Get Paid For Your Pad | Airbnb Hosting | Vacation Rentals | STR Revenue Management

Freewyld Foundry
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Sep 5, 2025 • 38min

The $900 Influencer Campaign That Generated $12K Direct Bookings

Discover how a $900 investment in influencer partnerships generated over $12,000 in direct bookings for a short-term rental business. The discussion highlights choosing local influencers who resonate with your audience, optimizing collaborations, and the power of engaging Instagram giveaways that garnered hundreds of thousands of views. Learn essential strategies for effective outreach, maximizing engagement, and creating property landing pages that convert interest into bookings, all aimed at reducing reliance on OTAs and enhancing brand visibility.
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Sep 1, 2025 • 27min

Are Minimum Night Rules Costing You Thousands on Airbnb?

Get Your Free Revenue Report: If you’re running $1M+ in annual STR bookings, you could be leaving serious money on the table. Apply here → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportIn this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Jasper Ribbers kicks off our new RefUp Series on revenue management with one of the most overlooked levers in STR revenue: minimum night stay (MNS) settings.Most hosts see MNS as a simple calendar setting, but it directly impacts your availability, visibility, and overall revenue. Hotels handle short stays differently for a reason, and STR operators can learn a lot from that approach.We break down:The 3 key reasons to restrict minimum nights: operations, risk, and revenue optimizationWhy one-night bookings often bring more benefits than problemsHow Airbnb’s algorithm rewards flexibility with more visibilityThe indirect revenue value of reviews, repeat guests, and exposureReal-world examples of operators who unlocked growth by testing shorter staysWhether you manage a few units or a large portfolio, this episode will show you how to think about MNS settings strategically and stop leaving money on the table.Keywords: short-term rental, Airbnb, minimum night stay, revenue management, STR optimization, Airbnb algorithm, pricing strategy, Freewyld, property management, bookings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Aug 29, 2025 • 30min

Airbnb Interior Design Hacks for STR Hosts

👉 Get Your Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportWhat if the real ROI in your short-term rental business isn’t just pricing or operations, but design?In this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Kaye Putnam sits down with Jordan McDonough, co-founder of Summerled Designs, to reveal how intentional design and branding transform STR properties into high-performing, unforgettable guest experiences.Jordan shares how she and her co-founder combined design expertise with marketing strategy to help investors consistently stand out in competitive markets, command premium nightly rates, and turn ordinary spaces into five-star guest favorites.You’ll learn:🎨 Why design is not an expense but an investment with 30–50% ROI🏡 How to align interiors with your target guest instead of personal preference📸 Why great photography and lifestyle visuals multiply the impact of design📈 How design, branding, and amenities drive direct bookings and repeat guests⚡ The Summerled process for creating standout STR properties, even 100% remotelyWe also cover:The biggest mistakes hosts make when DIY-ing designWhy brand identity is now essential for STR successHow to design “Instagrammable” moments that fuel marketingWhy strategic amenities outperform generic check-the-box featuresReal examples from markets like Nashville where design directly boosted revenue🎯 Favorite Takeaway:“Design isn’t just décor. It’s strategy. It’s what allows you to charge more, book faster, and create experiences guests can’t wait to share.”📍 Ready to see how design can unlock your property’s potential?Apply for your free Revenue Review at https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportKeywords: short-term rental design, Airbnb interiors, STR branding, guest experience, property management, hospitality, STR success, design ROI, direct bookings, Summerled Designs⏱️ Chapter Timestamps00:00 – Intro and Summerled origin story03:25 – Why design delivers ROI in STRs06:15 – Current trends in branding and amenities10:30 – How to define a property’s brand identity14:05 – Summerled’s remote design process and deliverables16:20 – The role of AI in design workflows18:00 – Common design mistakes STR investors make20:15 – Why photography is critical to marketing success21:45 – Favorite projects and lessons from Nashville24:55 – Final thoughts and how to work with Summerled Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Aug 22, 2025 • 35min

How to Maximize 5-Star Guest Reviews on Airbnb

Want to turn your STR portfolio into a revenue machine? Apply for a free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/get-startedIn this episode, Kaye Putnam joins Freewyld co-founder Eric Moeller to reveal the real strategies behind maintaining a top-rated Airbnb portfolio. Spoiler: it’s not just about having a beautiful property.They break down the essentials every STR operator must master to win guest loyalty and outperform the competition:Accurate Marketing & Listing OptimizationMeeting and Surpassing Guest ExpectationsPersonalized Hospitality & Human ConnectionCreating Magic Moments That Drive ReviewsUsing Freewyld’s cabins and client portfolios as examples, Kaye and Eric share how to turn guest feedback into a growth engine, protect your visibility on Airbnb, and build systems that ensure consistent 5-star experiences.Whether you manage 15+ units or are scaling your first few, this episode will give you practical steps to improve reviews, boost rankings, and grow a hospitality-first STR business.Keywords:short-term rental, Airbnb reviews, 5-star rating, guest experience, listing optimization, hospitality, Freewyld, property management, STR success, review strategy⏱️ Episode Chapters00:00 – Intro: Why Airbnb reviews matter more than ever01:32 – Accurate listings and managing expectations04:25 – When great marketing falls short in execution06:36 – Why accuracy beats luxury every time09:41 – Overcommunication and guest connection14:34 – Creating emotional “magic moments” for guests18:23 – Turning friction into positive experiences21:32 – The coffee debacle: learning from reviews26:36 – Reading feedback and fixing small details28:18 – Internal systems and team training for reviews29:51 – Guest journey mapping with Nathan Woods32:05 – Final takeaways: reviews as growth opportunities Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Aug 20, 2025 • 40min

STR Revenue Management Isn’t Optional, It’s Everything

Discover the vital role of revenue management in the short-term rental market. Learn how many operators unknowingly miss out on 20 to 40 percent of potential income. The discussion unveils critical mistakes in pricing, emphasizing the importance of flexible cancellation policies. Hear real success stories, like one client's revenue jump from $20K to $86K through optimized pricing strategies. Explore why pacing is a powerful tool and why revenue management should be a core business function.
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Aug 18, 2025 • 36min

$100K in One Month: Lakefront STR Secrets with Sheboygan Vacation Rentals

👉 Get Your Free Revenue Report: If you’re running $1M+ in annual STR bookings, you could be leaving serious money on the table. Apply for a complimentary Revenue Report and uncover hidden profits in your portfolio.In this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Jasper sits down with Jeremy Udovich, co-founder of Sheboygan Vacation Rentals, to talk about building and scaling a thriving STR business on the shores of Lake Michigan.Jeremy shares the story of how one lakefront property hit $100,000 in a single month, why charging premium rates doesn’t automatically mean unhappy guests, and how mindset + market-driven pricing beats gut instinct every time.We also dive into:Why hospitality experience is the ultimate STR advantageHow to balance growth with a lean teamThe new quality-first direction at Airbnb and how to stay visibleWhy “fair share” isn’t enough, and how to claim your “unfair share” of the marketIf you’re looking to scale your portfolio or fine-tune your pricing strategy, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.TakeawaysLuxury STRs thrive when the experience matches the rate.Market demand, not your gut, should set your pricing.Airbnb is rewarding fully optimized, high-quality listings.A lean team plus automation can drive big results, but hospitality fundamentals are non-negotiable.Mindset matters: challenges are inevitable, but your response determines your success.Relevant LinksApply for a Free Revenue ReportSheboygan Vacation Rentals: sheboyganvacationrentals.comConnect with Jeremy: Jeremy@sheboyganvacationrentals.comFollow Jasper: LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Aug 1, 2025 • 31min

Are You a Hectic Host or a Strategic CEO?

👉 Get a Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/report Find out how much revenue you’re leaving on the table, risk-free.What’s the real difference between a hectic host and a high-performing CEO in the short-term rental space?In this episode, Kaye Putnam and Eric Moeller break down how successful STR leaders escape the daily grind and create real business freedom. You’ll learn why systems, energy management, and delegation aren't just buzzwords, they're essential tools for scaling without burning out.Eric shares the behind-the-scenes of helping Troy (a client in Northern Michigan) go from 30 to over 100 listings, culminating in his first $1M revenue month. The secret? Getting out of the weeds, hiring elite operators, and focusing on high-leverage activities only the CEO can do.Whether you're still handling pricing yourself or buried in customer service messages, this episode is a wake-up call. You’ll walk away with the mindset shifts and practical systems you need to step fully into your role as a strategic CEO.💡 Topics covered:Signs you’re stuck in “reactive” modeHow to run an “energy audit” on your weekly tasksSystems = freedom: why delegation is non-negotiableWhy pricing your own listings is probably costing you six figuresReal-world example: how Troy scaled from chaos to clarity (and 3x'd his revenue)How to use tools like ChatGPT to scale your SOPs 🔗 Episode LinksEric Moeller (Co-founder, Freewyld) → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericdmoeller/ Kaye Putnam → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayeputnam/Freewyld Foundry (RPM Service) → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/⏱️ Chapter Timestamps00:00 – The Hectic Host vs. The Strategic CEO 02:48 – Understanding Reactivity in Business 05:35 – The Cost of Being in the Weeds 08:40 – Energy Management vs. Time Management 11:32 – The Importance of Delegation and Systems 14:11 – Troy's Success Story: A Case Study 19:52 – Key Strategies for Scaling Your Business 22:57 – The Role of Systems in Business Freedom 26:33 – Effective Delegation and Ownership 32:07 – Final Thoughts and Action Steps Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jul 18, 2025 • 24min

How to Win at STR Conferences (Without Burning Out)

Want to outperform the market? Freewyld Foundry’s Revenue & Pricing Management service is driving a 24.6% performance lift for $1M+ STR operators—even in down markets. If you're managing 15+ listings and want a free pricing audit, apply here →In this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Kaye Putnam (Head of Marketing at Freewyld) is joined by Eric Moeller (CEO of Freewyld and Freewyld Foundry) to break down how to make the most of STR conferences.If you’ve ever left a conference wondering whether it was worth the time or cost, this is for you. Eric shares his “3 Conference Hacks” and explains how being intentional before and during an event can dramatically change the outcome.You’ll hear:Why the hallways and cocktail hours are more valuable than the panelsHow Eric preps as an introvert (hint: start with a workout)What questions to ask that leave a lasting impressionThe Will Guidara story that changed how Eric shows up at eventsHow to host your own meetup (and why it positions you as a connector)Why VRMA is still the one to watch—and what we’re teaching thereWe also talk about:The upcoming VRMA Vegas workshop: “Pricing Power: How the Top STR Hosts Outpace the Market”What makes that session different (no fluff, just actionable results)A preview of Freewyld’s newest expansion plans—and how to connect if you're a property owner or investor🎯 Mentioned in the Episode:Freewyld Foundry – Revenue Management for $1M+ STR PortfoliosVRMA International ConferenceIMN Conference in Park City🔥 Eric’s Go-To Networking Questions:“What are you working on right now that excites you the most?”“Is there any way I can support you?”📍 If you’ll be at IMN in Park City or VRMA in Vegas—come say hi. Ask us the two questions above, and let’s connect. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jul 11, 2025 • 33min

From Banker to STR Pro: How Alex DeCamp Built Great Stays

Get STR revenue management off your plate. Get a free Revenue Report to see if you're leaving money on the table: https://freewyldfoundry.com/get-started In this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Jasper Ribbers sits down with Alex De Camp, founder of Great Stays in Detroit, Michigan. A former banker turned short-term rental operator, Alex shares his path from redeveloping properties in Detroit to managing a growing STR portfolio, with over 150 turns a month.They dive into how Alex automated his operations, leveraged Freewyld Foundry's RPM service, and how early involvement in the LegendsX community shaped his journey.You’ll hear how Alex’s experience inspired his next big move: opening a laundromat to vertically integrate laundry into his STR business, cutting costs, improving quality, and creating a more efficient turnover process.The episode is packed with practical insights on SOPs, AI, team building, and scaling smart (not just fast). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jun 27, 2025 • 24min

Mastering Operational Excellence in Short-Term Rentals

🎯 Want to scale your short-term rental business without chaos? Apply for a free Revenue Review at FreewyldFoundry.com/get-started and discover where you can unlock serious growth.In this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Kaye Putnam and Eric Moeller unpack the often-overlooked engine behind every thriving STR brand: operational excellence.They explore how the best short-term rental operators use systems, processes, documentation, and technology to deliver consistent guest experiences, reduce stress, and scale with confidence. From tools like Breezeway to lessons learned from high-stakes industries like aviation and healthcare, this is a tactical conversation grounded in real-world experience.Whether you're managing five properties or fifty, operational excellence is how you create reliability, elevate hospitality, and free yourself from day-to-day firefighting.Keywords: operational excellence, short-term rentals, hospitality, systems, processes, guest experience, technology, tools, documentation, growth🕐 Episode Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Operational Excellence02:47 – Understanding Operational Excellence05:30 – Tools and Technology for Operations08:19 – Learning from High-Stakes Industries11:16 – Building Systems for Success14:07 – Documenting Processes Effectively16:37 – The Impact of Operational Excellence19:29 – Resources for Improvement22:19 – Community and Mastermind Benefits25:03 – Looking Ahead: Unreasonable Hospitality🎧 Listen now and start building the systems that will support your next stage of growth.FreewyldFoundry.com/get-started Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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