher level.” - Chad Harker

About Chad Harker

Chad Harker is a real estate investor and short-term rental entrepreneur passionate about transforming properties into exceptional spaces that maximize guest experiences and profitability. With three properties—soon expanding to six units after renovations—he combines real estate investing expertise with short-term rental strategies to create high-performing spaces for himself and the investors he partners with. Chad’s approach focuses on adding value through legal suites, direct booking strategies, and guest-centric branding, achieving a 75% increase in direct bookings and fostering repeat guests. On track to surpass Edmonton’s top-performing rental, Chad’s model exemplifies how thoughtful renovations, strategic operations, and independent marketing can redefine what short-term rentals can achieve.

Connect with Chad and Eco Escapes

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, and set yourself up for success using AI in the new year.

Discover how to create a strategic marketing plan that goes beyond mere consistency, focusing on purpose-driven content that resonates with your ideal guests. Learn how AI can be your secret weapon in content creation, automation, and optimization, freeing you up to focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Here’s what you will be getting:

• Reflect on key lessons from 2024 and how they shape our approach to resilience in 2025
• Understand how AI can enhance your marketing efforts without replacing your unique touch
• Get insights on crafting a three-month content calendar tailored to your ideal guests
• Learn about the upcoming DBS AI Content Sprint, a 90-minute workshop to jumpstart your 2025 marketing strategy
• Discover how to integrate AI with tools like Book Direct Pro for seamless campaign management

Plus, get a special discount code for the DBS AI Content Sprint, where you'll create three months of targeted social media content with proven strategy in driving direct bookings in just 90 minutes! You’ll leave with a full written guide, a lifetime access to the training and a strategy that you can rinse-and-repeat anytime.

Don't miss this opportunity to start 2025 with a clear plan and less stress. Your journey to simplified, effective marketing begins here!

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