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

Author: Freewyld Foundry

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Get Paid For Your Pad is the go-to podcast for Airbnb hosts, short-term rental operators, and vacation rental entrepreneurs who want to scale smarter, earn more, and stay ahead of industry shifts.


Hosted by Jasper Ribbers, Eric Moeller, and Kaye Putnam from Freewyld Foundry, this podcast delivers actionable tips on Airbnb pricing strategies, revenue management, direct bookings, listing optimization, and guest experience. You'll hear from real hosts, property managers, and industry pros who share behind-the-scenes insights, lessons learned, and the systems they use to grow profitable STR businesses.


Whether you're managing one property or one hundred, you'll walk away with practical strategies to increase occupancy, boost profits, and build a sustainable short-term rental brand.

Tune in weekly to learn how to thrive in today’s competitive Airbnb market, and get paid what you’re worth.


Freewyld Foundry offers revenue and pricing management (RPM) services to the top 1% of STR hosts. Learn more and request a free Revenue Report: https://www.freewyldfoundry.com


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667 Episodes
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👉 Get a Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportFind out how much money your portfolio is leaving on the table. Risk-free.What happens when Airbnb quietly shifts 12.5% of your revenue overnight?In this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Jasper Ribbers (Head of Revenue Management at Freewyld) and Miles Chew (Revenue Manager at Freewyld Foundry) break down Airbnb’s new 15.5% host fee, explain what it means for your payouts, and show you how to fix your pricing strategy before your margins vanish.You’ll discover:• The exact markup you need to stay revenue-neutral• How to adjust cleaning, pet, and resort fees to avoid losses• Why small miscalculations in PMS markups can quietly drain six figures• How this update affects management splits and owner payouts• The hidden ripple effect on guest pricing, demand, and taxesJasper and Miles also explain why Airbnb made this move, what it means for hosts globally, and how to keep your pricing consistent across OTA channels without sacrificing rate parity.💡 Topics Covered:• Airbnb’s 15.5% host fee breakdown• How to calculate the right markup using Freewyld’s tool• PMS limitations, rounding errors, and pricing precision• Adjusting management and cleaning fees to stay profitable• How to communicate these changes transparently to owners and guests🔗 Relevant Links:Learn more about Freewyld Foundry → https://www.freewyldfoundry.comFollow Jasper Ribbers → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasperribbers/Follow Freewyld → https://www.linkedin.com/company/freewyldfoundryKeywords:Airbnb, Airbnb host, Airbnb fees, Airbnb update, short-term rentals, vacation rentals, revenue management, pricing strategy, property management, Freewyld, Freewyld Foundry, STR growth, Airbnb pricing, Airbnb markup, hospitality industry, profit optimization Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
👉 Get a Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportFind out how much money your portfolio is leaving on the table. Risk-free.In this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Kaye Putnam (Head of Marketing at Freewyld) sits down with Eric Moeller (CEO of Freewyld and Freewyld Foundry) and Jasper Ribbers (Head of Revenue Management) to break down what they discovered at VRMA Las Vegas 2025, including how they uncovered millions in missed profit during live Turbo Rev Revs.They reveal the surprising truth about pricing tools, why “set it and forget it” automation is quietly costing operators six figures a year, and how hands-on revenue strategy still beats AI every time.You’ll discover:How Freewyld’s 15-minute Turbo Rev Revs exposed $4.15M in missed revenueThe most common mistakes even experienced hosts make with pricing toolsJasper’s simple KPI framework to track and improve performance dailyWhy AI is trending everywhere but still not delivering real revenue impactThe critical difference between cheap management and high-impact strategyHow social content and brand storytelling are becoming essential to STR growthEric, Jasper, and Kaye also share the biggest takeaways from leading a packed Skills Lab at VRMA, the shift from “old-school vacation rentals” to modern STR operations, and why operators who review every single booking are the ones who win.💡 Topics Covered:Real-world proof of hidden revenue inside STR portfoliosThe gap between automation and true optimizationHow to evaluate if your pricing process is leaving money behindWhy AI tools aren’t enough without expert human oversightContent, community, and data as growth pillars for 2025🔗 Relevant Links:Apply for a Free Revenue Report → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportFollow Eric Moeller → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericdmoeller/Follow Kaye Putnam → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayeputnam/Follow Jasper Ribbers → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasperribbers/Keywords:short-term rentals, Airbnb revenue, hidden revenue, VRMA, revenue management, pricing strategy, Turbo Rev Revs, STR growth, dynamic pricing, Freewyld, Freewyld Foundry, hospitality leadership, property management, Airbnb optimization, AI in hospitality Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
👉 Get a Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportFind out how much money your portfolio is leaving on the table. Risk-free.What if you could sit inside Airbnb HQ and hear Brian Chesky reveal the company’s next big move?In this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Eric Moeller (CEO of Freewyld and Freewyld Foundry) and Kaye Putnam (Head of Marketing at Freewyld) share everything they learned at Airbnb’s invite-only Host Summit, where top operators got a first look at the future of hospitality.Airbnb is officially entering a new era. The platform is doubling down on Pro Hosts, design-driven listings, and hospitality experiences that build trust. Eric breaks down what that means for you, why quality will now determine visibility and success, and how hosts can evolve from managing listings to leading true hospitality brands.You’ll discover:• What Airbnb’s “Pro Host” initiative really means for scaling operators• How quality, trust, and design impact ranking and bookings• The merchandising secrets that make listings convert faster• What Gen Z and Latino travelers expect from modern hosts• How global events like FIFA 2026 will shape future travel demandEric and Kaye also share how Airbnb is investing in tools, reps, and education to help Pro Hosts operate at a higher level, and why “heads in beds” is no longer enough to stand out.💡 Topics Covered:• Airbnb’s shift from listings to full hospitality experiences• How to build trust through storytelling and brand presence• Why “relentless hospitality” separates 4.6 hosts from 4.9+• How to design listings that inspire emotion and connection🔗 Relevant Links:Learn more about Freewyld → https://www.freewyld.coJoin the Foundry community → https://www.freewyldfoundry.comFollow Eric Moeller → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericdmoeller/Follow Kaye Putnam → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayeputnam/Keywords:Airbnb, Pro Host, short-term rental, hospitality, Freewyld, Freewyld Foundry, Airbnb host, quality hosting, Airbnb design, Brian Chesky, property management, STR growth, Airbnb 2025, travel trends, experiential travel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
👉 Get a Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportFind out how much money your portfolio is leaving on the table. Risk-free.What if the key to higher revenue, better reviews, and happier guests… had four paws?In this World Animal Day special of Get Paid for Your Pad, Jasper Ribbers (CEO and Co-Founder of Freewyld) sits down with his furry co-host Elvis, a five-year-old Pomeranian and self-proclaimed Airbnb expert. Together, they reveal why being pet-friendly isn’t just good hospitality, it’s smart business.Forget the idea that pets create problems. The truth? They create profits. Pet-friendly listings not only attract more bookings, but also earn better reviews, build guest loyalty, and perform better in competitive markets.You’ll discover:Why pet-friendly listings outperform standard Airbnbs in occupancy and review scoresThe psychology of pet owners and how it impacts guest behaviorHow to set fair pet fees and cleaning policies that actually workWhy drive-to markets benefit most from accepting petsSafety and design tips to make your space pet-ready without extra hassleJasper also shares his personal experience traveling with Elvis and the surprising data on how pets can increase your average booking lead time, reduce risk of parties, and boost your marketing reach through user-generated content.💡 Topics Covered: Pet-friendly Airbnb strategy Pricing and cleaning fee structure Host-to-guest relationship building Marketing to pet owners and families Revenue growth through niche positioning🔗 Relevant Links: Apply for a Free Revenue Report → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/report Follow Jasper Ribbers → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasperribbers/ Learn more about Freewyld Foundry → https://www.freewyldfoundry.comKeywords: pet-friendly Airbnb, short-term rental, STR revenue, Airbnb strategy, pet-friendly hosting, revenue management, hospitality, Freewyld, Freewyld Foundry, Jasper Ribbers, vacation rental marketing, dynamic pricing, STR optimization Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
👉 Get a Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportFind out how much money your portfolio is leaving on the table. Risk-free.What separates a scalable short-term rental operator from one stuck in spreadsheets?In this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Jasper Ribbers sits down with Jonathan Sukhia, CEO and co-founder of Topkey, to reveal how leading hosts automate their STR finances, close their books faster, and recover thousands in missed owner charges.Forget the myth that bookkeeping is just about compliance. The truth? Financial clarity is a growth weapon. Operators who scale beyond 20, 50, or 100 units all have one thing in common: they systemize money movement before it breaks their business.You’ll discover:Why most STR hosts lose money without realizing itThe hidden financial blind spots killing profitabilityHow automation can cut bookkeeping time from weeks to daysThe difference between outsourcing vs. systemizing your financesReal examples of operators scaling faster with transparent accountingJonathan and Jasper also unpack how Topkey integrates PMS, QuickBooks, and banking tools into one dashboard, why trust accounting is simpler than you think, and how financial visibility empowers hosts to make smarter, faster decisions.💡 Topics Covered:The true cost of manual expense trackingHow to identify and recover unbilled owner chargesBuilding scalable financial workflows for STR companiesWhy automation is reshaping hospitality finance🔗 Relevant Links:Explore Topkey → https://www.topkey.ioFollow Jonathan Sukhia → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathansukhiaFollow Jasper Ribbers → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasperribbersKeywords:short-term rental, STR finances, Airbnb hosts, property management, expense tracking, bookkeeping automation, trust accounting, Topkey, Jasper Ribbers, financial operations, vacation rental software, scaling STR businesses Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
👉 Apply for a Free Revenue Review: If you’re running $1M+ in annual STR bookings, you could be leaving serious money on the table. Apply here → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/get-startedPricing tools are powerful, but they don’t think for you.In this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Eric Moeller and Kaye Putnam unpack where pricing tools stop, and where true revenue management begins for professional STR operators.You’ll hear why:Occupancy is misleading and MPI is the real metricPacing and booking windows reveal demand signals most hosts missFlexible minimum night stays can actually increase long bookingsStrict cancellation policies often hurt visibility and conversionPricing tools can’t replace human strategy and market insightMentioned in the episode:Freewyld Foundry (Revenue & Pricing Management service)VRMA Pricing Power Skills Lab & Turbo Revenue ReportsAirbnb pricing strategies, comp sets, and pacing tools📍 Subscribe to Get Paid For Your Pad and explore more resources at FreewyldFoundry.com.🎯 Keywords: Airbnb pricing, STR revenue management, pacing, MPI, booking windows, minimum nights, occupancy vs profitability, vacation rental strategy, Airbnb conversion, property management. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
👉 Get a Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportFind out how much money your portfolio is leaving on the table. Risk-free.What separates a million-dollar Airbnb host from everyone else?In this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Kaye Putnam (Head of Marketing at Freewyld) sits down with Eric Moeller (CEO of Freewyld and Freewyld Foundry) to reveal the real mindset, systems, and revenue strategies behind top-performing STR operators.Forget the myth that a pricing tool alone can maximize your income. The truth? Automation is not optimization. The hosts that break the $1M+ mark know when to step out of the weeds, release control, and lean on experts.You’ll discover:Why ego quietly kills STR growth (and how to fix it)The common revenue blind spots in $1M+ portfoliosWhy “set it and forget it” pricing is leaving six figures behindHow growth-minded CEOs scale from 15 units to 100+Real proof points: Troy’s jump from $1M to $4M, and Sheboygan Vacation Rentals’ 30% lift without adding propertiesEric and Kaye also share why top CEOs value peace of mind as much as profit, and how to tell if you’re acting like a hectic host or a strategic leader.💡 Topics Covered:Invisible revenue opportunities most operators missHow to recognize when you’ve become the bottleneckPractical steps to delegate pricing and reclaim your timeWhy automation isn’t enough without daily, expert oversight🔗 Relevant Links:Apply for a Free Revenue Report → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportFollow Eric Moeller → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericdmoeller/Follow Kaye Putnam → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayeputnam/Keywords:short-term rental, Airbnb revenue, dynamic pricing, revenue management, STR growth, hospitality leadership, Freewyld, Freewyld Foundry, property management, scaling Airbnb Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Get your free Revenue Report (hand-done by our team) → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/get-startedAirbnb-only is a risk. In this episode, we break down why Booking.com has become a must-have revenue channel for professional STR operators—and how to set it up so discounts work for you (not against you). We cover ratings (1–10 vs Airbnb’s binary), merchant payments, Genius/mobile promos, rate plans, markups, and how to keep owners calm when parity isn’t perfect.What you’ll learnWhy Booking.com’s 1–10 rating system cushions revenue impact from the occasional meh reviewHow the merchant model solves the old chargeback headacheThe Genius program: why hitting 3 reviews fast matters and how to unlock the badge-driven conversion liftMobile-only rates, preferred program, and visible promos that act like hotel-grade conversion boostersThe truth about price parity (and why a 15–25% Booking.com markup is a sane default)Onboarding playbook: the first 30–60 days to momentum without nuking your other channelsListing optimization: how to use the Property Page Score to hit 100% and earn visibilityQuick hits / TakeawaysAirbnb’s binary review culture can tank a listing with a few 4⭐ reviews; BDC’s 1–10 keeps you alive and converting.Use Genius + 10% mobile early to win visibility; once unlocked, apply a markup so discounts don’t undercut your floor.Expect imperfect parity—that’s normal on BDC. The game is markup + visible, conversion-driving discounts.Get to three reviews fast (follow up with guests; incentives ok) → unlock Genius → watch conversion rise.Treat BDC like a hotel channel: rate plans, visible offers, and merchandising matter more than on Airbnb.Links & resources👉 Free Revenue Report (for $1M+ STR portfolios): https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/get-startedVRMA Las Vegas — catch our 90-minute Pricing Power workshop & come say hi at booth #1118 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
👉 Apply for a Free Revenue Review: If you’re running $1M+ in annual STR bookings, you could be leaving serious money on the table. Apply here → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/get-startedLogo or host photo, what makes guests book on Airbnb?In this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Eric Moeller and Kaye Putnam unpack the branding dilemma every STR operator faces: should your Airbnb profile lead with a polished company logo or a personal host photo?You’ll hear why:A face builds instant trust and stronger guest connectionsLogos can help scale but sometimes reduce conversionConsistency in branding matters across multiple listingsChoosing wrong risks making your STR look like a commodityMentioned in the episode:Freewyld (Eric’s STR brand)Freewyld Foundry (Revenue & Pricing Management service)Airbnb profile branding strategies📍 Subscribe to Get Paid For Your Pad and explore more resources at FreewyldFoundry.com.🎯 Keywords:Airbnb profile, STR branding, host photo vs logo, guest trust, short-term rentals, Airbnb conversion, brand identity, direct bookings, vacation rental strategy, property management. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
👉 Apply for a Free Revenue Review: If you’re running $1M+ in annual STR bookings, you could be leaving serious money on the table. Apply here → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/get-startedAre you using Airbnb’s built-in merchandising tools to actually increase your revenue, or are your discounts invisible to guests?In this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Jasper Ribbers uncovers the hidden power of OTA merchandising on Airbnb. He explains why most operators apply discounts incorrectly, how visible offers like strike-through pricing and banners boost both conversions and ranking, and the practical steps to set up promotions that work. Drawing from his team’s experience managing 38+ portfolios, Jasper reveals the frameworks that help Airbnb hosts win more bookings without sacrificing profitability.In this episode you will learn:Why visible discounts drive more conversions than silent price dropsHow Airbnb merchandising impacts both bookings and search visibilityThe right way to use early bird, last-minute, and custom promotionsWe also talk about:When to apply length-of-stay discounts for higher occupancyThe risks of following Airbnb account manager advice blindlyWhy custom promotions can sometimes show a discount without lowering your priceKeywords: Airbnb discounts, OTA merchandising, Airbnb revenue management, short-term rentals, pricing strategy, booking conversions, Freewyld, custom promotions, STR growth, Airbnb visibility Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
👉 Apply for a Free Revenue Review: If you’re running $1M+ in annual STR bookings, you could be leaving serious money on the table. Apply here → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/get-startedIs it really worth paying to be featured on a TV show if you want to grow your STR business?In this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Eric Moeller, Co-Founder of Freewyld, and Kaye Putnam, Head of Marketing at Freewyld, share their full experience of getting featured on the Emmy-awarded TV show Staycation. They explain why they invested, what happened behind the scenes, and the results they saw in direct bookings, brand awareness, and content creation.In this episode you will learn:How Freewyld got featured on Staycation and what it costThe impact on website traffic, direct bookings, and STR brand authorityWhy social proof and video content can be more powerful than reachWe also talk about:Using podcasts, PR, and influencer collabs to grow your STR businessHow backlinks and SEO drive direct booking growthThe future of SEO in a world of AI and ChatGPTKeywords: STR, Staycation, direct bookings, Freewyld, short-term rental marketing, social proof, content marketing, influencer marketing, Airbnb growth, OPA strategy, SEO for STR Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
👉 Apply for a Free Revenue Review: If you’re running $1M+ in annual STR bookings, you could be leaving serious money on the table. Apply here → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/get-startedWhat happens when traditional STR deals no longer pencil out, Airbnb’s review system becomes harsher, and local governments push restrictive ordinances?In this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Jasper Ribbers sits down with Garrett Ham, founder and CEO of Weekender Management, to reveal how he’s navigating one of the toughest markets for short-term rentals in years.Garrett shares how he has acquired 10+ properties in the past year using creative financing strategies while fighting a legal battle before the Arkansas Supreme Court over restrictive Fayetteville ordinances. He also opens up about the risks of Airbnb’s stricter review system, where even a single four-star review can slash visibility and cost hosts thousands in lost bookings.💡 Takeaways:Why traditional STR acquisitions rarely work in 2025How to use seller financing and other creative deal structuresWhy knowing your bottom line is key to negotiationsHow regulations could reshape property rights in Arkansas and beyondWhat stricter Airbnb reviews mean for revenue and visibilityWhether you manage 5 units or 50, this episode gives you actionable strategies to acquire properties, protect your listings, and grow smarter in a challenging market.🔗 Relevant Links:Weekender Management → weekendermanagement.comFreewyld Foundry → freewyldfoundry.com📌 Keywords: short-term rentals, Airbnb investing, creative financing, property management, STR regulations, 5-star reviews, Freewyld, Weekender Management Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
👉 Apply for a Free Revenue Review: If you’re running $1M+ in annual STR bookings, you could be leaving serious money on the table. Apply here → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/get-startedIn this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Kaye Putnam (Head of Marketing at Freewyld) interviews Madi Rifkin, founder of Mount, about how she created the Content Army, a community of creators that is reshaping how hospitality brands, property managers, and tourism destinations collaborate with influencers.Madi shares how she went from being frustrated with traditional influencer partnerships (expensive, inauthentic, hard to track) to building a system that now has 10,000+ applicants and dozens of active creators producing organic, aligned, and highly effective content for travel “hidden gems.”In this episode you’ll learn:What the Content Army is and how it actually worksWhy “wannabe influencers” may be your strongest marketing alliesHow to organize creator retreats that multiply content and generate FOMOThe most important lessons in matching brands with creatorsStrategies for measuring real impact on direct bookings and trafficCommon mistakes when working with influencers (and how to avoid them)We also talk about:How a viral TikTok with 1M+ views launched the projectPartnerships with property managers and tourism boards in Jackson Hole and ArubaWhy the future of hospitality marketing blends content, experiences, and community🎯 Keywords:short-term rental, influencer marketing, content strategy, direct bookings, hidden gems, tourism marketing, Content Army, property managers, hospitality growth, organic social media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
👉 Apply for a Free Revenue Review: If you’re running $1M+ in annual STR bookings, you could be leaving serious money on the table. Apply here → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/get-startedIn this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Jasper Ribbers (Head of Revenue Management at Freewyld Foundry) dives deep into one of the most misunderstood yet powerful concepts in STR revenue management: pacing.Hosts constantly ask:Why do short-term rentals slash prices last minute while hotels and airlines often raise theirs?What KPIs actually matter when tracking pacing?When should you pace behind, with, or ahead of the market?Using real-world examples, from Ibiza flights to Taylor Swift concerts, Jasper explains why STR operators can’t afford to blindly follow hotel or airline pricing models. He breaks down the Market Penetration Index (MPI) as the go-to KPI for forward occupancy, reveals how pickup trends should guide your pricing decisions, and shares exactly when it pays to undercut the market versus hold firm.You’ll learn:The key differences between airline/hotel inventory and STR inventoryWhy most operators panic and drop rates too quicklyHow MPI uncovers whether you’re pacing behind, in line, or aheadScenarios where “last man standing” pricing can win bigWhy seasonality and booking windows must shape your pricing targetsIf you’ve ever struggled with last-minute discounts, inconsistent occupancy, or uncertainty about whether you’re pacing correctly, this episode gives you a practical roadmap to approach revenue management with confidence.Takeaways:Treat pacing as a leading indicator of revenue performance, not an afterthoughtUse MPI + pickup together for smarter pricing decisionsSometimes pacing behind the market is the winning moveAvailability settings and timing can make or break your portfolio’s revenueKeywords:short-term rental, Airbnb pricing, pacing strategy, revenue management, occupancy rate, dynamic pricing, MPI, Freewyld, STR success, booking optimization Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
👉 Get Your Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportWhat if you could take your short-term rental business from 17% to nearly 50% direct bookings in just six weeks? In this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Eric Moeller and Kaye Putnam break down the exact influencer collaboration strategy that turned a $900 investment into over $12,000 in direct revenue.You’ll discover:How to choose local influencers that actually drive bookingsThe giveaway format that generated 233,000+ views and thousands of new prospectsWhy global or personality-driven creators fail to convert for STRsThe must-have contracts and content rights that protect your brandHow single-property landing pages transform attention into bookingsThis isn’t theory. It’s a real case study STR operators can use to reduce OTA reliance, build brand awareness, and grow direct bookings with intentional influencer partnerships.🎧 Listen now and learn how to stop decorating, start branding, and design collaborations that deliver real ROI.KeywordsDirect bookings, influencer collaborations, short-term rentals, STR growth, Instagram giveaways, hospitality marketing, property management, Freewyld case study, Airbnb revenue, OTA alternativesTimestamps00:00 – Tripling direct bookings in six weeks 02:14 – Why some influencer campaigns fail to convert 07:05 – The profile of creators who actually drive bookings 09:08 – How to find and qualify the right accounts 10:16 – Outreach strategies: DM vs. email 11:10 – Timelines, weekday hosting, and trades 13:29 – Setting expectations and giving direction 15:24 – Contracts, content rights, and model releases 17:28 – Giveaway mechanics that create virality 21:43 – Results: 233k views and $12k in direct bookings 24:36 – ROI breakdown and ad-value comparison 27:50 – Improving the direct booking experience 32:05 – Landing pages vs. full websites for campaigns 34:31 – How STR hosts can apply this playbook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
👉 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.
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.
👉 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, Eric Moeller interviews Jasper Ribbers, co-founder of Freewyld and Freewyld Foundry, about the fast-growing world of revenue management.Jasper shares how their team scaled from managing a handful of Freewyld cabins to overseeing 66 clients, 1,600 listings, and more than $61M in revenue, and why most STR operators are unknowingly missing out on 20 to 40 percent of their potential income.We also dive into:Why revenue management is not just a pricing toolThe number one mistake operators make when setting pricesHow pacing (forward occupancy) reveals untapped demandReal case studies where portfolios jumped 25 to 40 percent in booked revenueWhy strict availability and cancellation policies often backfireIf you want to scale your portfolio, capture hidden revenue, and finally give pricing the same attention as marketing and operations, this episode is for you.TakeawaysTreat revenue management as a core business function, not an afterthoughtMost operators are leaving 10 to 40 percent on the table by misusing pricing toolsPacing is the most powerful and overlooked concept in STR pricingAvailability and cancellation policies impact revenue just as much as ratesA dedicated revenue manager can consistently outperform DIY strategiesRelevant LinksApply for a Free Revenue Report: freewyldfoundry.comFollow Jasper: LinkedInFollow Eric: LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
👉 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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Comments (2)

Curtis Naugle

what's with all the 30 minutes of unrecorded data? it says it's supposed to be an hour long but it's only 30 minutes

Jun 15th
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Sujata Shyam

just have to day this podcast has the best intro/outro music. ever. :)

Dec 22nd
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