Thanks For Visiting

Airbnb Superhosts Annette Grant & Sarah Karakaian
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Nov 18, 2025 • 12min

516. Hosting Hotline: Airbnb Promotions: Visibility Tool or Discount Trap?

When should you actually use Airbnb promotions—and are they really just discounts in disguise?In this Hosting Hotline episode, Sarah and Annette clear up the confusion around Airbnb’s promotion tools and explain how to use them strategically to boost visibility, not slash profits.They cover:How Airbnb really calculates your “discount” (hint: it’s not off your nightly rate)Why promotions should be treated as a visibility lever, not a crutchWhen to activate a promo to surface higher in searchThe key data you must track—booking window, market demand, and median ratesWhy a 5–10% promotion can sometimes outperform a massive markdownIf you’ve ever wondered whether Airbnb promotions actually work, this episode will teach you how to use them to your advantage without undercutting your value.Resources mentioned:Airbnb Help ArticleLodgify — Create your direct booking website and connect your Airbnb listings (use code TFE20 for 20% off annual or biannual plans)Mentioned in this episode:Lodgify | Use code TFV20
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Nov 13, 2025 • 24min

515. How to Copy Our Guest Marketing Emails (and Actually Hit Send)

If you’ve been collecting guest emails for years but never actually sent one—this episode is for you.Sarah and Annette are walking you through five repeatable guest email ideas to help you stay connected with past guests, strengthen loyalty, and drive more direct bookings—all without sounding pushy or salesy.From newsletters to new-amenity announcements, you’ll learn how to keep your property top of mind and build a marketing system that runs year-round.You’ll Learn:Why your email list is one of your most valuable business assetsHow to reintroduce yourself and your property with every emailThe five guest email types you can send over and over againHow to use these ideas across social media and your website for extra mileageWhy consistent communication builds trust (and more repeat stays)Resources mentioned:Lodgify: Build a direct booking website with no tech stress — use code TFE20 for 20% off annual or biannual plansMentioned in this episode: Avalara | Book a demo to save $100Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!
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Nov 11, 2025 • 15min

514. Hosting Hotline: What to Do When Airbnb Suspends Your Listing (and Won’t Tell You Why)

A Superhost faces frustration as Airbnb suspends her listing without clear reasons. Learn the importance of addressing violations linked to the property rather than the owner. Discover how AI and private feedback can flag issues unnoticed by hosts. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of diversifying income streams by exploring other booking platforms. The hosts share practical advice on documenting communications and preparing for unexpected challenges. This episode is a crucial guide for Airbnb hosts navigating potential setbacks.
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Nov 6, 2025 • 16min

513. Why Per-Guest Fees Are Killing Your Conversion Rate

Think charging extra per guest is helping you make more money? Think again.In this episode, Sarah and Annette reveal how per-guest pricing could actually be hurting your short-term rental business—and why it’s one of the most common (and costly) settings hosts overlook.They’ll break down:Why Airbnb’s new “all-in” pricing model makes per-guest fees confusing and expensive for guestsHow hidden fees tank your conversion rate without you realizing itA smarter alternative that keeps your pricing clear and competitiveHow to create “parent” and “child” listings that attract different guest groups—without frictionIf you’ve been wondering why your bookings have slowed down lately, this episode might reveal the small tweak that makes a big difference.Mentioned in this episode:Lodgify: Use code TFE20 for 20% off annual or biannual plansMentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! Avalara | Book a demo to save $100
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7 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 20min

512. Hosting Hotline: Are You Charging Enough? Pricing Strategies Every Host Should Know

This week, Colleen Prochaska, COO and revenue management expert, dives into pricing strategies for short-term rentals. She clarifies why five-star reviews don't guarantee profitability and emphasizes the need for data-driven adjustments. Colleen highlights the role of dynamic pricing tools like PriceLabs and advises hosts to continually refine their rates based on real-time market data. Discover how to confidently charge what your property is truly worth and avoid leaving money on the table!
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Oct 30, 2025 • 57min

511. Inside a 10,000-Square-Foot STR: Lessons from Andrew Llewellyn

Join Andrew Llewellyn, a real estate developer who transformed a 10,000-square-foot building into a sought-after short-term rental along Kentucky's Bourbon Trail. He shares his incredible journey from running ice cream shops to navigating over 40 bank rejections for financing. Discover his unique strategies for maximizing occupancy with parent-child listings and the secrets behind efficient cleaning systems for hosting 42 guests. Andrew also offers insights on direct bookings, SEO tactics, and the importance of defining your ideal guest. This conversation is packed with actionable advice!
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Oct 28, 2025 • 17min

510. Hosting Hotline: Should You Use a Company Logo on Airbnb?

Should you use your company logo instead of your photo on Airbnb? It’s a question that comes up often—and in this Hosting Hotline episode, Sarah is joined by a special guest: Thanks for Visiting’s Chief Operations Officer, Colleen Prochaska.With Annette out on a well-deserved vacation, Sarah and Colleen team up to tackle Samantha’s question about whether Airbnb hosts can (and should) use their company name and logo as their profile picture.They cover:What Airbnb’s terms and conditions actually say about using a company logoWhy some hosts choose logos over personal photos—and the real issue of discrimination behind itHow guests perceive management companies vs. individual hostsWhy your profile photo still matters for guest trust and conversionWhat you can do to encourage guests to book directly after their stayWhether you’re managing multiple properties or just getting started, this episode explains why your Airbnb profile is about more than compliance—it’s about connection.Resources mentioned: Airbnb Terms of Service: Review Airbnb’s official profile photo policies to ensure compliance.Mentioned in this episode:Lodgify | Use code TFV20
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5 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 22min

509. Stop Leaving Money on the Table: Mastering Far Out Premium Pricing

Are you bragging about being the first to get booked for a big event or next year’s vacation season? If so, you might be losing money without even realizing it.In this episode, Sarah and Annette break down Far Out Premium Pricing—their favorite feature in dynamic pricing software (like PriceLabs) that has saved them from missed revenue and tough conversations with guests.You’ll learn:What “far out” pricing actually means (and how it differs across markets).Why getting booked first isn’t always a win.How to set far out premiums to protect your calendar and maximize revenue.Real-life examples of how premium pricing strategies have generated thousands of extra dollars.Why pairing premium pricing with premium hospitality is the ultimate formula for success.Whether you’re new to dynamic pricing or just need a mindset shift around your calendar, this episode will help you think like a revenue manager and keep your profits strong.Resources: PriceLabs – Our go-to dynamic pricing software with powerful features like far out premiums. Try it FREE for 30 days!Mentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!
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8 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 17min

508. Hosting Hotline: What Should You Do If Your New Listing Isn’t Getting Bookings?

Struggling with no bookings? Sarah and Annette tackle the frustrations of new hosts, focusing on what you can control. Forget blaming market saturation or guest fees. Audit your listing presentation—invest in professional photos and engaging descriptions. Learn to identify true competitors, not just the flashy neighbor with the pool. Utilize Airbnb analytics to understand guest behavior and optimize your strategies. Embrace an owner mindset and treat hosting like a serious business. Continuous improvement is key to turning crickets into cash!
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5 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 26min

507. How to Capture Event-Driven Demand with PriceLabs

Local events are one of the biggest missed opportunities for hosts. Whether it’s a football game, a concert, or a citywide convention, event-driven demand can skyrocket your revenue—if you know how to capture it.In this episode, Sarah and Annette share their system for spotting demand spikes and making the most of them with the help of dynamic pricing software like PriceLabs. From annual football schedules to hidden “sleeper events” like comedy shows and board game conventions, they’ll show you how to combine human insight with smart tech to boost your earnings.You’ll learn:Why event-driven demand creates pricing power for STR hosts.How to map out annual and quarterly event calendars.The difference between obvious citywide events and “sleeper hits.”How to layer local knowledge on top of dynamic pricing software.Why you should never “set it and forget it” with your rates.Don’t give away nights at your property when demand is at its highest. With the right strategy, you’ll be prepared to capture every opportunity—big and small.Resources: PriceLabs – Dynamic pricing software that automatically adjusts your rates based on real-time demand. In May 2025, PriceLabs users earned an average of $222 more on event dates.Mentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.

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