We’re bringing back one of our most actionable episodes on using Instagram to drive real bookings.

In this episode of the STR Investing Podcast, co-host Taylor Jones sits down with Ben Wolff, founder of Onera and a pioneer in the unique stays space.

Ben shares how he built standout hospitality experiences that naturally attract attention online and convert that attention into direct bookings. From treehouse hotels to outdoor stays, his approach proves that the right content can become a powerful revenue engine.

This episode breaks down the real strategy behind influencer collaborations, content marketing, and building a brand that drives demand. Including how one influencer partnership generated $25,000 in direct bookings with no upfront cost, and how these strategies contributed to over $1,000,000 in bookings.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Instagram can drive serious revenue for STRs
• Why unique stays perform so well on social media
• The strategy behind a $25K influencer win
• How to turn content into consistent direct bookings
• What’s working right now in STR marketing

If you’re looking to grow bookings and reduce reliance on OTAs, this is one to study.

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Episode Sponsored By:
STR Search

STR Search is the industry leading property finder service. They've helped investors acquire over 215 profitable STRs across the US. If you'd like the data professionals to help you find your next STR, reach out to STRsearch.com

Mark Lumpkin breaks down the amenity data for Blue Ridge, one of the most popular cabin markets in the Southeast.

Using insights from STR Search, this episode dives into which amenities top-performing properties are using to dominate the market—and how much additional revenue those features are generating annually.

Here’s what the data shows in Blue Ridge:

• Hot Tubs (91%) → +$20,000+/year
• Game Rooms (50%) → +$16,451/year
• Home Gyms (8%) → +$9,123/year
• Saunas (5%) → +$24,861/year
• Swimming Pools (3%) → +$57,348/year
• Mini Golf (4%) → +$14,700/year

The biggest takeaway? In Blue Ridge, amenities drive performance.

Hot tubs are essentially mandatory for top-performing cabins, while features like saunas, pools, and mini golf courses are still rare—but generating massive revenue advantages for properties that have them.

If you’re investing in Blue Ridge or planning upgrades to an existing cabin, this episode reveals the amenities that can help your property stand out and maximize revenue.

Subscribe to the STR Investing Podcast for market data every Monday and expert guests every Friday.

In this episode of the STR Investing Podcast, co-host Mark Lumpkin sits down with Tyann Marcink - Hammond, owner of Tyann Hospitality and one of the newest VRMA board members, to talk about what actually drives five star stays: hospitality.

Tyann shares why communication is the foundation of every great guest experience, how small moments can shape an entire stay, and why hosts who ignore hospitality are leaving money and reviews on the table. They also recap the Poconos STR conference, discuss Tyann's new book Hospitable Host: The STR Sisterhood Edition, and dig into what she is helping lead inside VRMA.

They also cover:

• Why five star reviews do not always mean true hospitality
• The simple communication shift that can separate you from most hosts
• How to train your team to create better guest experiences
• Why investors need to think beyond spreadsheets and ROI
• What Diane sees next for hospitality in the STR industry

This episode is a reminder that short-term rentals are not just a real estate business. They are a hospitality business first.

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Episode Sponsored By:
STR Search

STR Search is the industry leading property finder service. They've helped investors acquire over 215 profitable STRs across the US. If you'd like the data professionals to help you find your next STR, reach out to STRsearch.com