{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"EP 216: Are direct bookings just a trend?","description":"Don\u2019t forget \u2014 STR Marketing Simplified kicks off today (Sept 23\u201325)! It\u2019s a free 3-day workshop where I\u2019ll walk you through how to rely less on OTAs and build a marketing system that works. Save your seat here (or catch the replays if you can\u2019t make it live). \ud83d\udc49 Save your seat here! Are direct bookings just a trend\u2026 or the future of your short-term rental business? In this episode of Branded and Booked, I\u2019m diving into one of the most important conversations I\u2019ve had with STR hosts over the last two years: should you go all in on a direct booking strategy, and if so, when? Airbnb isn\u2019t going anywhere, but the constant policy and fee changes remind us that we don\u2019t own that platform. What we can own is our brand, our guest relationships, and a marketing strategy that brings in more control and more revenue. Here\u2019s what I cover in this episode: Why direct bookings aren\u2019t just a passing trend The shift I\u2019m seeing with Airbnb policies in 2025 and how it impacts us as hosts When to start your direct booking strategy (hint: the best time is today) The key marketing levers that actually move the needle \u2014 SEO, email marketing, and yes, social media when it makes sense Real-life examples of how I\u2019ve approached direct bookings with my own properties This conversation is packed with clarity and action steps so you can move forward with confidence. Resources & Links: Reserve your spot in the STR Marketing Simplified Workshop (Sept 23\u201325) \u2192 Register here! Follow me on Instagram for more tips and behind-the-scenes: @theweberco If you enjoyed this episode, leave a quick review and share your favorite takeaway! I can\u2019t wait to see you inside! ","author_name":"Branded & Booked","author_url":"https:\/\/anchor.fm\/astoldbyus","html":"