AI is changing short-term rental marketing—but not always for the better.

In this episode of the STR Investing Podcast, Taylor sits down with Conrad, founder of BuildUp Bookings, to break down what actually drives bookings in today’s crowded STR market.

They discuss how overused AI messaging can turn guests away, where automation still adds real value, and why authentic communication is becoming a competitive advantage for Airbnb hosts and property managers. Conrad shares practical insights from nearly a decade in STR marketing, helping operators rethink how they attract, convert, and retain guests.

Key topics covered:

• AI vs human messaging in STR marketing
• How to improve bookings without sounding automated
• Guest psychology and conversion fundamentals
• Marketing mistakes hurting Airbnb performance

If you want more bookings without relying on spammy AI tactics, this episode delivers clear, actionable insight.

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Episode Sponsored By:
STR Search

STR Search is the industry leading property finder service. They've helped investors acquire over 325+ profitable STRs across the US. If you'd like the data professionals to help you find your next STR, reach out to STRsearch.com

In this Monday Market Data Report, co-host Mark Lumpkin breaks down the short-term rental numbers for Austin, one of the most talked-about STR markets in the country.

This episode dives deep into how revenue, occupancy, and nightly rates scale as bedroom count increases, and why Austin strongly rewards larger, high-performing properties.

You’ll learn:

• What 3-bedroom properties earn at average vs. top-tier performance levels
• Why adding a 4th bedroom can unlock a major revenue jump—even with slightly lower occupancy
• How 5-bedroom homes outperform smaller properties by tens of thousands per year
• Why 6+ bedroom homes in Austin are producing some of the highest STR revenues we’ve seen nationwide
• How higher nightly rates and strategic occupancy can lead to stronger net returns

The numbers show massive gaps between average listings and top performers—ranging from under $40K per year to well over $300K—making Austin a clear example of how property size and performance drive outcomes.

If you’re investing in Austin, underwriting a deal, or deciding whether expanding your floor plan is worth it, this episode gives you clear, data-backed insights to guide your strategy.

Have a market you want us to cover next? DM Mark and we’ll bring the data.

Cleaning issues, last-minute cancellations, and unreliable contractors are some of the biggest threats to STR performance.

Chris Rule, VP of Customer Experience at Turno, joins the show to explain how top operators are solving these problems—and what’s coming next for the industry.

Chris shares how Turno is helping hosts and property managers eliminate turnover chaos by connecting guest cleanliness reviews directly to cleaners, automating scheduling, and creating real accountability at scale. The conversation dives deep into why turnovers are one of the most stressful (and most overlooked) parts of short-term rental operations, and how better systems lead to better reviews, happier guests, and fewer late-night emergencies.

We also explore Turno’s rapidly expanding ecosystem, including global contractor coverage, cleaner guarantees, faster payouts, tax compliance, and what’s next beyond cleaning—including maintenance and handyman services designed specifically for STR operators.

Whether you’re managing one property or hundreds, this episode breaks down how professional operators are building reliable, scalable systems that protect performance and peace of mind.

Topics covered:

• Why turnovers make or break guest experience
• How guest cleanliness reviews create real cleaner accountability
• Preventing last-minute no-shows and operational emergencies
• Scaling cleaning and maintenance without growing headaches
• Turno’s expansion into maintenance and contractor services
• What STR operators should expect in 2026 and beyond

If you’re serious about running a high-performing short-term rental, this is a must-listen episode.

Get in touch with Chris:

LinkedIn: Chris Rule

Sign up at Turno here today!

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Episode Sponsored By:
STR Search

STR Search is the industry leading property finder service. They've helped investors acquire over 325+ profitable STRs across the US. If you'd like the data professionals to help you find your next STR, reach out to STRsearch.com