EP 216: Are direct bookings just a trend?

Don't forget — STR Marketing Simplified kicks off today (Sept 23–25)! It's a free 3-day workshop where I'll walk you through how to rely less on OTAs and build a marketing system that works. Save your seat here (or catch the replays if you can't make it live). 👉 Save your seat here! Are direct bookings just a trend… or the future of your short-term rental business? In this episode of Branded and Booked, I'm diving into one of the most important conversations I've had with STR hosts over the last two years: should you go all in on a direct booking strategy, and if so, when? Airbnb isn't going anywhere, but the constant policy and fee changes remind us that we don't own that platform. What we can own is our brand, our guest relationships, and a marketing strategy that brings in more control and more revenue. Here's what I cover in this episode: Why direct bookings aren't just a passing trend The shift I'm seeing with Airbnb policies in 2025 and how it impacts us as hosts When to start your direct booking strategy (hint: the best time is today) The key marketing levers that actually move the needle — SEO, email marketing, and yes, social media when it makes sense Real-life examples of how I've approached direct bookings with my own properties This conversation is packed with clarity and action steps so you can move forward with confidence. Resources & Links: Reserve your spot in the STR Marketing Simplified Workshop (Sept 23–25) → Register here! Follow me on Instagram for more tips and behind-the-scenes: @theweberco If you enjoyed this episode, leave a quick review and share your favorite takeaway! I can't wait to see you inside!