On this episode of the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Hostfully – we’re joined by Conrad O’Connell, Founder of BuildUp Bookings, to break down how STR operators can move from OTA dependency to meaningful direct bookings in as little as three months.
Conrad shares the non-negotiable pages every direct booking site needs, the most common SEO mistakes he sees (and how to fix them), and the quick wins that actually drive traffic.
We also cover Google Business Profile, the current state of Google Vacation Rentals, and how to use social media and paid ads to feed your site (without burning budget). You’ll also learn the smartest way to build an email list, why direct bookings aren’t free, and the one mistake operators should stop making today.
If you’re serious about owning your demand, this conversation is a blueprint. Plus: Conrad’s biggest marketing win of the year, favourite brands, and a few shout-outs you’ll want to note.
0:00 Episode starts
1:00 From OTA dependency to direct bookings in three months
4:22 Dealing with hosts who want more direct bookings
6:01 Direct bookings are not free
8:25 The pages every direct booking website needs
11:01 Common SEO mistakes short-term rental managers make
12:26 The simple things you can do to drive website traffic
15:14 Let your guests know you have a direct booking website
16:40 Google Business Profile
18:50 Google Vacation Rentals
21:56 Utilise social media to drive people to your website
22:59 Paid ads on social media
24:44 The smartest way to build an email list
27:30 The one mistake operators should stop making
29:18 The biggest marketing win this year
31:56 Build Up Bookings: https://www.buildupbookings.com/
32:24 Favourite brands: Luxury Retreats and Fieldtrip
34:01 Shout-out: Tyann Marcink Hammond
35:18 Biggest lesson learned
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Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/
James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/
Conrad O'Connell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conradoconnell/
BuildUp Bookings: https://www.buildupbookings.com/
Episode to check next: The Smart Way to Price Your Vacation Rental: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsHYwAUreLs
Host Planet Podcast is presented by James Varley, a holiday let investor and property manager who is also the Founder of Host Planet. Before founding Host Planet, James spent 20 years in the media, including a decade leading corporate communications for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Contact the show: info@hostplanet.club
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