The Boostly Podcast: Episode Summary
Title: From Airbnb Dependent to Fully Booked Direct - The Power of Direct Bookings!
Host: Liam Carolan
Guest: Jen Boyles
Release Date: June 29, 2025
Introduction to Jen Boyles and Her Mission
In this insightful episode of The Boostly Podcast, host Liam Carolan welcomes Jen Boyles, a seasoned vacation rental professional and founder of Direct Book and Success and Direct Book and Pro. Jen is dedicated to empowering hosts to transition from reliance on Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) like Airbnb to securing direct bookings, thereby gaining greater control over their hospitality businesses.
Jen emphasizes the accessibility of direct bookings:
"Direct bookings aren't just possible, they're powerful. You doesn't have to be a tech genius or a marketing wizard to take control of your bookings and your business." (00:48)
Jen's Deep Roots in Hospitality
Jen shares her comprehensive background in the hospitality industry, highlighting both the glamorous and challenging aspects she experienced growing up in a family-run hotel business.
Jen reflects on her early exposure:
"I was staying in the same hotel suites that presidents and royalty have stayed in... But I also experienced the other side of dealing with overflowing toilets and demanding guests." (01:28)
This dual perspective instilled in her a profound respect for the industry and a commitment to enhancing the guest experience by supporting the often-overlooked roles of cleaners and maintenance staff.
The Turning Point: Embracing Direct Bookings
Jen recounts a pivotal moment over a decade ago when her third property struggled to secure bookings in a saturated market. Despite initial success with Airbnb for her first two properties, she found it increasingly difficult to stand out.
Jen describes her realization:
"I was looking at my hosting as a hobby, and I wanted it to be a business... I needed to build my own brand and get my own bookings." (04:38)
This epiphany led her to prioritize direct bookings, shifting her focus from depending on OTAs to actively marketing her properties and establishing her brand identity.
Launching Book Direct Pro and STR Content Lab
In response to the challenges she observed among fellow hosts, Jen launched Book Direct Pro, an all-in-one marketing platform tailored for vacation rental professionals. Frustrated by the need to cobble together various tools for marketing, she created a comprehensive solution to streamline the process.
Jen explains the purpose of Book Direct Pro:
"Book Direct Pro will help you build the demand for your own bookings... It bridges the gap between hoping for bookings and building a business that actually brings in the bookings consistently." (15:08)
Expanding her offerings, Jen introduced the STR Content Lab, designed to provide expert-backed content sessions with AI assistance and ongoing support. This initiative aims to offer hands-on guidance, ensuring hosts not only have the tools and knowledge but also the accountability to implement effective marketing strategies.
Common Mistakes and Strategic Solutions for Hosts
Jen identifies that many hosts treat their listings as mere listings rather than developing a distinct brand. This often results in missed opportunities to connect with ideal guests.
Jen highlights a prevalent error:
"People treat their business as a listing, not a brand... It's about being in the right place with the right message." (17:06)
To counter this, she advocates for storytelling and genuine engagement, encouraging hosts to showcase their personalities and build authentic connections with guests. Emphasizing the importance of transparency and personal interaction, Jen suggests methods such as welcome videos and personalized communication to foster better guest relationships and enhance review rates.
Success Stories and Best Practices
Drawing from her extensive experience, Jen shares success stories where hosts have effectively transitioned to direct bookings. She emphasizes the transformative impact of supportive tools and personalized coaching.
Jen shares a notable success:
"Launching a new property in England with 80% direct bookings was amazing." (24:22)
She also cites the example of Tracy from Brian Woodland's house in the UK, who leveraged live sessions to not only boost her B&B's business but also transition into a role as a radio presenter. Such stories underscore the potential of combining education, tools, and active support to achieve significant business growth.
The Future of Hospitality: Personalization and AI Integration
Jen expresses excitement about the evolving landscape of hospitality, particularly the shift towards host-led brands and the integration of artificial intelligence in marketing.
Jen outlines future trends:
"We're finally moving away from these faceless listings to personality-driven experiences... AI used right can just, really, the possibilities are endless of what we can use AI for in our marketing." (25:33)
She envisions a future where hosts are not just property managers but also marketers, storytellers, and community builders, utilizing AI to enhance their marketing efforts and create more personalized guest experiences.
Practical Advice for Aspiring Hosts
Reflecting on her journey, Jen advises new hosts to seek support rather than attempting to navigate the complexities of hospitality alone.
Jen's key advice:
"Stop trying to do it alone... Don't be afraid to invest in that version of yourself who wants to get results faster." (28:56)
She encourages hosts to leverage available resources, including her platforms Direct Book and Success, Book Direct Pro, and the upcoming STR Content Lab, to accelerate their transition to direct bookings and build sustainable businesses.
Closing Thoughts and Personal Motto
As the episode concludes, Jen shares her personal motto, "imperfect action," emphasizing the importance of taking decisive steps towards growth rather than waiting for perfect conditions.
Jen's inspiring mantra:
"Imperfect action. There's a difference between struggling and succeeding. And succeeding is when you're taking action, when you're actually getting things done." (31:29)
This philosophy encapsulates her approach to helping hosts overcome challenges and achieve success through continuous effort and proactive strategies.
Connect with Jen Boyles
Listeners interested in transitioning to direct bookings or seeking further support can reach out to Jen through the following platforms:
- Website: directbookingsuccess.com
- Book Direct Pro: bookdirectpro.com
- Instagram: @directbookingsuccess
Conclusion
This episode of The Boostly Podcast offers a comprehensive exploration of the benefits and strategies associated with shifting from OTA-dependent bookings to direct bookings. Through Jen Boyles' experiences and insights, hosts are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to build resilient and independent hospitality businesses.