Podcast Summary: The Boostly Podcast - Episode: From Overlooked to Overbooked: The Power of Eye-Catching Photos
Release Date: November 4, 2024
Host: Mark Simpson
Guests: Brian and Katie from Overlooked to Overbooked
Introduction to the Episode
In the episode titled "From Overlooked to Overbooked: The Power of Eye-Catching Photos," host Mark Simpson delves into the critical role that high-quality photography plays in enhancing short-term rental listings. Joining him are Brian and Katie, co-founders of Overlooked to Overbooked, who bring their expertise in photography and marketing to help hosts transform their listings into booking magnets.
The Importance of Quality Photography
Brian begins by sharing the origins of Overlooked to Overbooked, emphasizing their firsthand experience as frequent Airbnb guests. This perspective highlighted the frustrations with poor listing photos, such as insufficient images and unclear representations of spaces. He states:
"The listings were not very good in 2015, 2016, and 2017 compared to now. We'll talk about where they still could go, but I was head searcher and I, I was banging my head against the wall..." (03:35)
Katie complements Brian's insights by drawing parallels between her background in Hollywood editing and photo editing for rentals. She emphasizes the importance of visual appeal in creating an emotional connection with potential guests:
"You have to apply the same logic to it like how do you make this end product look as good as it can for the user?" (06:10)
Common Pitfalls in Rental Photography
Mark raises a concern about the prevalence of mediocre photos in listings, noting that many hosts rely solely on smartphone cameras without understanding fundamental photography techniques. Katie responds by highlighting simple yet effective strategies to enhance photo quality:
"Make sure your lens is very clean because it'll affect the light. Sometimes it's difficult to put your finger on why your photo isn't good when you don't know what it is." (09:58)
She further explains that with a few adjustments—like stabilizing the phone and mindful framing—hosts can significantly improve their listing photos without investing in expensive equipment.
Differentiating from Real Estate Photography
A key discussion point revolves around the differences between real estate photography and vacation rental photography. Brian articulates that while real estate photos aim to showcase space and value, vacation rental photos should evoke emotions and experiences:
"Vacation rentals are not that you are providing a ready-made thing so you can go a little crazy. You can create intimacy and closeness and proximity." (13:33)
This distinction underscores the need for photos that not only display the property but also tell a story, inviting potential guests to imagine their stay.
Crafting the Guest's Journey Through Photos
The guests discuss the significance of sequencing photos to guide potential guests through a coherent and engaging narrative of the property. Katie emphasizes:
"Do I understand where I am in space? And then does it make me want to go there?" (17:11)
They advocate for a structured approach—starting with wide shots to establish the space, followed by medium and close-up shots to highlight amenities and unique features. This method ensures that viewers remain engaged and can easily visualize their experience.
Quick Wins for Hosts to Enhance Their Listings
Towards the latter part of the episode, Brian and Katie offer actionable tips for hosts looking to improve their listings immediately:
-
Strategic Use of Color:
"Strategically use color to grab the lizard brain part of people when they're seeing something just to get them in the door." (33:56)
-
Research Competitors and Gather Insights:
"Look at the reviews of your competition. What kind of people are coming to stay with them and what are they saying they enjoyed." (36:07)
-
Optimize Photo Sequencing:
"Don't have your pool be a secret or your rooftop terrace be a secret. They'll find out in photo number 38." (39:50)
-
Leverage Guest Testimonials in Descriptions:
Incorporating positive reviews within the listing description to build trust. -
Personalize Descriptions Through Voice Recordings:
Encouraging hosts to use voice memos to capture genuine enthusiasm and unique aspects of their property, which can then be transcribed into descriptions.
Promotion of Overlooked to Overbooked Services
Brian and Katie discuss their offerings, including assessments, listing reviews, and comprehensive photo courses. They highlight special promotions exclusive to the Boostly Podcast listeners:
-
Assessment Services:
"We're doing that at half. Half price. So that'll be like $98, $50 or something like that." (52:09)
-
Photo Course Discounts:
"We’re taking off like 30% from that, so $150 off. So it'll be $347 instead of $497." (52:32)
Listeners are encouraged to visit overlookedtooverbooked.com and use the promo code Boostly24 to avail these discounts.
Closing Remarks and Final Tips
In the final segment, the guests reiterate the importance of commitment to quality and provide light-hearted personal anecdotes about favorite vacation spots, further humanizing their expertise. Katie concludes with:
"We're here to create a connection that makes people sort of appreciate the experience and appreciate your place." (43:52)
Mark underscores the episode's value, urging hosts to implement the discussed strategies to transform their listings from overlooked to overbooked.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Mark on Stefi Sponsorship:
"When you're signing up, you've got to put the discount code in Boostly B O o S T L Y." (00:00)
-
Brian on the Origin of Overlooked to Overbooked:
"The listings were not very good in 2015, 2016, and 2017 compared to now." (03:35)
-
Katie on Emotional Connection Through Photos:
"We want to tell people, where am I first? Did we just change rooms?" (17:12)
-
Brian on Targeting Ideal Guests:
"Who's your ideal guest? That's where we always start on every project." (22:21)
-
Mark on Hostfully Sponsorship:
"Hostfully saves you time, letting you focus on growing your business." (24:52)
Conclusion
This episode of The Boostly Podcast serves as a comprehensive guide for short-term rental hosts aiming to enhance their listings through effective photography. By integrating expert insights from Brian and Katie of Overlooked to Overbooked, listeners gain valuable strategies to attract more direct bookings, ultimately fostering greater independence from OTAs like Airbnb. Whether through immediate quick wins or engaging in deeper courses and assessments, hosts are well-equipped to transform their properties from overlooked to overbooked.
Additional Resources
- Overlooked to Overbooked Website: overlookedtooverbooked.com
- Special Promo Code: Boostly24
- Boostly YouTube Channel: boostly.co.uk/youtube
Timestamp Key:
- 00:00 – Introduction and Stefi Sponsorship
- 03:35 – Brian on Overlooked to Overbooked Origins
- 06:10 – Katie on Photography Techniques
- 09:58 – Katie on Quick Photography Tips
- 13:33 – Differentiating Vacation Rentals from Real Estate Photos
- 17:11 – Crafting the Guest's Journey
- 22:21 – Targeting Ideal Guests
- 24:52 – Hostfully Sponsorship Details
- 33:56 – Quick Wins: Strategic Use of Color
- 36:07 – Research Competitors
- 39:50 – Optimizing Photo Sequencing
- 43:52 – Personalizing Descriptions
- 52:09 – Special Assessments Offer
- 52:32 – Photo Course Discount
- 55:18 – Closing Remarks and Final Promotions
By implementing the strategies discussed in this episode, hosts can significantly improve their listings' visual appeal, thereby increasing direct bookings and establishing a more sustainable and profitable rental business.