Finishing Touches for your STR -- the final details before you're ready for photography :) Bonus: Instagram Moments

Sometimes a property has everything needed to lock down a happy customer and secure a five-star review, but not taking things to the finish line can cost a star and change your outlook for higher pricing, more bookings and happier reviews.

You won't want to miss Jeanette's "coffee rant" -- and the other tips and tricks that our host could easily change to join the SuperHost club. This review of our stay in Columbia, SC will help shine a light on some  of the most common misses by hosts around the globe.

We've had a "treasure trove" of questions from our listeners and we've finally put together some high level answers. Are dogs a good idea?  What about extra fees?  Is it okay to rent to someone other than the person on the AirBNB listing? What about the timing of reviews? Any strategies there? All this and more in Part 1 of Questions and Answers from you, the listener.

Providing your Airbnb guests with a meaningful, beautiful welcome book or house manual is one of the most important things you can do as a host.  Please do not skip this important step!  We offer some ways to short cut the process, make your manual look it's best and even some websites to help with photography.

A good Airbnb and VRBO house manual will make your life easier, improve the guest’s experience, and help get you on your way to another 5-star review!  Learn what makes a great house manual, and download ours at www.standoutpodcast.com

You did it!  You've received your first inquiry. And that turned into your very first booking. That's a milestone all in itself!  But this is where the rubber meets the road. Good communication from beginning to end makes the difference. And don't forget the little things that help you Stand Out! 

The welcome note example is on our website at staydockside.com

How you price your STR AirBNB or VRBO property can have a huge impact on your occupancy-- and your bottom line.  John and Jeanette walk through the many inputs that drive your pricing -- not all are as obvious as you might think.

John uses the rental car model to show how an STR's price is way more than just a daily rate based on costs.

Knowing your costs and your goals make all the difference... and remember to keep your friends close -- and your "comps" even closer :)

Although it's one of the most daunting tasks we'll cover, writing your initial titles, descriptions and amenities for your property can be the winning formula to help your home stand out from the pack. We'll talk about words to use -- and not use -- and cover strategies we've learned from AirBNB and VRBO directly.  All with the goal of having the right guests click "book now" -- with no reason to look further.

There are many considerations when choosing which hosting platform is right for you -- or are you ready to navigate both platforms at once? John and Jeanette take a deep dive into the ins and outs of each platform, their history, their audiences, and more.

Bonus -- a walk through Premier Host and Superhost -- are they worth the effort?

Staging and Photography for your AirBNB or VRBO property is NOT the same as getting your home ready to sell.  Jeanette walks us through a very detailed description of what's required to stage an STR.  John then takes a deep dive on photography.

As a bonus, John and Jeanette step through 20 random listings in their town, and talks through mistakes and misses the hosts made in photographing their home.

There's a grab bag of items that help bridge the gap from final furnishings to a home that's ready to photograph.  In this episode, we'll cover everything from lighting and wall art -- to knick knacks and paint.  Plus a bonus at the end discussing "instagram moments" in your STR property.

It's the most used home in your primary home -- and it's no different in your short-term rental property.  Your guests want to cook, bake, sauté and broil their way to fun and comfort in your home. And having the right dishes -- and enough of everything -- can go a really long way to a five star review.