When you’re just starting out on Airbnb or launching a new property, one of the biggest challenges is building trust before reviews start rolling in. Should you put “new listing” in your title or description to explain why your property has zero reviews? Or could that actually backfire?

In this Hosting Hotline episode, Sarah and Annette tackle a great listener question about whether to use “new listing” in your Airbnb description—and the best ways to overcome the objections that come with having little to no reviews. They share how to leverage Airbnb’s algorithm boost for new listings, avoid overpromising, and use smart marketing language to build credibility right out of the gate.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Whether or not to include “new listing” in your title or description
• How Airbnb’s algorithm favors new properties—and how to maximize that boost
• Why accuracy in your listing copy matters more than hype
• Marketing strategies to overcome the lack of reviews
• Tips for building guest trust from day one through responsiveness and communication

If you’re launching a new property, or still figuring out how to make your first reviews count, this episode is a must-listen.

Resources:

Booked & Profitable Listing Audit Bootcamp – Learn how to optimize your Airbnb listing for conversions and overcome common guest objections. Join at: thanksforvisiting.com/bootcamp

Mentioned in this episode:

Lodgify | Use code TFV20

In a market some call “oversaturated,” Kristen and Michael have proven that storytelling, strategy, and smart reinvestment can still make a short-term rental shine. The husband-and-wife duo behind The Seventh Ray House in Joshua Tree join Sarah and Annette to share how they got started, the risks they took, and how they continue to grow in a competitive space.

From renovating while living on-site to launching a direct booking website with Lodgify, Kristen and Michael break down the reality of building a sustainable hosting business—what worked, what didn’t, and what they’d do differently if they had to start over.

You’ll learn how they:

• Balanced risk while betting on themselves in an uncertain market.
• Reinvested strategically with upgrades like a Nordic Warrior XL hot tub.
• Elevated their brand through professional photography and design.
• Built a direct booking strategy with Lodgify to reduce reliance on OTAs.
• Navigated discount requests, direct booking fears, and guest challenges.
• Shifted goals as their family and hosting journey evolved.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your hosting strategy, this episode will inspire you to think long-term, reinvest wisely, and bring pride and creativity to your rental.

Resources:

Lodgify – Build your own professional direct booking website and reduce reliance on OTAs.

The Seventh Ray House Direct Booking Site – Book directly with Kristen and Michael at their stunning Joshua Tree property.

Mentioned in this episode:

StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.

Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

When it comes to short-term rentals, few topics spark more debate than photography. Do you really need to hire a professional—or can natural, well-lit DIY photos do the trick?

In this Hosting Hotline episode, Sarah and Annette respond to a listener comment that challenges their long-standing belief: that professional photos are a non-negotiable for serious hosts. They explore the value of constructive feedback, how to use it to refine your marketing, and why your photos are more than just pictures—they’re a conversion tool.

You’ll learn:

• Why professional photos often pay for themselves through higher bookings and rates
• How to balance feedback from guests who may not be your target audience
• The risk of overselling your space with overly edited or outdated images
• Why investing in professional photos can increase your confidence as a host
• How photography ties into professionalizing the entire STR industry

Whether you’re convinced or skeptical, this conversation will challenge how you think about your listing images—and what they say about your business.

Resources mentioned:

Learn more about Strategic Host — our newest program designed for hosts craving accountability, mentorship, and one-on-one guidance.

Mentioned in this episode:

Lodgify | Use code TFV20