104 - Why Your STR Marketing Is Not Working (And What to Do Instead) | Chantell Hammond

104 - Why Your STR Marketing Is Not Working (And What to Do Instead) | Chantell Hammond

If you have ever felt overwhelmed by marketing your STR or co-hosting business, this episode is exactly what you need. Matt and Austin sit down with Chantell Hammond, business and marketing strategy coach and founder of Strategy Square, who helps short-term rental operators cut through the noise and build marketing strategies that actually fit their business. Chantell did not start in the STR world. She ran a Pilates studio, sold a marketing agency, and found her way into the vacation rental space after STR operators kept showing up as referral clients. What she found was an industry full of smart operators who were completely lost when it came to marketing and she made it her mission to fix that. Here is what you will learn: Why trying too many marketing channels at once is one of the biggest mistakes STR operators make and what to do instead, how to identify the one or two tools that are actually right for your specific business, why paid ads can hurt you if you turn them on too early and what needs to be in place first, how to identify your guest avatar and use that to pick the right social media platforms, why luxury and experiential properties should be prioritizing influencer marketing and high end video content, how to use email marketing to build a direct booking engine that you actually own, and the difference between strategy consulting and just getting told what everyone else is doing. Chantell also shares how she is currently running Marketing Mondays inside the Systems Society community alongside Marissa Grover, a weekly office hours session built specifically for property managers who want real time marketing guidance. If you are managing between two and 40 properties and want to get serious about your marketing, that community is a great place to start. Connect with Chantell on Instagram at @strategy.square or find her on Facebook at Chantell Hammond. 👥 Follow The Show The Co-Host Bros Podcast Instagram: @cohostbros Facebook: @cohostbros YouTube: @cohostbros TikTok: @cohost.bros ⸻ Follow the Hosts Matt Codd Instagram: @creativecodds TikTok: @creativecodds Facebook: @matt.codd.3 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-codd-9a3761375/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-codd-9a3761375/] Austin Spitzenberger Instagram: @austin_spitzz TikTok: @austin_spitzz Facebook: @austin.spitzenberger LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-spitzenberger-70481111b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-spitzenberger-70481111b/]

103 - The STR Designer's Playbook: Amenities, Aesthetics, and More Bookings | Andrea Moxham

Design is one of the most underrated revenue drivers in the short-term rental business, and this is the first time in over 100 episodes that the Co-Host Bros have had a designer on the show. Episode 103 brings in Andrea Moxham, virtual STR designer and founder of Moxie and Co., to break down exactly how thoughtful design translates directly into more bookings and better reviews. Andrea started her career running a marketing agency before selling it and going all in on short-term rental design. Based in Ontario, Canada, she designs exclusively for US properties 100% virtually, using tools like Matterport to get precise measurements without ever setting foot in the space. Her background in marketing means she does not just make properties look pretty, she designs them to perform. Here is what you will learn: Where to splurge versus save when furnishing your STR and why amenities almost always beat renovations, why space planning and seating for your full guest count is one of the most overlooked design mistakes, how to stand out in a competitive market by researching what your competitors are missing, why wellness inspired amenities like infrared saunas, cold therapy, and yoga studios are trending hard right now, the genius glam room hack for properties with extra walk in closets, and how wallpaper can be the difference between a fully booked property and a ghost town listing. Whether you are setting up your first property or looking to refresh one that is underperforming, Andrea's insights are practical, actionable, and built for operators who want real results. Find Andrea on Instagram at @andreamoxham and check out her services and weekly design newsletter at www.moxieandco.ca [http://www.moxieandco.ca]. 👥 Follow The Show The Co-Host Bros Podcast Instagram: @cohostbros Facebook: @cohostbros YouTube: @cohostbros TikTok: @cohost.bros ⸻ Follow the Hosts Matt Codd Instagram: @creativecodds TikTok: @creativecodds Facebook: @matt.codd.3 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-codd-9a3761375/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-codd-9a3761375/] Austin Spitzenberger Instagram: @austin_spitzz TikTok: @austin_spitzz Facebook: @austin.spitzenberger LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-spitzenberger-70481111b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-spitzenberger-70481111b/]

102 - How Dawn Cornett Manages 40 Properties, Traveled Italy for 30 Days, and Still Has Time Freedom

f you have ever thought about taking your STR or co-hosting business to the next level, this episode is your roadmap. Matt and Austin sit down with Dawn Cornett, Texas-based STR investor, co-host, and boutique hotel operator behind Skyview Vacations, as well as co-founder of Hospitality Hustle. With nearly a decade in the short-term rental space, 40 properties under management, and her own micro resort plus multiple boutique hotels in her portfolio, Dawn is the real deal. Dawn shares how she and her husband Greg went from buying their first lake house after a lightbulb moment at a lakeside vacation rental, to building a multi-state STR operation and expanding into historic boutique hotel renovations. She also opens up about using The Pumpkin Plan methodology to audit and streamline their portfolio, why she is embracing AI to cut costs and free up time for higher touch hospitality, and what a 30-day trip through Italy taught her about the future of the guest experience. Here is what you will learn: How to apply the 80/20 rule to your STR portfolio and cut what is not working, why boutique hotels are where STRs were five years ago and why now is the time to get in, how Dawn is using AI to replace costly subscriptions and run a leaner operation, what the difference is between Cloudbeds and traditional PMS software for boutique hotel management, and how she is building a business designed to run without her so she can travel internationally four months a year. This one is packed with mindset, strategy, and hospitality gold. You do not want to miss it. Connect with Dawn on Instagram at @dawnofagreatday and learn more about boutique hotel coaching at thehospitalityhustle.com [http://thehospitalityhustle.com]. 👥 Follow The Show The Co-Host Bros Podcast Instagram: @cohostbros Facebook: @cohostbros YouTube: @cohostbros TikTok: @cohost.bros ⸻ Follow the Hosts Matt Codd Instagram: @creativecodds TikTok: @creativecodds Facebook: @matt.codd.3 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-codd-9a3761375/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-codd-9a3761375/] Austin Spitzenberger Instagram: @austin_spitzz TikTok: @austin_spitzz Facebook: @austin.spitzenberger LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-spitzenberger-70481111b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-spitzenberger-70481111b/]

101 - Hot Take: The Airbnb Split Fee Switch Could Cost You More

Austin's out, the guests cancelled, and Matt is flying solo for Episode 101! But don't sleep on this one because he drops some real talk on one of the hottest topics buzzing around the STR community right now: the return of Airbnb's split fee model. Should you switch back? Matt breaks down exactly why he thinks staying on the simplified fee structure is the smarter move, and walks through the math that most operators are overlooking when they get excited about the split fee option. Here is what Matt covers: Why the split fee actually ends up pricing your listings HIGHER for guests, how Airbnb can flip the script on you anytime they want (and why that risk is real), the competitive advantage you have right now by staying on simplified fees, and why he is not running the fees most people assume he is. Matt also pulls back the curtain on a brand new project he has been building: his own AI guest messaging agent that you OWN instead of rent. No monthly subscription, hosted on your Google Drive, and running for about two bucks a month in API costs. He is looking for a few beta testers with Hospitable and a Google Drive account. If that is you, DM Matt on Facebook or email matt@cohostbros.com [matt@cohostbros.com] with the subject line "beta tester." Short episode, big value. Be a bro and share the show! 👥 Follow The Show The Co-Host Bros Podcast Instagram: @cohostbros Facebook: @cohostbros YouTube: @cohostbros TikTok: @cohost.bros ⸻ Follow the Hosts Matt Codd Instagram: @creativecodds TikTok: @creativecodds Facebook: @matt.codd.3 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-codd-9a3761375/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-codd-9a3761375/] Austin Spitzenberger Instagram: @austin_spitzz TikTok: @austin_spitzz Facebook: @austin.spitzenberger LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-spitzenberger-70481111b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-spitzenberger-70481111b/]

100 - Profit First for STR Operators: The Money Mindset You Need | Mike Michalowicz

Episode 100 is here, and we brought in a big one to celebrate. Matt and Austin sit down with Mike Michalowicz, bestselling author of Profit First, The Pumpkin Plan, Clockwork, and his newest book, The Money Habit. Simon Sinek called him the patron saint of entrepreneurs, and after this episode, you will understand why. Mike breaks down the money mistakes that are quietly killing small businesses, including STR management companies, and gives you the tools to stop them. From the simple formula flip that unlocks real profitability, to why most of us sabotage our own financial success the moment we start making money, this episode is packed with insights that hit way too close to home. Here is what you will learn: Why the traditional accounting formula is backwards and what to do instead, how Parkinson's Law is silently draining your bank account, the Pumpkin Plan strategy and why pruning your client roster could be your biggest growth move, how to use your best clients to instantly identify what your business should double down on, and why you need to nail both your business and personal finances to actually build wealth. Whether you have been reading Mike's books for years or this is your first time hearing his name, this episode will change the way you think about money and your business. Check out Mike's books and resources at www.mikemotorbike.com [http://www.mikemotorbike.com] and his podcast Becoming Self Made on Apple and Spotify. 👥 Follow The Show The Co-Host Bros Podcast Instagram: @cohostbros Facebook: @cohostbros YouTube: @cohostbros TikTok: @cohost.bros ⸻ Follow the Hosts Matt Codd Instagram: @creativecodds TikTok: @creativecodds Facebook: @matt.codd.3 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-codd-9a3761375/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-codd-9a3761375/] Austin Spitzenberger Instagram: @austin_spitzz TikTok: @austin_spitzz Facebook: @austin.spitzenberger LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-spitzenberger-70481111b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-spitzenberger-70481111b/]