This week on the Hosting Hotline, listener Julia calls in with a timely question: should you host influencers in exchange for a free or discounted stay—especially when your property is new and you’re trying to build buzz?

Julia runs a fully immersive Star Wars-themed short-term rental in Kissimmee, Florida, and recently experimented with a creator collaboration through the platform Stayamo. While she didn’t see immediate bookings, the exposure raised awareness and boosted her Instagram following. But is that worth the cleaning fee—or more?

In this episode, we dig into:

– How to evaluate whether an influencer is truly a good fit

– What red flags to watch for when receiving creator collaboration requests

– How to define success from influencer content

– Smart ways to protect your time, energy, and budget

– Why a holistic influencer marketing plan beats saying yes ad hoc

– And how to communicate “no” without burning bridges

We also share our favorite tips for setting expectations, building contracts, and using influencer content intentionally—so you’re not left wondering if the trade was worth it.

Resources:

– YouTube: The Right Way to Use Influencers to Promote Your Airbnb

– Stayamo (influencer collaboration platform)

When a once-in-a-generation storm hit the mountains of Western North Carolina, Superhost Catherine Morris found herself not only without power—but with stranded guests, canceled reservations, and major cleanup ahead. In this episode, we talk with Catherine of Edenwood NC about her transition from corporate life to full-time hosting, the realities of managing two unique properties (yes, she still does the cleaning herself!), and the lessons she learned when Hurricane Helene shut everything down.

From insurance battles to wood-fired hot tubs, this episode covers the gritty details of what it really looks like to be a hands-on host through disaster and recovery.

Whether you're new to short-term rentals or a seasoned pro, Catherine’s insights on preparedness, communication, and guest care will leave you inspired—and better equipped for anything that comes your way.

• Catherine’s Rentals: https://edenwoodnc.com
• Follow on Instagram: @edenwoodnc
• Airbnb Business Loss Coverage Info: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1320/extenuating-circumstances-policy

Mentioned in this episode:

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

In this Hosting Hotline episode, listener Colby from Humble Abode in Australia calls in with a question many hosts are asking: Can you still nudge guests toward booking direct after their stay—even with Airbnb’s updated policies?

Colby has been sending post-stay messages encouraging repeat visits and direct bookings. But with Airbnb tightening its rules, is that strategy still allowed?

We break down:

• Why post-stay messages via Airbnb’s platform are now a hard no
• What is still okay when it comes to asking for reviews
• How to compliantly shift communication off-platform
• Why your in-home marketing game matters more than ever
• Simple tools and strategies (like StayFi) that keep you compliant and effective
• The real reason you shouldn’t try to outsmart Airbnb's AI

Plus, we share smart alternatives to keep your marketing efforts alive—without breaking the rules.

🔗 Mentioned in this episode:

StayFi: A platform for collecting guest emails with consent, post-booking

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