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Note: Thanks to
ToonTownRob for posting this mini-revelation about the power of starting your email responses with a twist. It inspired this week's Motivation (and I decided to record it in podcast form too below).
Listing sites like Airbnb and Vrbo rank as the top pound-for-pound allocation of your time to generate inquiries. All the various listing sites...
ToonTownRob for posting this mini-revelation about the power of starting your email responses with a twist. It inspired this week's Motivation (and I decided to record it in podcast form too below).Listing sites like Airbnb and Vrbo rank as the top pound-for-pound allocation of your time to generate inquiries. All the various listing sites...
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Latest reply by - Sallie
#3 from the Guest point of view.
We wanted to rent a dog-friendly house in a specific beach community for three months during winter 2023. We're two adults and two golden retrievers. I first looked for local rental agencies and found nothing. Then I...
In this episode Matt sits down with Kirsten King of Big Sky Vacation Rentals for some big takeaways on building and ultimately selling a supremely profitable and sustainable vacation rental business.
This episode is brought to you by Point Central, the leaders in smart home automation, and Breezeway, the best in class property care and automations platform.
This episode is brought to you by Point Central, the leaders in smart home automation, and Breezeway, the best in class property care and automations platform.
- Founder, VRMB
Updated Oct 19, 2023
I think this will be a watershed year for vacation rental conferences, so I'm encouraging any member who wants to up their game with some advice around the most common questions I get!
Drop your fav conference into comments for other members...as well as what kind of attendee would be a good fit!
Note: We've also begun hosting a series of private events ourselves called "Keystone...
I think this will be a watershed year for vacation rental conferences, so I'm encouraging any member who wants to up their game with some advice around the most common questions I get!
Drop your fav conference into comments for other members...as well as what kind of attendee would be a good fit!
Note: We've also begun hosting a series of private events ourselves called "Keystone...
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Latest reply by - StacyW
This year as we head into conferences I am going to make a list of needs, must haves, and who to find. When you get to conferences especially bigger ones it can be overwhelming with all the things. Have a list or plan of...
Our industry is at a pivotal juncture.
- Vacation rental demand at all-time high means...
- New owners & managers need guidance and...
- Guests need training or else...
- Unrealistic expectations produce...
- Bad actors who...
- Tarnish the craft and contribute to unfair regulation in your region
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Latest reply by
- Sallie
When I started using our house as a vacation rental I was told at the get-go: Everything you put into this house must be considered as disposable inventory.
If it will break buy two, (maybe even 3 sets): one to have, one to replace...
After running my vacation rental business for 7 years, I burned out.
The fun, excitement, and focus from my "start-up" days had faded.
I was no longer passionate about the hospitality, which we always considered our greatest virtue.
And after coming to grips with that fact, I sold the business.
Part of me attributed the "burn out" to simply working 24/7 for 7 years. Gene Marks, author of The Small Business...
The fun, excitement, and focus from my "start-up" days had faded.
I was no longer passionate about the hospitality, which we always considered our greatest virtue.
And after coming to grips with that fact, I sold the business.
Part of me attributed the "burn out" to simply working 24/7 for 7 years. Gene Marks, author of The Small Business...
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Latest reply by - ROster
Rick, sometimes good enough is good enough. Please don't pressure yourself to do more. We know you strive for excellence, and...
(OK so I apologize about the title: it's something that early-marketer-Matt would have written. But I couldn't resist the cheesy sensationalization on this technique because it's worth the hype.)
If there was one technique that I wish more owners and managers would try, it's talking head video.
Talking head video is you: in front of webcam: saying something meaningful to your guests. It's like...
If there was one technique that I wish more owners and managers would try, it's talking head video.
Talking head video is you: in front of webcam: saying something meaningful to your guests. It's like...
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Latest reply by
- Matt Landau
@Matt Landau - Well, heck seems like me, Google, and Youtube will be holding our own classes?
Yes, I was a little disappointed but I think it's a direct sign that plenty of people have too much good business...
Niches are the next big thing in vacation rentals.
They are the essence of Theory of Limited Edition: that if you do the things only/inimitably YOU, that no bigger/richer company can ever compete.
Special interest and geographic niches possess significant profit: they are not scalable: and they tend to be more intimate than the big box managers... therefore less hazardous to communities.
If you are an...
They are the essence of Theory of Limited Edition: that if you do the things only/inimitably YOU, that no bigger/richer company can ever compete.
Special interest and geographic niches possess significant profit: they are not scalable: and they tend to be more intimate than the big box managers... therefore less hazardous to communities.
If you are an...
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Latest reply by - DMartinez
A surprising spike in a keyword search bump was noticed today for my website -with thanks to a blog post I wrote a while ago about a potential niche that never...
I am currently visiting @Godfrey in Sun Valley, Idaho where the supply of vacation rental properties is so limited (and the demand for this destination so great) that property owners and managers need to be extra intentional about how they spend their time. To a degree, I think this focus is increasingly playing out across the world.
Every activity falls somewhere on the profit spectrum, but which...
Every activity falls somewhere on the profit spectrum, but which...
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Latest reply by - Catherine
Here's a full interview so you can understand better:
Thanks, as always, Matt! 👌
My mother is a brain scientist who has earned an incredible array of accolades over the last few decades. Becoming a scientist wasn't common for women in her generation so (with the help of great mentors) she chose to blaze her own trail.
My father was a shopkeeper whose family business served as a keystone to the community of Princeton, New Jersey his entire adult life (he has since retired and the shop...
My father was a shopkeeper whose family business served as a keystone to the community of Princeton, New Jersey his entire adult life (he has since retired and the shop...
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Latest reply by - AFirmani
From the young age of two, my family begin hosting exchange students from all over the world. My mom was a HS teacher and my father was the friendliest human you could ever meet! I also recall many students hanging at the house as well. Looking back, it was...
Hey @EBadia -- what do you think about the word “boutique” to describe what makes vacation rental companies great? Used in all of our marketing materials and in our day-to-day, could "boutique" successfully convey what makes vacation rental companies great in ways that other words (we've come up with) can not?
Side Note: For those of you who haven't listened, Evelyn and I are on a mission to...
Side Note: For those of you who haven't listened, Evelyn and I are on a mission to...
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Latest reply by - Debi
I added the word "boutique" to my listing title on Airbnb when this thread first came out. My summer is filled. However, Airbnb has recently ELIMINATED titles in their listing search. I understand this is a new AI standard for...
Disclaimer: This may sound stupid simple but it really works. I recommend you try.
IDEA
To solve a fellow VRMB Community member's very important messaging question, we recently spent $700 for one hour with a copywriting consultant. Yes, this is a huge amount of money. But I had been following this particular expert for many years, have listened to every one of his podcasts, admire his expertise and...
IDEA
To solve a fellow VRMB Community member's very important messaging question, we recently spent $700 for one hour with a copywriting consultant. Yes, this is a huge amount of money. But I had been following this particular expert for many years, have listened to every one of his podcasts, admire his expertise and...
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Latest reply by - jlynnmoscrip
As usual, right on target @Matt Landau. Yes: I was worried about telling guests the same thing in an email and on my website but it works! Absolutely key: repeat, repeat, repeat!
Here’s a guest communications tip :
My welcome book has an intro 1 page with key...
Last week we talked about the actives that generate the most profit for vacation rental entrepreneurs. If you haven’t checked back recently, this thread has become filled with some really brilliant new perspectives.
And this week we turn focus to guests in asking, “how do we cultivate moments of engagement?”
"Moments of engagement” is one way of thinking about those special interactions in which you...
And this week we turn focus to guests in asking, “how do we cultivate moments of engagement?”
"Moments of engagement” is one way of thinking about those special interactions in which you...
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Latest reply by - Will Franco
This is one of the tactics that, if you do it consistently, WILL increase your conversion rate by double digits guaranteed. @Will Franco would you mind sharing that guide...
IDEA: Any vacation rental property can be made more “limited edition” with the introduction of a landmark feature: a structural, decorative, or recreational aspect of the home’s offering that is unique (in your competitive set), photogenic (for promotional purposes), and perhaps most importantly enjoyable for new and repeat guests...
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Latest reply by
- Matt Landau
Came across this Airbnb with a big swing front and center...
Chances are, you aren't getting enough distance from your business.
The upside to being in the trenches is the personal payoff (the 5-star review, sense of purpose, an especially great paycheck). The risk is fatigue. Fatigue + control freaks = a dangerously unstable operation. ESPECIALLY unstable in a hospitality environment that depends on human connection.
ACTION: Take vacation in order to make...
The upside to being in the trenches is the personal payoff (the 5-star review, sense of purpose, an especially great paycheck). The risk is fatigue. Fatigue + control freaks = a dangerously unstable operation. ESPECIALLY unstable in a hospitality environment that depends on human connection.
ACTION: Take vacation in order to make...
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Latest reply by - SScurlock
I have taken your advice and trained one of my sons that also lives on the farm on running my short-term rental business. I am going on a cruise in May and Dan, my husband, insisted I...
***UPDATED NOVEMBER 2, 2021***
I’m departing the last few conferences with a lot to report back. My theme for this conference season is “first mover status” because that’s what all the attendees (advanced owners and managers) seem to be enjoying as a result of their choices and hard work. I've come to think of first-mover vacation rental leaders as "quintessential waveriders" who, with the right positioning and...
I’m departing the last few conferences with a lot to report back. My theme for this conference season is “first mover status” because that’s what all the attendees (advanced owners and managers) seem to be enjoying as a result of their choices and hard work. I've come to think of first-mover vacation rental leaders as "quintessential waveriders" who, with the right positioning and...
UPDATED December 8, 2022
A while back I posted a trend I was calling "The Falling Tide" -- the commentary from members on this metaphor is super insightful and as a result...
I have revised my metaphor: instead of a falling tide in 2023, I think of it a big shake-out.
A big shake-out comes when a wave of hype exceeds the realities of demand (in our case, guests looking for a reliable place...
A while back I posted a trend I was calling "The Falling Tide" -- the commentary from members on this metaphor is super insightful and as a result...
I have revised my metaphor: instead of a falling tide in 2023, I think of it a big shake-out.
A big shake-out comes when a wave of hype exceeds the realities of demand (in our case, guests looking for a reliable place...
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Latest reply by - JanS
HI @Matt Landau, I have definitely been noticing a falling tide in my own little micro-market and had been wondering if it was broader than that, so this was a very timely topic for me.
I think we reaped the benefits of travelers staying closer to home...
I just finished Dan Pink's The Power of Regret -- all about turning negative emotions into positive actionable lessons -- and the book includes this, one of my favorite quotes:
The book explains how "boldness" regrets ("things I didn't do") were almost 2x as common as action regrets (things...
The book explains how "boldness" regrets ("things I didn't do") were almost 2x as common as action regrets (things...
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Latest reply by
- Sallie
I was always encouraged by my family to be an entrepreneur (like they all were) but devoted my most of my working life to a health care career instead. While not necessarily a regret, I do wish I would have embarked on my second career sooner.
Laboratory science was an academic and interesting...
This post is about newsletters: the single best way to stay in touch with former guests, generate new referrals, and keep your business brain sharpened and focused.
I am something of a newsletter nerd. I sign up to receive newsletters (and assess them), I've spent every week for the last 5 years sending out VRMB's weekly newsletter, and prior to that, I spent a solid 5 years sending out one for my...
I am something of a newsletter nerd. I sign up to receive newsletters (and assess them), I've spent every week for the last 5 years sending out VRMB's weekly newsletter, and prior to that, I spent a solid 5 years sending out one for my...
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Latest reply by
- Matt Landau
Some added thoughts...
Commit: if you don't commit to sending out emails to former guests regularly, when you do actually send them out, it will appear too isolated and needy. Email marketing is a nurture marketing...
I have been deep in Ai reading for the last few months. The unknowns are overwhelmingly agreed (few could have fathomed what big disruptions like the steam engine or the internet would bring).
It's the speed of the onset of these unknowns that's most radical. Other disruptions took place slowly and steadily by comparison. This morning I read about a professor's Ai detector falsely accusing a student of...
It's the speed of the onset of these unknowns that's most radical. Other disruptions took place slowly and steadily by comparison. This morning I read about a professor's Ai detector falsely accusing a student of...
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Latest reply by
- DMartinez
Something to consider if using AI for blogs and/or other marketing purposes. They scrape data from copyrighted property. Then it repurposes it...
Limited edition management recommends emphasizing your one-of-a-kind virtues -- family owned/operated, locally based/headquartered, and specialized in a property type or location -- to create a moat of defense from competing vacation rental offerings. Some activities DO scale (and can be automated or done en mass). But I keep coming back to the word "Unscalable" as not just a good thing...
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Latest reply by - davidliedl
Thanks for asking @davidliedl
Here is a link to the housekeeping checklist (scroll down to the bottom): https://community.vrmb.com/threads/ep109-the-trickiest-challenges-of-vacation-rental-housekeeping-and-how-to-solve-some-of-them.6896/
Thank you!
At 10:05 of our latest Unlocked interview with Jeremy Gall, we talk about Brittany Blackman and her deep passion for vacation rental hospitality.
I go on to share how @MikeH saw Brittany's "passion" as a downright game-changer.
'"They' can't compete with that!" Mike says.
The “they” in Mike’s sentiment is intentionally vague — it can apply to whoever you may...
I go on to share how @MikeH saw Brittany's "passion" as a downright game-changer.
'"They' can't compete with that!" Mike says.
The “they” in Mike’s sentiment is intentionally vague — it can apply to whoever you may...
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Latest reply by
- AFirmani
We just put together our 5th VR and then I saw this post (I do not know why they do not come to my email but that goodness I found it here)! And it really got me thinking. In...
From Phocuswright's STR study Through The Roof, 87% of travelers agreed or strongly agreed that they actively seek out properties with an interesting look and feel. "Character" was not a make it or break it moment of the conversion -- but definitely a big appeal.
Character is where a huge new wave of vacation rental entrepreneurs are investing: tree houses, tents, themed homes...etc.
So I wanted to start...
Character is where a huge new wave of vacation rental entrepreneurs are investing: tree houses, tents, themed homes...etc.
So I wanted to start...
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Latest reply by
- Matt Landau
I love this thread!
I have two blogposts that I share with homeowners during the setup process about "Thinking Local" and "Thinking Like a Local."...
Ever since I moved to Miami and started swimming in the ocean each morning with my crew of completely random but equally inspiring swim buddies (photo attached) I joined in on the unspoken practice of being grateful.
There's no fee and no rules joining this swim group. Show up whenever you want, swim with the group however far you want, however fast you want.
But at the beginning just as we're all in the water...
There's no fee and no rules joining this swim group. Show up whenever you want, swim with the group however far you want, however fast you want.
But at the beginning just as we're all in the water...
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Latest reply by - Karla
@Matt Landau I was so moved by your last mailer of 2021 and your essay about your experience on St. John that it made me cry, memories of what happened to people after those two back to back cat 5 hurricanes came...
If repeat guests are the holy grail of vacation rental marketing: and if repeat bookings are directly proportional to the size of your email marketing list: then increasing the size of your email marketing list will increase your repeat bookings and lead you to the holy grail.
When it comes to repeat bookings, one of the biggest untapped goldmines are the guests who stay in your vacation rental with a group, but...
When it comes to repeat bookings, one of the biggest untapped goldmines are the guests who stay in your vacation rental with a group, but...
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Latest reply by - HeatherP
We also had the same experience with JoinbyText. Total bust. Not a great setup. Wondering if there is another...
Have you ever come across a product whose presentation is on point?
Whoever put together the photos, copywriting, design was "on their game" or "looking sharp" in that it subliminally sucked you in and persuaded you to buy?
Finca Victoria is a farmhouse style B&B on the small island of Vieques, Puerto Rico, and every vacation rental professional can take something away from...
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Latest reply by
- ToonTownRob
Does it have to be an either/or? Can't a website be everything you talk about, and still have great SEO?
IDEA: I've flown Southwest Airlines a few times the last months and noticed that due to Covid they are not serving alcohol, which is boohooo because there is no social lubricant I like more to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger than bourbon.
But pre-covid I learned about a secret unwritten rule among most of the flight attendants that I refer to ask their free drink policy.
Note: this...
But pre-covid I learned about a secret unwritten rule among most of the flight attendants that I refer to ask their free drink policy.
Note: this...
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Latest reply by - JFaxman
Great idea THANK YOU! and Thanks to all who shared freebees (not). I am coping your ideas! LOL
IDEA
Last weekend, I met a woman who rents out the studio above her garage and despite having ZERO other marketing, this woman is so insanely dialed in.
There are no better words to describe the professionalism of an owner or manager than being 'dialed in.'
The level of thought this woman puts into her hosting was more 'dialed in' than many property managers I've seen.
Hand-written welcome notes...
Last weekend, I met a woman who rents out the studio above her garage and despite having ZERO other marketing, this woman is so insanely dialed in.
There are no better words to describe the professionalism of an owner or manager than being 'dialed in.'
The level of thought this woman puts into her hosting was more 'dialed in' than many property managers I've seen.
Hand-written welcome notes...
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Latest reply by
- Catherine
Yes, to everyone's comments. Since I started allowing dogs, I find dog-owners less "entitled".
I finally got my 1st REAL direct booking from a...
Our special industry deserves it's own special metrics (and vocabulary).
“We cannot improve what we cannot measure," is a popular small business mantra because it gives everyone on the team common metrics or benchmarks to measure.
Occupancy, revenue per property, profit per property…etc. These popular metrics connect directly to your profit line (the single most important metric of...
“We cannot improve what we cannot measure," is a popular small business mantra because it gives everyone on the team common metrics or benchmarks to measure.
Occupancy, revenue per property, profit per property…etc. These popular metrics connect directly to your profit line (the single most important metric of...
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Latest reply by
- DMartinez
Hmm🤔... to be filed under Memories Made gone viral?
Metric: the number of times your appliances have been RickRolled?
Time to update the use of appliances clause in our booking contract...
Once you've come to grips with the fact that few employees will likely ever have the same level of passion or commitment that you do, you turn to the next best thing:
"How can I best incentivize them to reach their full potential and KEEP them at my business?"
I wanted to start a thread of some great ideas I've learned in the last few weeks of attending conferences, with the hope that YOU can jump in and...
"How can I best incentivize them to reach their full potential and KEEP them at my business?"
I wanted to start a thread of some great ideas I've learned in the last few weeks of attending conferences, with the hope that YOU can jump in and...
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Latest reply by - MPerkins
We profit share with everyone in the office and offer holiday bonuses, great health benefits, sick and vacation time and all...
Trial and error 'metabolism' is one of the most popular ways to build vacation rental muscle.
But once you've reached a sweet spot, trial and error metabolism tends to slow: either because you've build a seamless machine OR you've lost motivation for growth.
One way to mix things up is to adopt the mentality that "everything is a test."
"Everything is a test" gives us the confidence to try a myriad of mini...
But once you've reached a sweet spot, trial and error metabolism tends to slow: either because you've build a seamless machine OR you've lost motivation for growth.
One way to mix things up is to adopt the mentality that "everything is a test."
"Everything is a test" gives us the confidence to try a myriad of mini...
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Latest reply by
- Matt Landau
Reference Discussion (for anyone who wants to learn more about QR codes): https://community.vrmb.com/threads/qr-code-for-marketing.6301/
Hi All,
It's been a while.
Have a quick question for the group.
Over the past two years it's become clear that our core markets are...
a) family gatherings / reunions... usually multigenerational in high / shoulder season - summer, Christmas, Easter etc.
b) group...
It's been a while.
Have a quick question for the group.
Over the past two years it's become clear that our core markets are...
a) family gatherings / reunions... usually multigenerational in high / shoulder season - summer, Christmas, Easter etc.
b) group...
@Sallie totally. :)
Note: I first heard @AmyH mention this in an interview and I text messaged her and said, "Can I draw this out?" I then shared with @Christina and over the course of what feels like MONTHS of Christina telling me all the additional things that could be done with the model, she agreed to let me post 🤣
View attachment 4012
Challenge for Community Members: Because we're such a new industry, it's...
View attachment 4012
Challenge for Community Members: Because we're such a new industry, it's...
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Latest reply by - Nancy
I think I missed the context of the original post. I didn't hear the interview you are referencing.
It's about Supply Chain right?
That all starts with the property owner - whether that be the...
Welcome to VRMB!
I’m Matt Landau, the founder of this forum. It was created in 2016 when a group of us wanted a safe space to discuss our growing STR businesses.
Today, you can join our community of 1,000+ creative, thoughtful, and generous members who believe in a better future.
