The Boostly Podcast: Episode Summary
Title: I Found the NEXT Big Stars in Short-Term Rentals
Host: Mark Simpson
Release Date: April 7, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of The Boostly Podcast, host Mark Simpson delves into the emerging content creators in the short-term rental (STR) industry. Aimed at empowering listeners to gain direct bookings and reduce reliance on Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) like Airbnb, Mark shares his curated list of up-and-coming influencers who are making significant strides in the hospitality sector. This summary captures the key discussions, insights, and recommendations Mark offers to help hosts elevate their businesses.
Exploring New Content Creators
Mark begins by reflecting on a previous episode where he highlighted content creators predominantly based in the United States. Noting the overwhelming response and requests for more diverse profiles, he expands his search to include international and lesser-known influencers in the STR community.
"There are a ton of people out there who are doing good work," Mark states at [02:15], emphasizing the vast pool of talent beyond the well-known figures like Sean Rakijishes or Rob Abba.
Featured Content Creators
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Taylor Jones
- Platform: LinkedIn
- Highlights: Taylor is praised for his engaging LinkedIn content, particularly his ability to present factual statistics that provoke thoughtful discussions.
- Notable Quote: "He doesn't talk about spicy or disruptive stuff or political stuff all the time. He's got some really, truly quality content in there." ([05:30])
- Recommendation: Mark encourages listeners to follow Taylor for insightful analysis, especially his recent post on the psychological impact of profile pictures on Airbnb.
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Kristen and Michael
- Platform: YouTube
- Highlights: This couple documents their journey in Joshua Tree, offering a transparent look at the pros, cons, and struggles of managing short-term rentals. Their storytelling prowess makes their content highly relatable and engaging.
- Notable Quote: "When you document your journey, you’d be amazed at how many people will follow along." ([09:45])
- Recommendation: Mark advises hosts to leverage social media storytelling to attract both fellow hosts and potential guests, citing Kristen and Michael as prime examples.
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Matthew Robson
- Platform: LinkedIn
- Highlights: Based in Northeast UK, Matthew is known for his straightforward and transparent posts about the STR process. His consistent documentation has proven effective in generating leads.
- Notable Quote: "His posts are always right there at the top because he's the one that I read, read in full." ([14:20])
- Recommendation: Mark urges UK-based listeners to follow Matthew for practical strategies and real-time insights into the STR market.
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Ben Wolf
- Platform: LinkedIn
- Highlights: Ben explores the intersection of social media and OTAs, hypothesizing that social platforms could evolve into major booking channels. His data-driven approach backs his theories.
- Notable Quote: "He's a prime example of utilizing social media to get bookings." ([19:10])
- Recommendation: Hosts interested in the future of bookings and marketing strategies should monitor Ben’s content for innovative ideas.
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Garrett Brown
- Platform: Bigger Pockets (YouTube Channel: Bigger Stays)
- Highlights: Garrett is recognized as the new go-to for STR content on Bigger Pockets. His podcast, Biggest Stays, features interviews with hosts sharing their experiences and challenges.
- Notable Quote: "Guest horror stories always work on Instagram because everybody's got a story to tell." ([23:50])
- Recommendation: Mark recommends subscribing to Bigger Stays for diverse perspectives and actionable tips in the STR niche.
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Emily Lefkoe
- Platform: Social Media (Instagram, YouTube)
- Highlights: As a social media expert collaborating with Boostly, Emily specializes in creating engaging content for hospitality professionals and vendors. Her work with Level Up Leah and Hospitality FM showcases her expertise.
- Notable Quote: "How do you create content for others? Not just hospitality people, but vendors as well." ([28:40])
- Recommendation: Listeners are encouraged to follow Emily for strategies on elevating their social media presence and content creation skills.
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Burke for Sublease (Paulson)
- Platform: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok
- Highlights: Based in Dubai, Burke documents his rapid growth from 0 to 100 units through subleasing. His transparency in sharing both successes and challenges has garnered a substantial following.
- Notable Quote: "His YouTube channel just goes from strength to strength." ([34:25])
- Recommendation: Hosts interested in the Dubai market or the subleasing model should follow Burke for firsthand insights and innovative practices.
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Jeremy Verdon
- Platform: YouTube
- Highlights: A newer entrant to the Boostly community, Jeremy offers fresh perspectives on STR through his engaging and humorous content. Based in Nashville, he is quickly becoming a notable figure.
- Notable Quote: "He's got a fantastic new YouTube channel, he's creating great content." ([38:00])
- Recommendation: Mark suggests keeping an eye on Jeremy’s channel as it develops, promising valuable and entertaining content for STR hosts.
Future Endeavors and Milestones
Mark shares his excitement about the podcast nearing 800 episodes, hinting at plans to compile the vast knowledge and interviews into a comprehensive book. He envisions a resource akin to Tim Ferriss’s Tools of Titans, aimed at documenting the stories and strategies of top STR hosts.
"It's unbelievably hard to get to 800 episodes. Never mind 800. But with that being said, thank you very much," Mark expresses gratitude to his listeners ([45:10]).
He encourages audience engagement, inviting aspiring content creators to reach out for a chance to be featured in future episodes.
Conclusion
In this episode, Mark Simpson underscores the importance of recognizing and following emerging voices in the short-term rental industry. By highlighting diverse content creators across various platforms, he provides listeners with a roadmap to discover innovative strategies, enhance their marketing efforts, and ultimately secure more direct bookings. Mark's commitment to fostering a community of informed and empowered hosts is evident, positioning The Boostly Podcast as an essential resource in the evolving landscape of hospitality.
Stay Connected
For more insights and to follow the featured content creators, visit the Boostly website and their YouTube channel at boostly.co.uk/youtube. Engage with the community, share your experiences, and take control of your bookings today!