Podcast
Thanks For Visiting
Hosted by Airbnb Superhosts Annette Grant & Sarah Karakaian · EN
Get actionable advice and the essential fundamentals of running a profitable 5-star Airbnb side-hustle or full on business. Annette’s extensive background in business operations and Sarah’s experience in high-end hospitality management and interior design make them a powerhouse duo that will deliver high impact content. With almost a decade of combined hosting experience they will not only share their own stories welcoming thousands of guests from around the world but also those of other Superhosts to deliver you a wide array of stories, insights, and profitable and creative ideas to make your listing rise to the top. Whether you’re experienced, new, or nervous to start your own Airbnb this podcast promises to be informative, fun, and from the heart.
45episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
488. Hosting Hotline: How Can You Monetize Your Property’s Most Unique Feature?
Aug 12, 202500:18:15Tap to summarizeThis week on the Hosting Hotline, listener Mike calls in with a creative question about syncing Airbnb calendars—but what he really unlocks is a much bigger opportunity for short-term rental hosts.Mike and his wife host three cabins in the highly competitive Hocking Hills market and recently added an escape room to one of their properties. While Airbnb doesn’t currently allow you to sync an experience calendar with a listing calendar, this episode dives into the mindset shift that can turn unique amenities like escape rooms into powerful marketing tools.We discuss:Why relying too much on Airbnb’s ecosystem might hold you backCreative ways to promote unique features without using Airbnb ExperiencesHow to leverage your existing guest list for repeat visitsUsing special events to fill orphan nightsUnderstanding what revenue opportunities are actually worth your timeMike’s question sparked a much larger conversation about thinking like a business owner, not just a host. If you’ve built something special into your property, this episode is your blueprint for maximizing its impact.ResourcesMike’s Instagram (@hillsideamble): Follow to see how he markets his cabins and escape room in Hocking Hills, Ohio.Thanks for Visiting Bootcamp: Learn how to optimize your listings and increase revenue with smart pricing, calendar management, and creative marketing. https://www.thanksforvisiting.com/waitlistMentioned in this episode:Booked & Profitable Boot Camp | Get on the waitlist now at thanksforvisiting.com/waitlistBooked & Profitable Boot Camp | Get on the waitlist now at thanksforvisiting.com/waitlistBooked & Profitable Boot Camp | Get on the waitlist now at thanksforvisiting.com/waitlist
Transcribe →487. Strict vs. Flexible: Which Airbnb Cancellation Policy Should I Chose?
Aug 7, 202500:28:23Tap to summarizeIf you’ve ever second-guessed your Airbnb cancellation policy—or gotten a refund request that threw you off—this episode is for you.We’re diving into the pros and cons of each Airbnb cancellation policy option (from Flexible to Super Strict), what they actually do to your listing’s visibility and booking velocity, and how to decide which one is best for your business. We're also sharing real-life guest messages, how we responded, and when we’ve chosen to bend the rules—or stand firm.Whether you’re a solo host or running a Co-hosting or property management team, you’ll leave this episode with new ideas for making cancellation decisions more confidently, protecting your revenue, and empowering your team.In this episode, we cover:What each Airbnb cancellation policy really meansHow cancellation policies may (or may not) impact the Airbnb algorithmWhat to consider before switching to Strict or FlexibleReal guest messages and how we handled themHow to set up a cancellation decision tree for your teamCreative alternatives to full refunds that can protect your revenueResources:Subscribe to our YouTube channel | The Airbnb Instant Book Mistake YOU Might Be Making That is Costing You $$$!!!!The doors to our private group coaching membership are open—but not for long! Learn more here: thanksforvisiting.com/business It’s time to invest in yourself and your hosting business.Mentioned in this episode:Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV500 to get $500 off your subscription.Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!
Transcribe →486. Hosting Hotline: How Much Control Is Too Much? Temp Settings and Turnover Tips
Aug 5, 202500:09:36Tap to summarizeIn this Hosting Hotline episode, Sarah and Annette answer listener Dayne’s two-part question about couch cushion covers and temperature control settings in short-term rentals. First, they discuss the pros and cons of using removable couch covers vs. investing in performance fabric for sofas. Then, they dive into the hot topic (pun intended) of thermostat control—should guests be allowed to set their own temperatures, or is it worth installing smart limitations to avoid outrageous utility bills? Sarah and Annette share real-life examples, hosting philosophies, and best practices to help you make decisions that balance guest comfort with operational efficiency.Resources Mentioned:Eco Mode / Smart Thermostats: Consider models like Nest or Ecobee for features like motion detection, scheduling, and remote access.Performance Fabric Sofas: Brands like Inside Weather, Burrow, and Article offer durable, easy-clean couches perfect for STRs.Hosting Hotline: Have a question for Sarah and Annette? Leave them a voicemail at hostinghotline.com to be featured in a future episode.
Transcribe →485. Are Influencer Stays Worth It? How to Know, What to Ask, and When to Say No
Jul 31, 202500:29:21Tap to summarizeThis week, we’re diving into one of the most common questions we hear from hosts: Should you say yes to that influencer asking for a free stay?Whether you're actively seeking partnerships or you're flooded with DMs from creators offering “exposure,” this episode is packed with practical advice on how to approach influencer marketing with confidence—and boundaries.We walk you through:Setting clear goals for influencer partnerships (and how to track ROI)Red flags to look for when influencers reach outHow to vet influencers beyond their follower countWhat deliverables to request—and when to ask for themWhy contracts matter and what they should includeHow to protect yourself if someone cancels last minuteOur thoughts on content creators, UGC, and SEO-based partnershipsPlus, we highlight a host who’s doing it right and using creative influencer partnerships to boost bookings and brand visibility.Resources Mentioned:Download Our Free Influencer Partnership ChecklistWatch This Video: The Setting That Can Increase Bookings by 300%Mentioned in this episode:Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!
Transcribe →148. Behind the Scenes on Our First Real Estate Deal
Jan 27, 2022Tap to summarizeNot long ago, we announced that the two of us were partnering for our first joint real estate deal. Picking up on that conversation, we wanted to let you know how everything is going so far, what progress has been made, how we structured the deal, and what level of investment we each brought to the table. We’re excited to continue updating you on these important developments and provide an inside look at first-time real estate owners figuring it all out as they go.Resources:Visit thanksforvisiting.me/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!#STRShareSunday: @island_in_this_dreamThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate MediaMentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.
Transcribe →