

Get Paid For Your Pad | Airbnb Hosting | Vacation Rentals | STR Revenue Management
Freewyld Foundry
Get Paid For Your Pad is the go-to podcast for Airbnb hosts, short-term rental operators, and vacation rental entrepreneurs who want to scale smarter, earn more, and stay ahead of industry shifts.Hosted by Jasper Ribbers, Eric Moeller, and Kaye Putnam from Freewyld Foundry, this podcast delivers actionable tips on Airbnb pricing strategies, revenue management, direct bookings, listing optimization, and guest experience. You'll hear from real hosts, property managers, and industry pros who share behind-the-scenes insights, lessons learned, and the systems they use to grow profitable STR businesses.Whether you're managing one property or one hundred, you'll walk away with practical strategies to increase occupancy, boost profits, and build a sustainable short-term rental brand.Tune in weekly to learn how to thrive in today’s competitive Airbnb market, and get paid what you’re worth.Freewyld Foundry offers revenue and pricing management (RPM) services to the top 1% of STR hosts. Learn more and request a free Revenue Report: https://www.freewyldfoundry.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 22, 2025 • 24min
Airbnb Custom Promotions: Boost Revenue Without Lowering Prices
👉 Apply for a Free Revenue Review: If you’re running $1M+ in annual STR bookings, you could be leaving serious money on the table. Apply here → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/get-startedAre you using Airbnb’s built-in merchandising tools to actually increase your revenue, or are your discounts invisible to guests?In this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Jasper Ribbers uncovers the hidden power of OTA merchandising on Airbnb. He explains why most operators apply discounts incorrectly, how visible offers like strike-through pricing and banners boost both conversions and ranking, and the practical steps to set up promotions that work. Drawing from his team’s experience managing 38+ portfolios, Jasper reveals the frameworks that help Airbnb hosts win more bookings without sacrificing profitability.In this episode you will learn:Why visible discounts drive more conversions than silent price dropsHow Airbnb merchandising impacts both bookings and search visibilityThe right way to use early bird, last-minute, and custom promotionsWe also talk about:When to apply length-of-stay discounts for higher occupancyThe risks of following Airbnb account manager advice blindlyWhy custom promotions can sometimes show a discount without lowering your priceKeywords: Airbnb discounts, OTA merchandising, Airbnb revenue management, short-term rentals, pricing strategy, booking conversions, Freewyld, custom promotions, STR growth, Airbnb visibility Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 19, 2025 • 35min
Staycation Case Study: Is Paying for TV Exposure Worth It for STRs?
👉 Apply for a Free Revenue Review: If you’re running $1M+ in annual STR bookings, you could be leaving serious money on the table. Apply here → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/get-startedIs it really worth paying to be featured on a TV show if you want to grow your STR business?In this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Eric Moeller, Co-Founder of Freewyld, and Kaye Putnam, Head of Marketing at Freewyld, share their full experience of getting featured on the Emmy-awarded TV show Staycation. They explain why they invested, what happened behind the scenes, and the results they saw in direct bookings, brand awareness, and content creation.In this episode you will learn:How Freewyld got featured on Staycation and what it costThe impact on website traffic, direct bookings, and STR brand authorityWhy social proof and video content can be more powerful than reachWe also talk about:Using podcasts, PR, and influencer collabs to grow your STR businessHow backlinks and SEO drive direct booking growthThe future of SEO in a world of AI and ChatGPTKeywords: STR, Staycation, direct bookings, Freewyld, short-term rental marketing, social proof, content marketing, influencer marketing, Airbnb growth, OPA strategy, SEO for STR Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 15, 2025 • 23min
Airbnb Hosts Beware: One Bad Review Can Cost $10K
👉 Apply for a Free Revenue Review: If you’re running $1M+ in annual STR bookings, you could be leaving serious money on the table. Apply here → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/get-startedWhat happens when traditional STR deals no longer pencil out, Airbnb’s review system becomes harsher, and local governments push restrictive ordinances?In this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Jasper Ribbers sits down with Garrett Ham, founder and CEO of Weekender Management, to reveal how he’s navigating one of the toughest markets for short-term rentals in years.Garrett shares how he has acquired 10+ properties in the past year using creative financing strategies while fighting a legal battle before the Arkansas Supreme Court over restrictive Fayetteville ordinances. He also opens up about the risks of Airbnb’s stricter review system, where even a single four-star review can slash visibility and cost hosts thousands in lost bookings.💡 Takeaways:Why traditional STR acquisitions rarely work in 2025How to use seller financing and other creative deal structuresWhy knowing your bottom line is key to negotiationsHow regulations could reshape property rights in Arkansas and beyondWhat stricter Airbnb reviews mean for revenue and visibilityWhether you manage 5 units or 50, this episode gives you actionable strategies to acquire properties, protect your listings, and grow smarter in a challenging market.🔗 Relevant Links:Weekender Management → weekendermanagement.comFreewyld Foundry → freewyldfoundry.com📌 Keywords: short-term rentals, Airbnb investing, creative financing, property management, STR regulations, 5-star reviews, Freewyld, Weekender Management Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 12, 2025 • 28min
How to Drive 3X More Direct Bookings With Creators and Micro-Influencers
👉 Apply for a Free Revenue Review: If you’re running $1M+ in annual STR bookings, you could be leaving serious money on the table. Apply here → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/get-startedIn this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Kaye Putnam (Head of Marketing at Freewyld) interviews Madi Rifkin, founder of Mount, about how she created the Content Army, a community of creators that is reshaping how hospitality brands, property managers, and tourism destinations collaborate with influencers.Madi shares how she went from being frustrated with traditional influencer partnerships (expensive, inauthentic, hard to track) to building a system that now has 10,000+ applicants and dozens of active creators producing organic, aligned, and highly effective content for travel “hidden gems.”In this episode you’ll learn:What the Content Army is and how it actually worksWhy “wannabe influencers” may be your strongest marketing alliesHow to organize creator retreats that multiply content and generate FOMOThe most important lessons in matching brands with creatorsStrategies for measuring real impact on direct bookings and trafficCommon mistakes when working with influencers (and how to avoid them)We also talk about:How a viral TikTok with 1M+ views launched the projectPartnerships with property managers and tourism boards in Jackson Hole and ArubaWhy the future of hospitality marketing blends content, experiences, and community🎯 Keywords:short-term rental, influencer marketing, content strategy, direct bookings, hidden gems, tourism marketing, Content Army, property managers, hospitality growth, organic social media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 8, 2025 • 27min
Stop Guessing, Start Pacing: Smarter Airbnb Pricing Strategies
👉 Apply for a Free Revenue Review: If you’re running $1M+ in annual STR bookings, you could be leaving serious money on the table. Apply here → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/get-startedIn this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Jasper Ribbers (Head of Revenue Management at Freewyld Foundry) dives deep into one of the most misunderstood yet powerful concepts in STR revenue management: pacing.Hosts constantly ask:Why do short-term rentals slash prices last minute while hotels and airlines often raise theirs?What KPIs actually matter when tracking pacing?When should you pace behind, with, or ahead of the market?Using real-world examples, from Ibiza flights to Taylor Swift concerts, Jasper explains why STR operators can’t afford to blindly follow hotel or airline pricing models. He breaks down the Market Penetration Index (MPI) as the go-to KPI for forward occupancy, reveals how pickup trends should guide your pricing decisions, and shares exactly when it pays to undercut the market versus hold firm.You’ll learn:The key differences between airline/hotel inventory and STR inventoryWhy most operators panic and drop rates too quicklyHow MPI uncovers whether you’re pacing behind, in line, or aheadScenarios where “last man standing” pricing can win bigWhy seasonality and booking windows must shape your pricing targetsIf you’ve ever struggled with last-minute discounts, inconsistent occupancy, or uncertainty about whether you’re pacing correctly, this episode gives you a practical roadmap to approach revenue management with confidence.Takeaways:Treat pacing as a leading indicator of revenue performance, not an afterthoughtUse MPI + pickup together for smarter pricing decisionsSometimes pacing behind the market is the winning moveAvailability settings and timing can make or break your portfolio’s revenueKeywords:short-term rental, Airbnb pricing, pacing strategy, revenue management, occupancy rate, dynamic pricing, MPI, Freewyld, STR success, booking optimization Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 5, 2025 • 38min
The $900 Influencer Campaign That Generated $12K Direct Bookings
Discover how a $900 investment in influencer partnerships generated over $12,000 in direct bookings for a short-term rental business. The discussion highlights choosing local influencers who resonate with your audience, optimizing collaborations, and the power of engaging Instagram giveaways that garnered hundreds of thousands of views. Learn essential strategies for effective outreach, maximizing engagement, and creating property landing pages that convert interest into bookings, all aimed at reducing reliance on OTAs and enhancing brand visibility.

Sep 1, 2025 • 27min
Are Minimum Night Rules Costing You Thousands on Airbnb?
Get Your Free Revenue Report: If you’re running $1M+ in annual STR bookings, you could be leaving serious money on the table. Apply here → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportIn this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Jasper Ribbers kicks off our new RefUp Series on revenue management with one of the most overlooked levers in STR revenue: minimum night stay (MNS) settings.Most hosts see MNS as a simple calendar setting, but it directly impacts your availability, visibility, and overall revenue. Hotels handle short stays differently for a reason, and STR operators can learn a lot from that approach.We break down:The 3 key reasons to restrict minimum nights: operations, risk, and revenue optimizationWhy one-night bookings often bring more benefits than problemsHow Airbnb’s algorithm rewards flexibility with more visibilityThe indirect revenue value of reviews, repeat guests, and exposureReal-world examples of operators who unlocked growth by testing shorter staysWhether you manage a few units or a large portfolio, this episode will show you how to think about MNS settings strategically and stop leaving money on the table.Keywords: short-term rental, Airbnb, minimum night stay, revenue management, STR optimization, Airbnb algorithm, pricing strategy, Freewyld, property management, bookings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 29, 2025 • 30min
Airbnb Interior Design Hacks for STR Hosts
👉 Get Your Free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportWhat if the real ROI in your short-term rental business isn’t just pricing or operations, but design?In this episode of Get Paid For Your Pad, Kaye Putnam sits down with Jordan McDonough, co-founder of Summerled Designs, to reveal how intentional design and branding transform STR properties into high-performing, unforgettable guest experiences.Jordan shares how she and her co-founder combined design expertise with marketing strategy to help investors consistently stand out in competitive markets, command premium nightly rates, and turn ordinary spaces into five-star guest favorites.You’ll learn:🎨 Why design is not an expense but an investment with 30–50% ROI🏡 How to align interiors with your target guest instead of personal preference📸 Why great photography and lifestyle visuals multiply the impact of design📈 How design, branding, and amenities drive direct bookings and repeat guests⚡ The Summerled process for creating standout STR properties, even 100% remotelyWe also cover:The biggest mistakes hosts make when DIY-ing designWhy brand identity is now essential for STR successHow to design “Instagrammable” moments that fuel marketingWhy strategic amenities outperform generic check-the-box featuresReal examples from markets like Nashville where design directly boosted revenue🎯 Favorite Takeaway:“Design isn’t just décor. It’s strategy. It’s what allows you to charge more, book faster, and create experiences guests can’t wait to share.”📍 Ready to see how design can unlock your property’s potential?Apply for your free Revenue Review at https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/reportKeywords: short-term rental design, Airbnb interiors, STR branding, guest experience, property management, hospitality, STR success, design ROI, direct bookings, Summerled Designs⏱️ Chapter Timestamps00:00 – Intro and Summerled origin story03:25 – Why design delivers ROI in STRs06:15 – Current trends in branding and amenities10:30 – How to define a property’s brand identity14:05 – Summerled’s remote design process and deliverables16:20 – The role of AI in design workflows18:00 – Common design mistakes STR investors make20:15 – Why photography is critical to marketing success21:45 – Favorite projects and lessons from Nashville24:55 – Final thoughts and how to work with Summerled Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 22, 2025 • 35min
How to Maximize 5-Star Guest Reviews on Airbnb
Want to turn your STR portfolio into a revenue machine? Apply for a free Revenue Review → https://www.freewyldfoundry.com/get-startedIn this episode, Kaye Putnam joins Freewyld co-founder Eric Moeller to reveal the real strategies behind maintaining a top-rated Airbnb portfolio. Spoiler: it’s not just about having a beautiful property.They break down the essentials every STR operator must master to win guest loyalty and outperform the competition:Accurate Marketing & Listing OptimizationMeeting and Surpassing Guest ExpectationsPersonalized Hospitality & Human ConnectionCreating Magic Moments That Drive ReviewsUsing Freewyld’s cabins and client portfolios as examples, Kaye and Eric share how to turn guest feedback into a growth engine, protect your visibility on Airbnb, and build systems that ensure consistent 5-star experiences.Whether you manage 15+ units or are scaling your first few, this episode will give you practical steps to improve reviews, boost rankings, and grow a hospitality-first STR business.Keywords:short-term rental, Airbnb reviews, 5-star rating, guest experience, listing optimization, hospitality, Freewyld, property management, STR success, review strategy⏱️ Episode Chapters00:00 – Intro: Why Airbnb reviews matter more than ever01:32 – Accurate listings and managing expectations04:25 – When great marketing falls short in execution06:36 – Why accuracy beats luxury every time09:41 – Overcommunication and guest connection14:34 – Creating emotional “magic moments” for guests18:23 – Turning friction into positive experiences21:32 – The coffee debacle: learning from reviews26:36 – Reading feedback and fixing small details28:18 – Internal systems and team training for reviews29:51 – Guest journey mapping with Nathan Woods32:05 – Final takeaways: reviews as growth opportunities Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 20, 2025 • 40min
STR Revenue Management Isn’t Optional, It’s Everything
Discover the vital role of revenue management in the short-term rental market. Learn how many operators unknowingly miss out on 20 to 40 percent of potential income. The discussion unveils critical mistakes in pricing, emphasizing the importance of flexible cancellation policies. Hear real success stories, like one client's revenue jump from $20K to $86K through optimized pricing strategies. Explore why pacing is a powerful tool and why revenue management should be a core business function.


