Welcome to Grow Your Holiday Let Business, the podcast for holiday home / short term rental owners and property managers managing multiple properties, to give you strategies and tips to grow your business with more ease. I'm your host, Jane Mack, a holiday let agency owner, turned consultant and coach. I take my 10 years of hands on experience and knowledge of owning and running a holiday let agency and share it to you. Listen in as myself, other operators in the industry and professionals in the industry bring you tips, advice and suggestions that can make your life easier as a property manager or holiday home owner. Managing your guests, getting bookings, being the face of the business and everything else in-between can be all consuming so this podcast is all about making that easier for you. Every Wednesday a new episode will drop into your favourite podcast app for you to grab the latest tips and implement them into your business. I'm always available to answer your questions over on Instagram @janemackconsulting, so feel free to pop over and lets have a chat. Follow Grow Your Holiday Let Business in your podcast app of choice or head to: https://grow-your-holiday-let.captivate.fm/listen to choose your app and start listening.
In this episode Jane Mack chats to Mark Simpson, founder and CEO of Boostly, an award-winning company helping short term rental owners increase their direct bookings through website development and marketing teaching in the Boostly Academy.Mark shares his journey from growing up in a family-owned B&B to launching Boostly, emphasising the importance of not relying solely on OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) for bookings. Key Takeaways:Learn the 3 important areas to prioritise on your website to encourage direct bookingsDiscover the new trends to follow as part of your marketing strategyHear about Boostly's new upcoming partnership with I-PRAC - check out I-PRAC website below for up to date informationHear Mark's one big tip to help hosts achieve more direct bookingsLearn more about Boostly here:@boostlyuk on Instagram mark's Website I-PRACConnect with Jane:Book a free callWebsiteLinkedInInstagramFacebook PageIf you enjoyed what you heard, please leave a review and subscribe.
In this episode, Jane speaks with Simon Lehmann, the founder of AJL Atelier, about strategies for growth in property management businesses and the role of technology in this process. Simon is one of the world's foremost experts on short-term rental and vacation rental. He leads AJL Atelier, a specialized vacation rental, and business consultancy while also advising multiple companies as Board Member and Executive Chairman. A sought-after speaker, panelist, and moderator, Simon loves to broach high-level and technical topics alike, from the future trends of short-term rental to the specifics of online distribution in the top 5 OTAs. Previously, Simon was the Co-Founder & Chairman of Vacasa Europe, former President of PhocusWright, and ex-Board member of HomeAway, to name but a few. He's also an accomplished operator, having led Interhome as CEO, Hotelplan Group Deputy CEO, and Swissport as EVP. Key Takeaways:The importance of having a clearly defined strategy and planUnderstanding your customers and the necessity of managing both guest and owner relations equally. The role technology can play in helping property management businesses grow and increase efficienciesRevenue management and how this is a must in any property management businessWhat the future looks like for property managementConnect with Simon here:LinkedInConnect with Jane here:Join the membershipBook a free callWebsiteLinkedInInstagramFacebook PageRemember to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and leave a review if you enjoy the show. Thank you.
In this episode Jane outlines the challenges of being a holiday let property manager, with housekeeping as the most demanding. While the role is all-consuming, the satisfaction derived still motivates most people in the profession. Jane talks about running a property management business and how this can be stressful due to immediate guest demands, location and management issues and how there is no one size fits all solution.However, a sustainable strategy is by creating a like-minded community for support, shared experiences, and learning. She is launching an exclusive membership for property managers offering this support. It will be opening at the end of February. Join the waitlist now to be the first to be notified when it opens and get the special founders price!JOIN THE WAITLIST HEREConnect with Jane Here:Book a free callWebsiteLinkedInInstagramFacebook Page
In this episode, Jane talks to Gabriel Wall, the owner of award-winning Wall Eden Farm Holidays - a 3 generational family log cabin business.Gabriel shares insights of how he diversified his family business into multiple markets and guest offerings, and discusses his journey from carpentry to establishing a log cabin holiday park incorporating his hobbies and interests. Listen in to hear the importance of connecting with customers to understand their needs and go beyond expectations. Gabriel also highlights how their accessible cabins tailored for disabled guests, working with various charities, and initiatives towards wellness retreats has come about through his own passions and conversations with guests.Find out more about Wall Eden Fam Holidays:Gabriel 's Website Gabriel 's Facebook page @walledenfarm on Instagram Connect with Jane:FREE Visibility WorkshopBook a free callWebsiteLinkedInInstagramFacebook PageIf you like what you hear, please leave a review, Thank you!
Boosting your holiday let business with a Destination Management Organisation (DMO)In this episode, Jane discusses the role of (DMO's) with Sheila Gilmore, the chief executive of Visit Arran. They talk about how DMOs can help local businesses by being part of the community, supporting their growth, and attracting the right visitors to the area. Sheila explains how Visit Arran operates differently from other tourism organisations to promote sustainability, local businesses, and responsible tourism. Find out how a local DMO could help and support your business and hear what happened when the legendary Billy Connolly visited Arran.Find out more about Sheila:Sheila was born and raised on Arran, into a hospitality business. Her family has owned the Ormidale since 1935. She took a brief soujourn into eduction for 25 years before returning to her current role in 2012, as Chief Executive of Visit Arran.Sheila really wanted to be a professional Actor, and has won national awards for both acting and production and is a Burnsian and has spoken and performed at Burns suppers across the world.When she's not promoting tourism on the Isle of Arran, she enjoy spending time with her big family, travelling, skiing, chocolate, walking wee Archie-Dug, and living in the most beautiful place in the world.Connect with Sheila and Visit Arran here:LinkedIn@visitarran on Instagram @VisitArran on Twitter Sheila's Website Sheila on YouTube FacebookConnect with Jane:www.janemackconsulting.comNEW MEMBERSHIP WAITLISTIf you enjoyed the show please leave a review, thank you.
In this episode, Jane talks about the importance of gaining visibility on social media for your holiday let business. Acknowledging the fear and hesitations many face in putting themselves out there, she shares her personal journey of moving from a offline business to an online one.Jane busts some of the fears associated with posting about yourself and showing your face online and shares three simple ways to increase your online visibility without talking or dancing!Sharing personal stories that show the reasons behind starting the businessGoing behind-the-scenes of the businessShowcasing personal values and beliefs pertaining to properties. Jane stresses the importance of being authentic and keeping content simple to connect with your ideal guests.Plus.... Jane sets a challenge for listeners to try at least one of her suggestions. Which one will you try?Connect with Jane:Need support in your holiday let business? Book a free call.WebsiteLinkedInInstagramFacebook PageIf you like what you hear, please leave a review and subscribe so you don't miss an episode!
In this episode Jane talks to Neely Khan about I-PRAC accreditation and how it will help your guests feel more comfortable booking with you which is another great way to help your property(s) stand out from the competition.I-PRAC is the global accreditation for trusted, professional and certified short term rental professionals.Key takeaways:Understand what it means to be I-PRAC approved for hosts and guestsLearn about the benefits of being approvedDiscover how I-PRAC helps those approved businesses to maximise the benefits of itHear about what it takes to get approved and how to get startedRecently appointed as the new Managing Director of I-PRAC, Neely Khan leads the short-term rental industry's only verification and membership company from the forefront. Neely plays a pivotal role in educating STR operators about the importance of trust, trust marketing, and trust psychology for the purpose of more direct bookings - while working closely with founder and CEO of I-PRAC, Chris Maughan. The company has thousands of verified members worldwide, and Neely is on a mission to create a growing community that in many ways will 'reinvent' the way we approach the business of direct bookings and building truly trusted brands. She's also a professional writer and self-proclaimed 'story person' for the STR industry - and has been offering this as a service to operators and suppliers for the past five years. So, some may say she has the ideal set of skills and experience to make her a great fit for I-PRAC - and more importantly, I-PRAC's deep-seated mission. @thisisiprac on Instagram Connect with Neely and Chris Maughan:Neely - LinkedIn. Chris - LinkedInNeely 's Website Connect with Jane here:Book a free callWebsiteLinkedInInstagramFacebook PageIf you enjoyed the show please leave a review and subscribe. Thanks
In this episode Jane talks to Vanessa De Souza Lage, co-founder of Sustonica about how holiday let owners and property managers can gain that competitive advantage by being more sustainable.The main takeaways:Learn the tips and tricks that you never would think about to improve your property's sustainabilityDiscover the benefits of offering a sustainable property to your guestsWhy now is the time to start to make the changes and how that will benefit you in the long runGrab some quick wins that you can do from today to start your sustainability journeyCEO Sustonica - Sustainability Certification for Short-Term Rentals | Mission-Driven Entrepreneur | Marketer | Public Speaker | Women Leadership Advocate | End Violence against Women Activist Vanessa is an entrepreneur and CMO. She's the co-founder of Sustonica, the 1st sustainability recognition for short-term rentals. She also co-founded the leading short-term rental channel manager, Rentals United and is the founder of VRTech, which was a series of events for the vacation rental tech start-up scene to further innovation in the industry. Vanessa is a regular speaker at worldwide events, she's the originator of the #tieonstage movement raising awareness that there are not enough women on stage at industry events. She also used her voice to help end domestic violence. Connect with Vanessa:LinkedInVanessa's Website Join Jane's new membership for holiday let owners and property managers:Email Jane for more info: jane@janemackconsulting.com
In this episode Jane talks to Katie Bessant on how to maximise your Instagram marketing strategy from getting your bio right to attract the right guests to the types of posts to do to stand out from the crowd.Here are the main takeaways:Understand how has marketing changed in the holiday let industry over the years.Learn the steps to take to set up a great Instagram profile, looking at your bio, links and highlights.Discover the types of content hosts and property managers should post about to attract their ideal guest.Grab 3 tips on how sell the experience for marketing your property.Katie is a holiday cottage marketing expert who offers coaching and online training programmes to holiday cottage owners and other businesses in the tourism industry to help them improve their digital presence and online visibility, to generate more bookings. Growing up in South Devon, she has been involved in her family's B&B and has worked in the tourism industry for many years. From waitressing and cleaning holiday lets, to working in the marketing department of the 3rd biggest holiday letting agency in the UK, she's seen every side of the tourism industry and has invaluable experience.She is also a Superhost herself, with a very successful Airbnb, so she totally understands what it's like to market and manage a holiday let. Connect with Katie:FacebookFacebook GroupInstagramLinkedInResources from the show:Free Guide: 5 Steps to Repeat BookingsConnect with Jane here:www.janemackconsulting.comLinkedInInstagramFacebook Remember to subscribe and leave a review! Thanks
In this episode Jane talks to Kelly Odor, Marketing Director of Bookster, about how property management software (PMS) can be used to help property your property.Bookster is property management software specifically designed for holiday rental owners and managers. Key takeaways from this episode:Understand what property management systems are and what the differences can be between them.Discover 3 ways to use this software for marketing your property (s) - email marketing, using floor plans and tags on photos and direct booking toolkits.Get 3 tips on how to get started with PMS softwareLearn how Bookster works and their support systemConnect with Kelly and know more about Bookster here:Kelly's Facebook group @booksterhq on Instagram Kelly's Website Kelly on YouTube LinkedInFree Resources from the show:Guide: Get Bookings and Expand in a Difficult MarketConnect with Jane Here:www.janemackconsulting.com
If you ever wonder about different ways that can help your holiday let / short term rental stand out from the competition, then niche marketing could be a great option for you.In this episode Jane is talking to Heather Bayer about the art of niche marketing. Here are the main takeaways:Discover the benefits and drawbacks of niche marketing.Learn about 3 niches that anyone can get into.Find out how you can research into a niche and create your niche ideal guest.Takeaway ideas on how you can build your content around your niche and reach your audience.Recovering property manager, educator and consultant, with 28years industry experience, Heather is the voice behind the Vacation Rental Success podcast & creator of education resources for VR professionals at Vacation Rental Formula Business School. From her experience as an owner of multiple properties in the UK and Canada, and for 20 years as CEO of one of Ontario's leading property management companies, Heather is committed to developing quality education material for the vacation rental industry. The popular podcast has over 540 episodes of interviews with over a million and a half downloads. Contact Heather at heather@vacationrentalformula.com and visit www.vacationrentalformula.com for more information. Heather's Facebook group @cottageguru on Twitter Heather on YouTube LinkedInFree resources from the show:How to Get Bookings and Expand in a Difficult MarketConnect with Jane:www.janemackconsulting.com
In this episode Jane talks to Sarah Orchard, founder of Get Fully Booked, about her in person event she is holding to support hosts with their marketing and business growth for 2024.The event will include speakers from across the industry who are all hosts themselves so listen in to get all the details, including:Who exactly the event is forHear about the experts who will be sharing their knowledge and expertiseFind out what you can expect from the dayDiscover the benefits you can get from coming alongSharing in the hospitality industry is so powerful and this is a great way to grow your network with hosts in the same industry. Plus, there is a live stream available for those that cannot make it in person.Sarah Orchard is an award-winning marketing strategist, #1 best-selling author, and holiday business owner, who helps fellow hosts confidently move from being invisible online to visible with maximum direct bookings. Sarah provides marketing support through affordable online training courses, a monthly marketing club membership, and 1:1 marketing strategy and planning sessions. You can book the event here: Sarah's Website Find out more about Sarah and connect with her here: https://get-fully-booked.com/Free Resources from the show:How to Get Bookings and Expand in a Difficult MarketFind out more about Jane and connect:Jane Mack Consulting website
In this episode Jane talks to Andrew Dalby, founder of ACT Studios, a property marketing company and Beds4Nature, a new free initiative to help properties understand their carbon footprint.Andrew talks about the importance of creating high impact photos and how it's the little things that make a difference. He shares the 3 things that his team look for in a photo shoot and how holiday let agencies can use professional shots for more impactful marketing.Andrew is eco conscious and started Beds4nature to help property owners understand their carbon footprint and offset it by planting trees in local UK woodland projects. He sees this as also a great way to inspire guests to contribute also.Andrew's Links:Beds4natureACT StudiosResources from the show:5 Steps to Repeat BookingsConnect with Jane:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramFacebook
The world of property management can seem like a lonely place at times and it can be hard to find the right networks where you can connect with others in your industry. In this episode Damian Sheridan shares all the juicy info about the Book Direct Show and Scale Show conferences.We discuss the benefits property managers can get from these many shows that run each year across the UK, Europe and beyond. Discover the great networking opportunities with like minded people in your industry and the value provided by speakers from across the industry to help grow and develop a holiday let property management business.Damian is the founder of these shows and has created them based on his many years experience in the holiday let industry and by listening to what property managers want for their business.You can connect with Damian and find out more about the shows here:@scale.show on Instagram LinkedIn@damiansheridan9 on Twitter Damian's Website Book Direct ShowResources from the show:Free Masterclass: Mastering Property ManagementConnect with Jane Here:LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/janemack-consulting/Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/janemackconsulting/Facebook Pagehttps://www.facebook.com/janemackconsulting/
Systems are great at automating many of the day to day tasks involved in property management. Channel managers, PMS (property management systems), booking systems, but how do you know what's right for your business?In this episode Jane talks about how you choose the systems for your business and gives steps to take to choose the right system for your business.Whether you're starting out in holiday let property management or growing your business, then this episode is definitely worth listening to.Resources from the show:Free masterclass - Mastering Property ManagementConnect with Jane here:LinkedInInstagramFacebook PageIf you enjoy this episode please leave a review to let others know.
They started with one property which then took them on a journey to a full holiday letting company managing around 50 luxury properties and an award finalist. Is wasn't in the plan, so how did that happen?In this episode Jane talks to Tracey Kelly, co-founder of Cotswold Retreats, as she shares her journey into holiday home management that she and her husband Lee started back in 2019.Key highlights from the episode are:How they overcame their housekeeping challenges.The biggest piece of software that has helped them grow their business.The benefits of being published in a local magazine.Tracey's 4 top tips for starting out in the industry.Who their Hollywood celebrity guest was and what they learnt from that.Cotswold Retreats is headed by a husband-and-wife team who started a holiday lettings firm with just one lodge in September 2019 and are now managing around 50 luxury properties across Gloucestershire. Tracey and Lee Kelly were inspired to create Cotswold Retreats, offering luxury accommodation and hot-tub breaks, after buying their first holiday home back in 2019. After a lot of work, they now offer a fully managed service for holiday-home owners, with our current clients praising their professionalism, excellent housekeeping team, and attention to detail. You can follow Tracey and Cotswold Retreats here:Tracey's Facebook page @thecotswoldretreats on Instagram Tracey's Website Tracey on YouTube LinkedInFree Resources from the show:How to Manage and Support Your Property OwnersYou can follow Jane here:LinkedInInstagramFacebook Page
Are you ready to provide a stand out property management service? Winter is a great time to do just that.....and help your business grow.In this episode Jane shares her top 10 tasks to do over winter, to ensure an excellent service is provided to property owners and guests, plus helps grow your business.Having done 10 winters in her property management business, Jane has developed a lot of knowledge on what needs to be done, and the major benefits of it to your business.Listen in and get ready for winter!Resources from the show:Book a free call to help with your property mangementConnect with Jane Here:LinkedInInstagramFacebook
In this episode Jane talks about the 2 important areas when setting up and starting your property management business - contracts and pricing. Listen in to hear what should be included in contracts and how to set your pricing.Jane took her property management business, streamlined it and expanded it before selling it. She now uses her 10 years of hands on knowledge and experience to help others in their business.Resources from the show:Managing and Supporting Your Property OwnersMastering Property ManagementConnect with Jane Here:InstagramLinkedInFacebookIf you like what you heard please leave a review for others.
In this episode Jane talks to renowned property investor Colette Thompson about the key to growing a successful property portfolio. Discover the secrets of diversification and the importance of adapting to changing market patterns. Colette shares her years of experience in property including long term letting and flipping to short term holiday lets and renovation projects to create a successful property portfolio of different income streams.Colette was a highly successful corporate contract manager and part-time investor before setting up her own company, Cotswold Property Partners, in 2021. She is now a full-time property developer and investor with multiple income streams, specialising in high-end holiday homes and corporate lets. Colette grew her property portfolio from £2M to £4m over the last year, this is on track to grow by a further £1.5M as her developments complete in the next 12 months, adding a further 9 holiday homes into the business. Colette is a huge advocate of growing your wealth through property investment, particularly holiday homes – she has an earn and learn programme for anyone looking to invest and learn from real life projects as they go and offers mentoring services and public speaking too. Connect with Colette here:LinkedInFacebookInstagramFacebook - Cotswold Property PartnersFree Resources From this Episode:Get Bookings and Expand in a Difficult MarketConnect with Jane here:LinkedInInstagramFacebookRemember to leave a review and let others know what you thought.
It started as an e-book and now it's a free educational platform. James Varley talks about the creation of Holiday Cottage Handbook, the free resource for the holiday rental industry. In this episode James shares why it's essential to have this free platform to support the holiday rental industry, and the support it can bring to hosts, investors and property managers at any stage in their journey.With the ever changing market and new trends, it more important now than ever to keep up to date with the industry, to be able to stay competitive. The Holiday Cottage Handbook does just that.James is a media executive and property investor. He has worked across the media industry during his career and most recently spent 10 years leading corporate communications for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup organising committee. He is the founder of Holiday Cottage Handbook – a new communications platform for everyone with a vested interest in the short-term lettings sector. It shares free education for hosts, investors and property managers through its e-book, website, podcast, newsletter and social media channels. James is also the founder and managing director of Varley Media – a communications agency that works with clients across the globe. Find out more about James and the Holiday Cottage Handbook here:James's Facebook page @hchandbook on Instagram @hchandbook on Twitter James's Website James on YouTube LinkedInFree resources from the show:5 Steps to Repeat BookingsConnect with Jane:LinkedInInstagramFacebook PagePlease leave a review if you found this useful.
Bringing on new properties is an essential part of growing your holiday let business. When it happens organically it's great! But when things slow down or there are specific properties you would like, what do you do? It's not enough to just post about your services on social media.Listen in as your host, Jane Mack shares 3 ways that you can attract the properties you want and bring you the best returns.Resources from the show:5 Step Guide To Managing and Supporting Your Property OwnersYou can find out more about Jane here:InstagramFacebookLinkedInIf you like what you heard, please leave a review for others to see.
Providing the right photos for your property can make all the difference between potential guests scrolling on or stopping in their tracks. In this episode, Helen Griffith of Dream Catcher Property Staging talks about how to get those scroll stopping photos that can boost your property's direct bookings.Helping Holiday Home Owners present their properties to a high standard to stop the online scroll is Helens mission. Using her experience in Interior Design and Customer Service she transforms holiday homes that stand out online and help drive direct bookings. Key Takeaways:Discover how Helen helps holiday home owners overcome those frustrations when it comes to preparing their property for rental.Learn how its not just about the photo but creating the experience and feel of the property.Understand how knowing your target market is a key player in how you decorate your property.Listen to hear how housekeeping can play a major role when it comes to property staging and keeping it real.You can connect with Helen here:Helen's Facebook group Helen's Facebook page @dreamcatcherinteriors_ on Instagram Helen's Website LinkedInResources from the show:5 Step Guide to Managing and Supporting Your OwnersConnect with Jane here:LinkedInInstagram
In this episode Clive Titmuss, founder of Hello Hosty, unveils his new AI guest communications software which will alleviate the constant influx of guest communications and being contacted 24/7. Listen in to hear how 'Alina' can benefit your property management business and free up your time, while your guests receive immediate responses that are just like a human wrote them.Clive Titmuss is the owner and founder of House of Bookings Ltd, a vacation rental marketing agency, and Hello Hosty, an AI powered short-term rental management software company. With nearly two decades of experience in London's real estate industry, Clive began his career in sales before transitioning into property management. Having gained a deep understanding of the challenges that property managers face in the short-term rental industry, Clive created Hello Hosty, a cutting-edge software designed to automate the day-to-day tasks of managing short-term rental properties through the power of ai. By utilising this software, property managers can save time, streamline their operations, and increase their turnover. At House of Bookings, Clive and his team specialise in vacation rental marketing and are passionate about helping property owners maximise their returns through effective marketing strategies. Key Takeaways:Discover how 'Alina' can learn about your property to be able to give the correct responses.Understand the different ways you can use the software to either respond to your guests directly or to give you a response that you can use with your guests.Learn how time saving this can be as you manage your property or multiple propertiesConnect with Clive and find out more about Hello Hosty:Clive's Website Clive's Facebook group Clive's Facebook page Clive on YouTube LinkedInResources from the Show:5 Step Guide to Managing and Supporting Your OwnersConnect with Jane here:LinkedInInstagramLike what you hear? Please leave us a review.
Setting the right mindset is the secret to unlocking success in your property management business. A positive mindset can turn challenges into opportunities for growth and transformation. It's important to remember that success comes from a combination of skill and mindset, with the latter accounting for 80%. Therefore, fostering a positive and proactive attitude is a critical step towards mastering your business.Listen in as I talk about 3 key mindset hacks that I used to move my business forward and you can too!RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE:Mastering Property Management - 90 mins callStep Aside and RiseGuide - 5 Steps to Repeat BookingsCONNECT WITH JANE HERE:InstagramLinkedIn
"Dynamic pricing can be a real godsend for hosts and property managers. Not only does it increase revenue by up to 30%, but it also saves valuable time, allowing them to focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences." - Oliver HejnyOliver is a short-let industry diehard hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota in the USA. He started his journey as a housekeeper for a property management company, and was quickly promoted up the ranks. Late in 2021 Oliver began building his short-let network on LinkedIn, having now connected with nearly 5,000 professionals across the globe. He currently works at Wheelhouse, a revenue management & dynamic pricing software company, where he supports the sales team at trade shows across the US & Europe, while otherwise enjoying working from home. In his free time he's an avid supporter or Liverpool Football Club, plays disc golf, and cooks with his wife Annie.Key Takeaways form this episode:Discover the hidden perks of dynamic pricing for property owners and managers.Find out the secrets to boosting revenue and cutting time spent managing properties with dynamic pricing.Learn about advanced revenue management tools designed specifically for property management.Understand the importance of accurate and predictive data in optimising revenue.Learn how easy it is to integrate dynamic pricing with your property management software and booking channels.You can connect with Oliver Here:Oliver's Website Oliver on YouTube LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliverhejnyYou can connect with Jane here and grab the freebie:Free Guide: 5 Steps to Repeat BookingsInstagram: @janemackconsultingLinkedIn: Jane Mack
In the fast-paced world of technology and hospitality, Cassie Bouverie, embarked on a mission to help small businesses with their booking process. After 15 years in London working as a broker for Lloyds and then for Dialog corporation, Cassie settled in Edinburgh, where she ran an award winning B&B while raising her children, and as a freelance photographer. It was during this time that she had the idea to create Private House Stays. The concept was developed before OTAs became the norm, as a way to support small business owners in a sector that was soon to become highly digitised. 15 years later in 2012 her hard work was recognised by the national tourism organisation Visit Scotland invited us to become a partner. Today, Cassie is committed to helping small businesses thrive as she was 10 years ago. During the pandemic Cassie seized the opportunity to upskill and develop both herself and her company. In 2020 she received a scholarship to undertake the award-winning HIT Scotland leadership training course and most recently completed a Destination Leadership course run by Edinburgh Napier University. The key takeaways from this episode are:Discover the hidden benefits of focusing on direct bookings for your hospitality business.Unearth the competitive edge provided by personal service in guest relations.Uncover master strategies for expanding your digital footprint to leverage higher Google rankings.Understand the advantages of aligning with tourism organisations like Visit Scotland.Grasp the significance of support systems, continual learning, and upcoming diversification practices in the small farm industry.You can connect with Cassie here:Cassie's Facebook page @privatehousestays on Instagram @private_house on Twitter Cassie on YouTube Cassie's Website LinkedIn: Cassie Bouverie Tel: 07990595895You can connect with Jane here:Instagram: @janemackconsultingLinkedIn: Jane MackRESOURCES:Free Guide - 5 Steps to Repeat Bookings
Discover the extraordinary journey of Sarah Orchard, a woman whose love for travel and unique accommodations led her down a path she never expected. From leaving behind the corporate world to building her very own treehouse, being featured on TV and the press and creating her own marketing system which she teaches to hosts.Sarah Orchard is an award-winning marketing strategist, #1 best-selling author, and holiday business owner, who helps fellow hosts confidently move from being invisible online to visible with maximum direct bookings. Sarah provides marketing support through affordable online training courses, a monthly marketing club membership, and 1:1 marketing strategy and planning sessions. Key Takeaways:Discover the secrets to elevate your online visibility tailored specifically for holiday lets and glamping businesses.Uncover the major role a professional website plays in effectively showcasing your unique offerings.Understand the benefits of doing your marketing yourself and how it's not rocket science.Discover how PR can be a game changer for your business and how you go about getting it.Learn how authenticity and highlighting the distinct features of your property can reel in your target audience.Find out more about Sarah and connect with her here:Sarah's Facebook group Sarah's Facebook page @getfullybooked on Instagram Sarah's Website LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahorchard/What to do next - I offer consulting and coaching services plus produce free resources, so I recommend you do this next:Download my free guide - 5 Steps to Get Repeat BookingsConnect with me on Instagram and ask my any questions about holiday letting - @janemackconsulting.
Looking to attract more guests to your holiday rental? Discover the power of professional photography and smartphone techniques in capturing high-quality images that showcase your property and its surroundings. Many holiday rental owners or hosts struggle to capture high-quality images that truly captivate potential guests. Instead, they may be resorting to poorly lit, blurry, or unappealing photos that fail to showcase the true beauty and uniqueness of their property. Not any more!! Listen in to find out how its done.A little bit about Becky Craven:Becky Craven started her journey in 2006, she honed her skills by capturing moments of joy at weddings and family events. With a long-standing relationship with the hospitality industry, Becky's expertise finds its roots in her experience with ad agencies and commercial businesses alike. The pandemic led her to reinvent her skills, leading her to teach people the art of smartphone photography. Now, she focuses on teaching individuals and businesses how to use their smartphones effectively for photography and short video creation, making these beautiful captures a part of their unique brand story.Key Takeaways:Uncover why professional imagery can be a game-changer for holiday let businesses.Equip yourself with skills to use a simple smartphone for top-quality holiday rental images.Identify the 3 levels of photography for impactful marketing results.Learn to repurpose content successfully for a never-ending social media buzz.Master the power of visual story telling to sell the dream to potential guests.You can find out more about Becky and connect with her here:Becky's Facebook page @beckycravencreative on Instagram Becky's Website LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-craven-photographer100/What to do next - I offer consulting and coaching services plus produce free resources, so I recommend you do this next:Download my free guide - 5 Steps to Get Repeat BookingsConnect with me on Instagram and ask my any questions about holiday letting - @janemackconsulting.
Discover the secrets to success in the holiday let industry as Amanda Stecker shares her journey from building a thriving cottage business to coaching others. As an award winning holiday let business owner, Amanda shares how you can make your holiday let a success from purchase through to growing it and making an income.Amanda Stecker is the Founder of Holiday Letology and Unique Cotswold Cottages offering luxury stays for two where she has achieved a multi-six figure turnover with Unique Cotswold Cottages. The business launched in 2018 and has won awards and consistently seen significant growth in income and earnings. Amanda and her cottages have appeared in the national press and magazines including the Daily Mail, the Express, the Telegraph, Prima Magazine, Yahoo Finance and Your coffee break . Amanda has a previous successful career as a marketing consultant advising clients in marketing best practice and has applied this knowledge to run Unique Cotswold Cottages. She focuses on providing an excellent guest experience from the point of booking, through to guests stay and afterwards. As such the business has beaten industry standards and in particular, higher than average occupancy and nightly rates. Key Takeaways from this Episode:Unlock the strategies that will accelerate your holiday let business's growth.Recognise the potential of areas that attract tourists throughout the year.Master the art of efficient budgeting for vital needs and routine maintenance and upkeep.Discover techniques to enhance guest experience, leading to glowing reviews and higher returns.Realise the impact of unique selling points in making your holiday let stand out.You can connect with Amanda below:Amanda's Facebook page @holidayletology on Instagram Click here for free help and information to help you on your holiday rental journey https://www.successfulholidayletting.com/informationWhat to do next - I offer consulting and coaching services plus produce free resources, so I recommend you do this next:Download my free guide - 5 Steps to Get Repeat BookingsConnect with me on Instagram and ask my any questions about holiday letting - @janemackconsulting.
Take control of your time and watch your holiday let business soar as I reveal the key to defeating overwhelm, regaining control, and achieving productivity in this must-listen episode.I am your host, Jane Mack and I am a former holiday let agency owner, turned consultant. I'm taking my 10 years of hands on experience and knowledge of owning and running a holiday let agency and sharing it with you.The key takeaways from this episode are:Discover the key to effective time management tailored for property managers in the busy holiday letting industry.Learn how delegation can make your busy schedule more balanced, and enhance your overall productivity.Understand the power of setting firm boundaries that can set you on the path for business growth.Unearth the hidden value of networking and its power to bring about beneficial collaborations and referrals.Pick up actionable techniques to divide overwhelming tasks into manageable bits and prioritise them effectively. What to do next - If you want my eyes and experience working on your business, I'd love to chat! Book a free 30 minute call now and we can talk about the biggest frustration you have right now and you'll walk away with a 3 step plan to solve it.!I would also recommend - Download my free guide - 5 Steps to Get Repeat BookingsConnect with me on Instagram and ask me any questions about holiday letting - @janemackconsulting.
Pramaze's Ian Shapiro prompts holiday let owners to take control of their reputation by simplifying the review process, with the goal of attracting new customers and being able to stand out in a crowded holiday rental market. By leveraging the power of online reviews, you can increase your property's visibility and attract more bookings. Pramaze makes that whole process simpler and really easy for your guests. Listen in to hear how you can make this work for you.Let's introduce Ian Shapiro:Ian Shapiro is a seasoned entrepreneur, with a background in managing events for bars and restaurants, where he saw the growing importance of online reviews in attracting new customers. With this insight, he co-founded Pramaze, a service that streamlines the process of capturing positive reviews and showcasing them on clients' websites. Ian's expertise in maximising the impact of online reviews has made him a sought-after resource for holiday let property owners looking to boost their bookings and build trust with their guests.Key takeaways from this episode:Understandong the power of reviews as part of the decision making process for booking a property.How reviews can let property owners showcase excellent customer service to their guests.Discover creative ways that you do to encourage guests to leave a review.Find out how Pramaze works across multiple platforms so property owners can tailor it to their preferences.You can find out more about Ian and Pramaze here:Website: https://reputation.pramaze.com/Facebook: Pramaze for BusinessInstagram: @pramazeforbusinessContact Ian direct: ian@bfnproductions.comI strongly believe in this service so I am proud to be an affiliate for it, so if you are interested in it please feel free to find out more via my link - Jane's Pramaze LinkWhat to do next:I offer consulting and coaching services plus produce free resources, so I recommend you do this next:Download my free guide - 5 Steps to Get Repeat BookingsConnect with me on Instagram and ask my any questions about holiday letting - @janemackconsulting. Next episode: I'll be talking about how to manage your time better in your holiday let business.It's out on Wed 2 Aug @5am.
Do you want to boost your holiday rental revenue? Are you tired of relying solely on third-party booking platforms? The solution to achieving greater success lies in direct bookings. As a holiday rental expert, Jenn Boyles has the knowledge and experience to help you increase your direct bookings and revenue. By taking control of your bookings, you can cut down on fees and build stronger relationships with your guests. Listen in as Jenn discusses the importance of direct bookings and how to implement them into your rental strategy. With this solution, you can achieve the ultimate goal of maximising your rental income and providing an exceptional guest experience.Let's introduce Jenn Boyles:Jenn Boyles is the founder and CEO of Direct Booking Success. Her mission is to help holiday let property managers and owners increase their direct bookings with organic marketing techniques. She is also a property manager and owner herself, managing her own award-winning properties since 2013. Finding herself with a property in an OTA over-saturated area was what initially led her down the direct booking path.She is the host of the Direct Booking Success Podcast which is produced weekly with a mix of educational solo episodes and interviews with Hospitality and Accommodation professionals along with fellow property managers and owners. Jenn is also the founder of The Direct Booking Success Summit which is back for its' third year. The Direct Booking Success Summit is only FREE marketing and hospitality educational online summit for holiday let property managers and owners who want to increase their direct bookings.You can find out more about Jenn and her Direct Booking Success Summit here:LinkedIn: Jenn BoylesDirect Booking Success Summit: https://directbookingsuccesssummit.com/Facebook: Direct Booking SuccessFacebook Group: Marketing Hub for HospitalityInstagram: directbookingsuccessWebsite: https://directbookingsuccess.comWhat to do next:I offer consulting and coaching services plus produce free resources, so I recommend you do this next:Download my free guide - 5 Steps to Get Repeat BookingsConnect with me on Instagram and ask my any questions about holiday letting - @janemackconsultingNext episode: I'll be talking to Ian Shapiro about review systems and how to manage guest reviews . Out on Wed 26 July @ 5am.
Having had 1000's of guests through the doors of my managed properties, I learnt what the important things were to them. Having this crucial information allows you to improve your services and ensure consistency across your properties. Consistency builds trust which brings your guests back time and time again. I am your host, Jane Mack and I am a former holiday let agency owner, turned consultant. I'm taking my 10 years of hands on experience and knowledge of owning and running a holiday let agency and sharing it with you.Key takeaways from this episode are:Recognising the 2 most common things guests like most about a property.Listening to guests to learn more about them, to be able to continually improve and create consistency across properties.Using todays trends to ensure items are in properties to meet guests espectationsWhat to do next:I offer consulting and coaching services plus produce free resources, so I recommend you do this next:Download my free guide - 5 Steps to Get Repeat BookingsConnect with me on Instagram and ask my any questions about holiday letting - @janemackconsultingNext episode: I'll be talking to Jenn Boyles from Direct Booking Success, on how to secure more direct bookings and her upcoming Direct Booking Success Summit. Out on Wed 19 July @5am.
In this episode of Grow Your Holiday Let Business, Sjeel Koster from Holiday Hero shares how their guest app can optimise and automate the guest experience, increase revenue, and improve guest satisfaction. As the short term rental industry becomes more competitive, it's crucial to prioritise guest experience optimisation to stand out and attract repeat guests. Focusing on the guests' needs, preferences, and satisfaction can lead to increased revenue and positive reviews, making it a worthwhile investment for vacation rental operators.Let's introduce Sjeel Koster:Sjeel is CEO and Co-founder of guest app / guest experience platform Holidayhero. She has a major passion for hospitality tech and how tech can improve peoples lives. With her guest facing technology she is keen on helping operators to save time, improve guest satisfaction and increase revenue. Key takeaways from this episode:How Holiday Hero can build guest loyalty and help you stand out from competitors by providing a seamless and personalised guest experience from booking to check-out.Understand how to overcome the challenges of introducing guest technology and how it will benefit your business.Using analytics from Holiday hero to understand your guests better so you can tailor your offerings and increase your revenue.Get to know the different features of Holiday hero which are more than just showing your property amenities.You can find out more about Sjeel Koster and Holiday Hero here:LinkedIn: Sjeel KosterWebsite: http://www.holidayhero.comInstagram: @holidayherohqFacebook: Holiday HeroWhat to do next:I offer consulting and coaching services plus produce free resources, so I recommend you do this next:Download my free guide - 5 Steps to Get Repeat BookingsConnect with me on Instagram and ask my any questions about holiday letting - @janemackconsultingNext episode: I'll be talking about how to improve your guest experience based on your property and what's important to them. It's live on Wed 12 July @5am
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the increasing labour costs and the struggle to find reliable staff for your holiday let business, then you are not alone! You may have tried various strategies to cut down on expenses, such as reducing staff numbers or lowering wages, but this can lead to compromised guest experiences and negative reviews. You may also be sacrificing your own personal time and energy to keep up with the demands of running the business. It's time to consider a remote staffing solution that can provide cost savings, skilled professionals, and increased efficiency, allowing you to focus on growing your business and providing exceptional guest experiences. That's where Luke Bujarski and his team at Extenteam come in - they have helped business owners save time, money, and resources while maintaining high-quality services. Listen in to hear how it works.Let's introduce Luke Bujarski:Luke is a co-founder at Extenteam, the first staffing-as-a-subscription service designed exclusively for the short-term rental management industry. In previous roles, Luke was head of real estate at Stay Gia, a multi-market STR management brand. He also served as research director for Skift and as research director with Phocuswright, where he published numerous seminal reports on the evolution of the short-term rentals industry. Key takeaways in this episode:Discover innovative outsourcing solutions that can transform your holiday let business and create cost savings.Learn the significance of building strong relationships with your remote workforce.Explore various remote team structures utilised by successful organisations like Extenteam.Delve into the amazing resilience of the short term rental industry during challenging times.You can find out more about Luke and Extenteam here:LinkedIn: Luke BujarskiExtenteam Website: https://www.extenteam.com/What to do next: I offer consulting and coaching services plus produce free resources, so I recommend you do this next:Download my free guide - 5 Steps to Get Repeat BookingsConnect with me on Instagram and ask my any questions about holiday letting - @janemackconsulting. Next episode: I'm talking to Sjeel Koster from Holiday Hero - a guest app that will enhance your guest experience from before they even arrive at your property. Out on Wed 5 July @5am.
Do you want to ensure that every guest who stays in your holiday properties receives consistent, top-notch service? The solution to achieving this result is having systems in place for quality control and the ability to deal with and overcome challenges. n this episode I'll be chatting with Lisa Roads as she shares the importance of consistency in service and how having quality control systems can help you achieve the ultimate goal of providing an excellent guest experience. Listen in to find out how you can take your holiday property management to the next level and deliver an unforgettable experience for your guests every time they stay with you.Let's introduce Lisa Roads:Lisa is the Holiday Property Coach. After investing in property since her twenties and a successful senior management career, Lisa launched her entrepreneurial journey. She founded, scaled, and transitioned two service companies that filled gaps in the holiday property market, serving hundreds of properties and guests over twenty years.She is now focusing on her passion for business coaching. Working with Lisa within her Five P's signature program, she now helps holiday letting business owners scale a profitable, customer focused hosting business. Key Takeaways from this Episode:Discover valuable insights into effective management of a holiday let business.Learn the significance of building and nurturing strong relationships with owners, guests, and local companies.Uncover techniques to tackle unforeseen challenges and the importance of a contingency plan.Understand the necessity of providing a consistent service and implementing quality control systems.Find out how that personal touch and attention to detail create unforgettable guest experiences.Find out more about Lisa by connecting with her - Facebook: The Holiday Property CoachFacebook Group: Holiday Letting 101 Support and SuccessLinkedIn: Lisa RoadsWebsite: https://theholidaypropertycoach.wordpress.com/What to do next:I offer consulting and coaching services plus produce free resources, so I recommend you do this next:Download my free guide - 5 Steps to Get Repeat BookingsConnect with me on Instagram and ask my any questions about holiday letting - @janemackconsulting. Next episode: I'll be talking to Luke Bujarski from Extenteam on the benefits of remote staffing to help grow your holiday let business.
Growing and expanding a holiday let business can be very demanding and time consuming. Having been there and done that, join me in this episode as I share 3 strategies that you can start implementing in your business from today to help you grow.I am your host, Jane Mack and I am a former holiday let agency owner, turned consultant. I'm taking my 10 years of hands on experience and knowledge of owning and running a holiday let agency and sharing it with you.The key takeaways from this episode are:Understanding why building strong relationships with property owners and your guests are the foundations of your business and create revenueHow you can get time back and put it into growing your businessHow you can actually take time off yourself to be able to grow your businessThank you for joining me on Grow Your Holiday Let Business podcast, remember to tell your holiday let industry friends that the show is available to listen to on any app that supports podcasts.What to do next - I offer consulting and coaching services plus produce free resources, so I recommend you do this next:Download my free guide - 5 Steps to Get Repeat BookingsConnect with me on Instagram and ask my any questions about holiday letting - @janemackconsultingNext episode: I'll be talking to Lisa Roads about challenges in the holiday let industry, how to overcome them and the importance of a consistent service.
The podcast for holiday home owners, property managers and anyone else in the holiday let / short term rental industry.Listen to Jane as she shares her knowledge of owning and running a holiday let business. After 10 years, 100 properties and 1000's of guests through the doors, she is bringing you her hands on experience to help you do the same.Speaking with industry professionals and other operators in the industry, each episode has takeaways that you can start using in your business today to grow and expand. Listen in and start growing your holiday let business.You can follow Jane Here:Instagram - @janemackconsultingLinkenIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/janemack-consulting/ZKUmFRFqu4HMKLa3RvsQ