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Content provided by James Varley | Host Planet. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by James Varley | Host Planet or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.
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From OTAs to Direct: STR Listing Strategy with Hostfully

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Manage episode 501115780 series 3509824
Content provided by James Varley | Host Planet. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by James Varley | Host Planet or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Short-term rental distribution can make or break your occupancy. In this episode, Joseph Cox from Hostfully breaks down where you must be listed, how Airbnb and Booking.com dominate demand, and what truly differentiates the major online travel agencies (OTAs). He also spotlights niche platforms that punch above their weight for certain audiences, plus UK-focused sites like Simply Owners and GroupAccommodation.com that can deliver high-intent traffic.

Beyond OTAs, Joseph explains how to unlock Google Vacation Rentals, why a PMS is essential for syncing calendars/rates and maximising exposure, and the importance of owning your funnel with a direct booking website. He closes with a reminder about platform risk – don’t rely on a single channel – and how Hostfully’s PMS and digital guidebooks can help you convert more stays and upsell with less effort.

Key takeaways:

- Be everywhere that matters. Start with Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo, then layer in relevant niche platforms to reach specific guest segments.

- Distribute smartly, not manually. Use a PMS to push listings, sync availability/rates, and connect to Google Vacation Rentals – and back it up with a direct booking site you control.

- Reduce platform risk and boost revenue. Don’t depend on one OTA; spread demand across channels and use tools like digital guidebooks to improve guest experience, drive upsells, and increase repeat direct bookings.

1:56 Where you need to be listed

2:51 Airbnb and Booking.com are the big boys

3:37 Airbnb’s popularity

4:52 The differences between Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo

6:01 Other niche platforms

6:56 UK listing sites like Simply Owners and GroupAccommodation.com

8:05 How to get listed on Google Vacation Rentals

9:36 How a PMS can help ensure maximum exposure

10:32 Why you need a direct booking website

12:00 The risk in only being listed on one platform

13:30 Check out Hostfully’s PMS

14:29 Hostfully digital guidebooks

Looking for a great PMS or digital guidebook?

You need Hostfully!

Check out these special offers:

Property Management Software: Get $500 off onboarding by using the code PLANET500.

Digital Guidebooks: Get 30% off for life by using the code HOSTPLANETGB.

Click here to sign up for Hostfully: https://www.hostfully.com/influencers/host_planet/

Keen to book a Hostfully demo? Click here to connect with Frank Bosi: https://cal.mixmax.com/frankbosi/demo?re=IiY1x2YuQXZuFGbwR3cvhGQzVWbhpmI&rn=ISelxmchZFIzVWbhpkI&messageId=UjWJnyJQ1a9zxhP2C

Email Frank: [email protected]

Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/

James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/

Joseph Cox: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephmicox/

Hostfully: https://www.hostfully.com/influencers/host_planet/

Episode to check next: Learn How To Take Great Photos For Your Airbnb: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vi9XiAQ1H-0&t=2s

Host Planet Bitesize is presented by James Varley, a holiday let investor and property manager who is also the Founder of Host Planet. Before founding Host Planet, James spent 20 years in the media, including a decade leading corporate communications for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Contact the show: [email protected]

#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #Hostfully #PMS #DigitalGuidebooks #SpecialOffer #ListingPlatforms

  continue reading

187 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 501115780 series 3509824
Content provided by James Varley | Host Planet. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by James Varley | Host Planet or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Short-term rental distribution can make or break your occupancy. In this episode, Joseph Cox from Hostfully breaks down where you must be listed, how Airbnb and Booking.com dominate demand, and what truly differentiates the major online travel agencies (OTAs). He also spotlights niche platforms that punch above their weight for certain audiences, plus UK-focused sites like Simply Owners and GroupAccommodation.com that can deliver high-intent traffic.

Beyond OTAs, Joseph explains how to unlock Google Vacation Rentals, why a PMS is essential for syncing calendars/rates and maximising exposure, and the importance of owning your funnel with a direct booking website. He closes with a reminder about platform risk – don’t rely on a single channel – and how Hostfully’s PMS and digital guidebooks can help you convert more stays and upsell with less effort.

Key takeaways:

- Be everywhere that matters. Start with Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo, then layer in relevant niche platforms to reach specific guest segments.

- Distribute smartly, not manually. Use a PMS to push listings, sync availability/rates, and connect to Google Vacation Rentals – and back it up with a direct booking site you control.

- Reduce platform risk and boost revenue. Don’t depend on one OTA; spread demand across channels and use tools like digital guidebooks to improve guest experience, drive upsells, and increase repeat direct bookings.

1:56 Where you need to be listed

2:51 Airbnb and Booking.com are the big boys

3:37 Airbnb’s popularity

4:52 The differences between Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo

6:01 Other niche platforms

6:56 UK listing sites like Simply Owners and GroupAccommodation.com

8:05 How to get listed on Google Vacation Rentals

9:36 How a PMS can help ensure maximum exposure

10:32 Why you need a direct booking website

12:00 The risk in only being listed on one platform

13:30 Check out Hostfully’s PMS

14:29 Hostfully digital guidebooks

Looking for a great PMS or digital guidebook?

You need Hostfully!

Check out these special offers:

Property Management Software: Get $500 off onboarding by using the code PLANET500.

Digital Guidebooks: Get 30% off for life by using the code HOSTPLANETGB.

Click here to sign up for Hostfully: https://www.hostfully.com/influencers/host_planet/

Keen to book a Hostfully demo? Click here to connect with Frank Bosi: https://cal.mixmax.com/frankbosi/demo?re=IiY1x2YuQXZuFGbwR3cvhGQzVWbhpmI&rn=ISelxmchZFIzVWbhpkI&messageId=UjWJnyJQ1a9zxhP2C

Email Frank: [email protected]

Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/

James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/

Joseph Cox: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephmicox/

Hostfully: https://www.hostfully.com/influencers/host_planet/

Episode to check next: Learn How To Take Great Photos For Your Airbnb: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vi9XiAQ1H-0&t=2s

Host Planet Bitesize is presented by James Varley, a holiday let investor and property manager who is also the Founder of Host Planet. Before founding Host Planet, James spent 20 years in the media, including a decade leading corporate communications for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Contact the show: [email protected]

#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #Hostfully #PMS #DigitalGuidebooks #SpecialOffer #ListingPlatforms

  continue reading

187 episodes

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