In this fun and super insightful episode, I’m joined once again by vacation rental marketing expert Jodi Bourne, and we’re diving headfirst into something that’s never been more important - your website.

With all the recent changes to the big OTAs, more and more hosts are waking up to the power of direct bookings. And at the heart of that? Your website. It’s not just a digital business card anymore - it’s where your brand builds trust, tells your story, and convinces guests to book directly with you.

Jodi and I chat about what makes a website truly work, from smart design choices and storytelling, to using AI, social proof, trust signals, and so much more. If you’re ready to turn your website into a booking machine, this one’s for you.

Make sure you complete The Strategic AI Adoption Survey >>
https://www.hostfully.com/survey
You will get the chance to win an iPad and get access to '24 Use Cases For AI In Short-Term Rental Properties'.

Revolutionize Your Employee Onboarding with THRIVE Essentials: Faster Training, Stronger Teams, Better Results! Discover how THRIVE Essentials accelerates onboarding for new property management staff, boosting performance and reducing turnover.
>> THRIVE Essentials

Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS624

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down for a summer Sunday chat with Justin Ford from Breezeway, to discuss how prioritizing safety can transform your short-term rental business. Not just in protecting reputations, even boosting bookings, but in saving lives.

Justin has been on the show just a few times over the years and his inspiring take on safety is a reflection of his two decades of experience in the industry. For anyone not familiar with his booming voice and 6’5” stature, he is a globally recognized vacation rental safety expert and Director of Safety & Certification Programs at Breezeway. He delivers conference keynotes that will stay with you long after you leave the room, so if you ever get the opportunity to listen, don’t miss it.

Recipient of the prestigious Shortyz Pioneer Award earlier this year (2025), he has become a pioneering voice in promoting practical, actionable safety standards for STR operators. From advising major companies like Casago/Vacasa, Moving Mountains, and the Naimon Group, to training hosts across the globe, Justin’s passion for safety is saving lives and reshaping the way property managers think about hospitality.

Make sure you complete The Strategic AI Adoption Survey >>
https://www.hostfully.com/survey
You will get the chance to win an iPad and get access to '24 Use Cases For AI In Short-Term Rental Properties'.

Revolutionize Your Employee Onboarding with THRIVE Essentials: Faster Training, Stronger Teams, Better Results! Discover how THRIVE Essentials accelerates onboarding for new property management staff, boosting performance and reducing turnover.
>> THRIVE Essentials

Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS623

When change hits fast and hard, what keeps a company grounded? In this episode, Heather welcomes Jackie Norde, who shares her remarkable journey from vacation rental software onboarding to her current role helping Casago franchisees succeed - especially in the wake of Casago’s rapid expansion via Vacasa acquisitions.

Jackie offers rich insights into hospitality, franchise onboarding, operational standards, and how a tiny orange booklet - the Casago ORANGE Standard - is transforming how vacation rental businesses deliver unforgettable guest experiences.

Whether you're a property manager facing change, an owner scaling up, or just someone who believes hospitality should come from the heart, this episode delivers both inspiration and practical takeaways.

Make sure you complete The Strategic AI Adoption Survey >>
https://www.hostfully.com/survey
You will get the chance to win an iPad and get access to '24 Use Cases For AI In Short-Term Rental Properties'.

Revolutionize Your Employee Onboarding with THRIVE Essentials: Faster Training, Stronger Teams, Better Results! Discover how THRIVE Essentials accelerates onboarding for new property management staff, boosting performance and reducing turnover.
>> THRIVE Essentials

Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS622