🎧 Summary

In this episode of The Peak Season Podcast, Luke and Tyler dive into what it really takes to survive and thrive in rural short-term rental markets — drawing from their hands-on experience in Northern Michigan. From guest acquisition and seasonality to maintenance challenges and small-town dynamics, they explore the unique factors that shape life as a rural host.

You’ll hear proven strategies for building vendor relationships 🤝, mastering dynamic pricing 💸, and communicating proactively 💬 to create great guest experiences even when resources are limited. Luke and Tyler also highlight the hidden advantages of rural hosting — less competition, stronger community connections, and the chance to offer experiences that guests can’t find anywhere else.

🔑 Keywords

rural markets, short-term rentals, Northern Michigan, guest acquisition, seasonality, connectivity, maintenance, community relations, vendor relationships, dynamic pricing, proactive communication, unique amenities, rural hospitality, small-market strategy

💡 Takeaways

• Build strong local relationships. Reliable vendors and service providers are the foundation of every successful rural STR.
• Use dynamic pricing intentionally. Adjust rates to capture demand surges and fill gaps during slower periods.
• Communicate proactively. Set expectations early to prevent surprises and keep guests happy.
• Lean into your strengths. Showcase amenities like hot tubs, saunas, and fire pits — the details guests remember.
• Market locally and socially. Use social media, tourism boards, and community pages to attract the right audience.
• Plan for limited connectivity. Provide printed directions, offline maps, and clear expectations for Wi-Fi.
• Be a good neighbor. Transparency and respect build long-term community trust.
• Diversify income. Add upsells like early check-ins, firewood bundles, or local experiences.
• Prepare for seasonality. Save reserves during peak months to smooth out shoulder-season dips.
• See rural as opportunity. Less competition means more room for creativity and sustainable growth.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Introduction and Overview
03:00 – Guest Acquisition and Marketing
09:00 – Connectivity and Access Challenges
15:00 – Maintenance and Vendor Relationships
21:00 – Seasonality and Cash-Flow Management
27:00 – Community Relations and Trust
33:00 – Closing Thoughts and Key Takeaways