Ep 84 - Leveraging authentic connections to scale with Jake Kelfer

Can I be real with you for a sec? If you scroll through STR platforms on social media, you'll most-likely notice that they’re flooded with picture-perfect families, extravagant trips, and homes that look like they belong in a magazine.  While there's nothing wrong with showing the good parts of being a co-host, don't we have an obligation to be really (REALLY!) real with our audiences? Because the short-term rental business is not for the faint of heart and let’s be real… it’s not for everyone.  That’s exactly why in this episode I’m giving you the deets on what I personally wish I knew before getting knees deep into the business.  Enjoy this episode; for more STR branding and marketing live training, join my Facebook Group >>HERE  

Let's be real, we all want to increase bookings and sales. But how do you do this when you feel completely maxed out on your marketing efforts?  Well, you take a step back and revisit the foundation (aka your brand and the way it makes people feel). In this episode, you’ll learn the branding strategies that'll support your marketing efforts and ultimately... increase your bottom line. For more STR branding and marketing live trainings, join my Facebook Group >>HERE Enjoy this episode and make sure to tag us when you listen to @hostedbythewebers and @theweberco so we can connect.

Real talk: social media marketing can be highly effective for your short-term rental for several reasons: visibility, engagement, connecting, etc.   But I know it can feel overwhelming when starting, especially when your to-do list is the length of a CVS receipt.   Trust me, as a STR owner myself, I totally get it.   In this episode, you’ll learn how social media marketing can work for your short-term rental business and my top five things to consider when getting started with your social media marketing strategy. Join my Facebook Group >>HERE to learn more.

It all started because I shared my vision... A major brand component that helps you get to where you want to go. And in my case, led to relationships that connected me with my new partners for Cabins on the Cumberland. If you have a big vision (like us), finding partnerships can allow you to do things you probably wouldn't do otherwise. As for us, by leveraging each other's strengths and resources, we're truly able to enhance the guest experience, expand our offers, and increase revenue.  Click play to hear how I found the best partners (out of 50ish info requests!) and my thoughts on finding the right ones. Join my Facebook Group to learn more: https://m.facebook.com/groups/strbrandingdesignmarketing/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF

Alright, cue the confetti, because I'm SO excited to introduce you to today's guest... Paige Hayes is an interior designer who has taken on a nomadic lifestyle with her family while managing her STR design business.  On this episode, Paige so graciously shares how she's able to travel across the US in a fifth wheel with her husband and two kiddos, as well as spending winters abroad. Click play to learn how to create unique guest experiences through design and amenities, make your property stand out, and Paige's best advice for someone wanting to get into the industry. Join Steph's Facebook Group: https://m.facebook.com/groups/strbrandingdesignmarketing/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF Join Paige's Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312695317484928/?ref=share_group_link  More about Paige: Paige is an interior designer, a mom, and a full time traveler.  She has been in the design industry for over a decade and has always loved designing short term rentals because of the unique challenges they pose, and because of the creativity involved.  With a background in anthropology, Paige loves telling the stories of places through design. Paige is the founder of Hayes & Co. Interiors, and the creator of the SSUFF Method for short term rental design.  She is also the creator of the STR Design for Hosts complete design program, and the Virtual Designers Inner Circle community.   Paige loves building communities, sharing knowledge, creating beautiful spaces, traveling the world, quilting, eating, and hanging out with her family.

Before you jump into (re)designing your property, you'll want to listen to this episode... If you didn't already know this about me, my career started in the fashion industry. Curating pieces and just knowing what works well (and what doesn't) is something that actually comes pretty naturally to me. I mean, let's get real - design is fun, and it has a pretty good R.O.I So, I totally understand the eagerness of wanting to get into designing your rental... but you've got to get clear on the foundations FIRST. Enjoy this episode and make sure to tag us when you listen to @hostedbythewebers and @theweberco so we can connect. Join our Facebook Group: https://m.facebook.com/groups/strbrandingdesignmarketing/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF 

Our co-hosting journey has been incredibly wild and filled with unexpected moments of good and... not so good. Like any business, there have been many many curves and LESSONS along the way... So, in this episode, I'm spillin' the tea on how we've gotten several clients since starting our business in May, the tech we use, and the hurdle Enjoy this episode and make sure to tag us when you listen to @hostedbythewebers and @theweberco so we can connect. Join our Facebook Group: https://m.facebook.com/groups/strbrandingdesignmarketing/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF

One thing to know when it comes to unique stays is that you probably won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.   But that’s ok…   Because, with tons of options out there, people want a stay that has a unique touch…    In this episode, Zoey Berghoff (multi-six-figure superhost) and I chat about all things land hacking, profitability, and creating a unique rave-worthy stay.   Zoey also (so graciously) gives us an inside to her operations as a remote host and everything that goes into the backend.    Enjoy this episode and make sure to tag us when you listen to @zoeyberghoff, @hostedbythewebers, and @theweberco so we can connect.   Join our Facebook Group: https://m.facebook.com/groups/strbrandingdesignmarketing/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF  

The best way to increase your short-term rental (direct) bookings? … Build trust with your ideal guest. Ok, Steph, but how? By building a compelling and recognizable brand. Don’t know where to start? I got you, friend. In this episode of HBTW, I’m diving into what branding looks like for a hosting company and properties and why it’s essential. I’m also teaching you the core components of branding and the impact it has on the potential guest perception. Enjoy this episode and make sure to tag us when you listen to @hostedbythewebers and @theweberco so we can connect. Join our Facebook Group: https://m.facebook.com/groups/strbrandingdesignmarketing/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF

Let me tell you, friend… Your dreams and goals can become a reality if you just take inspired action. It doesn’t matter how big or specific your dreams are; YOU are capable. In 2022 I had a very specific vision. (I share about it in this episode.) I had NO idea HOW it would happen, but I let go of the how and just did what I knew.  And today… This vision is a reality.  In this episode, I'm sharing our HUGE next adventure and the steps we took to make this milestone possible. Enjoy this episode and make sure to tag us when you listen to @hostedbythewebers and @theweberco so we can connect. Join our Facebook Group: https://m.facebook.com/groups/strbrandingdesignmarketing/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF