Brand & Market - Turning Airbnb Listings into Legacies

Airbnb just released their fall 2026 updates, and in today’s episode I’m breaking down what you need to know. Plus, the crucial step that I think short-term rental owners should take to protect their business and portfolio.

Time-stamps:

Check-out cleaning procedures (1:55)

Rental agreements (6:35)

Requesting email addresses (10:02)

AI earnings insights dashboard (15:16)

Dynamic pricing tool (22:05)

20% off Lodgify (26:26)

Top-rated guest discount (27:37)

3D floor plans (28:42)

AI search feature (30:19)

Add-on services (34:18)

Mentioned in This Episode:

Use code BMPO...

What’s the secret to success in securing capital? In today’s episode, I’m talking with hard money lender Haydynn Fike about securing loans for your next investment. Plus, the power of a personal brand in connections and networking.

Time-stamps:

Meet Haydynn (1:13)

The power of getting in the room and old-school networking (3:08)

Haydynn’s experience with personal branding (17:08)

20% off Lodgify (20:36)

Acadia Capital (21:43)

One of Haydynn’s favorite deals (23:55)

What to prepare for a first-time real estate investment (28:48)

Understanding hard money versus DSC...

How is my first boutique hotel project coming along? In today’s episode, I provide a much-needed update on my assisted living to boutique hotel conversion project. I’m diving into some of the small challenges we’ve faced along the way, plus what we envision for the project.

Time-stamps:

The boutique hotel conversion project (1:21)

Why we’re not pursuing the historical tax credits (5:50)

Our second walk-through and renovation estimate (10:45)

20% off Lodgify (17:46)

Our final walk-through and submitting the LOI (18:52)

Our vision for the branding and project...

Have you heard about Airbnb’s new “direct booking” incentive? In today’s episode, I’m explaining what’s changing with the platform and how it’s still not the most beneficial option for short-term rental owners. Plus, what true direct booking looks like and how to set it up for your rental business.

Time-stamps:

What is a direct booking to Airbnb? (3:26)

How actual direct booking avoids Airbnb fees (3:57)

20% off Lodgify (5:15)

Using Lodgify to set up your direct booking site (6:22)

Mentioned in This Episode:

Use code BMPOD20 f...

Are you holding your own business back? In today’s episode, I’m diving into how I discovered that the biggest constraint in my short-term rental branding business might just be me. Plus, other takeaways from my recent experience at the Action Academy mastermind retreat.

Time-stamps:

What I expected from the Action Academy mastermind retreat (1:41)

Discovering my actual limiting belief (4:05)

My limiting belief was holding back my business (12:46)

20% off Lodgify (18:03)

Have the hard partnership questions early (19:10)

Sweat equity can be a cage (21:06)

Using AI t...

Today’s episode is a special one. It’s a birthday interview with my daughter, Huxley! Enjoy this short and sweet talk about her experiences with starting second grade, what she wants to be when she grows up, and her dreams for the year ahead.

Time-stamps:

Meet the birthday girl, Huxley (1:20)

Huxley’s favorite memories of the past year (3:15)

Starting second grade (5:35)

What Huxley wants to be when she grows up (7:09)

What Huxley wants for her 8th birthday (8:21)

How Huxley wants to help with Brand & Market...

How can you build a reputable name for yourself in hospitality and real estate? In today’s episode, I’m joined by investor Gideon Spencer. We’re taking a look into his journey of building a real estate portfolio and rockstar team, plus how he is developing AI technology to help with his business and investments.

Time-stamps:

Meet Gideon (1:12)

Starting a rental portfolio with a 4-plex (3:36)

Gideon’s recommended reading list (8:07)

Deciding to invest in commercial real estate (10:43)

Bringing value to potential partners (14:39)

Building a rockstar...

You can post great content to social media, but then what? In today’s episode, I’m looking at how social media fits into your overall short-term rental marketing strategy. Instead of just planning what to post, I’m helping you decide what you want each post to do for your rental.

Time-stamps:

Your future guest probably isn’t ready to book yet (1:58)

Your marketing strategy is a spiderweb (4:11)

20% off Lodgify (8:12)

Your social media is for discovery and connection (9:17)

Create an easy “next yes” (10:56)

Why a quality di...

Are you willing to be on camera? In today’s episode, I’m sharing a hard truth: people connect with other people. And in order for people to better connect with your hospitality brand, they have to get to know the person behind the experience (you!).

Time-stamps:

Your property’s strength is in the human connection (3:11)

Being in the content doesn’t mean making the content ABOUT you (5:37)

20% off Lodgify (9:57)

What you, the founder, should actually talk about in your content (11:03)

Founder content builds familiarity before the reservat...

Today’s episode is a special one. It’s a birthday interview with my son, Jackson! Enjoy this short and sweet talk about his experience with starting kindergarten, his favorite memories from the past year, and his plans for turning 6.

Time-stamps:

Starting kindergarten (1:09)

When Jackson grows up, he wants to be… (3:19)

Jackson’s 6th birthday celebration (4:02)

Jackson’s favorite memory from the last year (6:15)

Connect with Ali:

Website: brandandmarket.co

Instagram: instagram.com/brandandmarket.co

Book a discovery call with Ali: brandandma...

You’ve got your brand strategy, you’ve determined your content pillars, but getting started with creating content still feels… next to impossible. In today’s episode, I’m showing you how I take a brand strategy and turn it into actual reels, carousels, stories, and more that your ideal guest will actually care about. I’ll show you how to stop treating content pillars as just topics and start using them as a means to generate endless content.

Time-stamps:

Start with the guest in mind (2:13)

Breaking down content pillars to create content (6:03)

20% off...

How are you marketing your short-term rental on Instagram? In today’s episode, I’m walking you through a mini audit and what I’d do if I took over as your social media manager tomorrow. We’re diving into every detail of your account setup and content, plus how to create an easy booking process for your ideal guest.

Time-stamps:

Name field (3:45)

Bio (6:36)

Profile photo (8:38)

Link (10:47)

Highlights (14:10)

Pinned posts (20:05)

Overall feed (23:14)

Calls to action (24:12)

Brand consistency (25:25)

The cont...

Description:

How does a multi-passionate entrepreneur build their dream brand and portfolio? In today’s episode, I’m chatting with friend and client Zack Metcalf. Zack has been my client for two projects, including his micro-resort in Joshua Tree as well as building a community-focused platform for men’s self-improvement.

Time-stamps:

Meet Zack Metcalf (1:48)

Zack’s first property and its evolution (2:53)

The micro-resort name change story (9:46)

Incorporating core values into the brand (14:49)

How brand strategy impacted the rest of the project (17:24)

Zack’s next big p...

Want to bring your brand to life inside your rental property? In this episode of the short and sweet summer series, I’m sharing 5 ways that you can incorporate your brand into the physical space of your short-term rental.

Time-stamps:

Welcome mat (1:19)

Coffee mugs (2:09)

Guidebook and guestbook (3:12)

Souvenirs (4:19)

Memorable photo moment (5:02)

Connect with Ali:

Website: brandandmarket.co

Instagram: instagram.com/brandandmarket.co

Book a discovery call with Ali: brandandmarket.17hats.com/p#/scheduling

Today’s episode is a special one. It’s a birthday interview with my youngest son, Emerson, for his 4th birthday! Enjoy this short and sweet talk about his favorite memories from being three, what theme he wants for his birthday party, and his plans for when he grows up.

Time-stamps:

Meet the birthday boy (1:09)

Emerson’s favorite thing about being three (1:25)

Why Emerson loves our property, Luna (1:56)

One of my favorite Emerson memories from this past year (2:55)

This year’s birthday theme (4:00)

What Eme...

Want to make your marketing strategy a little smarter? In this episode of the short and sweet summer series, I’m sharing how one of my clients is using Yada AI technology to directly reach out to his guests and secure more bookings. Plus, I’m sharing my favorite features of Yada, including the SMS text message marketing capabilities.

Time-stamps:

Incorporating Yada AI into a portfolio marketing strategy (2:02)

Reaching out to guests to book directly (3:14)

Tracking when guests are likely to book (4:03)

Split up your marketing strategy base...

How do you react when booking is slow and revenue is down? In this episode of the short and sweet summer series, I’m being open and honest about the slow traction that we’ve had on two of our properties. Plus, our experience with hiring a revenue manager to hopefully get our listings back on track.

Time-stamps:

How the hosting experience has changed in 2026 (1:24)

Deciding to hand over the responsibility of revenue management (2:51)

Lowering rates to raise occupancy (4:38)

Revenue management results at our Luna rental (6:53)

Mentioned in T...

What all goes into finding a short-term rental property? Today, I’m chatting with my aunt Laurie Henry and sharing a behind-the-scenes look at our search to find her dream property in Montana. We’re discussing the properties we’ve seen so far, including the ones that have broken our hearts and the ones we still have hope for.

Time-stamps:

Laurie’s long-term rental history (1:37)

Laurie’s current management portfolio (4:01)

Our worst tenant stories (4:36)

Why Laurie is looking for a property in Montana (10:59)

The story of the heartbreak...

What do you do when purchasing a property that is already a short-term rental? In this second episode of the short and sweet summer series, I’m sharing my recommendations for taking over an existing listing and what we’ve previously done in this situation.

Time-stamps:

The surprise booking on closing day (1:10)

Allow the previously booked reservations to continue (2:13)

Cancel the previous reservations and send them your link to re-book (3:23)

Cancel the previous and start completely fresh (4:32)

20% off your annual subscription of Lodgify (4:43)

Anot...

What Property Management System (PMS) should you use to create your custom direct booking site? In this first episode of the short and sweet summer series, I’m ranking a number of property management systems in terms of the best user experience and site customization.

Time-stamps:

My experience with property management systems (1:51)

How we build custom direct booking sites (4:12)

20% off your annual subscription of Lodgify (5:35)

Adding code to your custom site (6:37)

Not all property management systems are created equal (7:31)

Mentioned in This Episode:

Us...

Are you making the most of your 5-star reviews? Today I’m sharing a replay of episode 53, which is all about utilizing your short-term rental’s 5-star reviews throughout your marketing. Tune in for action steps beyond simply just posting the reviews to your Instagram story.

This episode originally aired as episode 53 on July 23, 2025.

Time-stamps:

Why you need to ask for 5-star reviews (5:56)

How to ask for a 5-star review (10:19)

20% off your annual subscription of Lodgify (13:30)

What to do with your 5-star reviews on Airbnb (15:37)

You’ve got your colors, logo, and fonts, now what? In today’s episode, I’m diving deeper into branding and brand activations: the secret to bringing your brand experience to life. Plus, I’m sharing a number of real-life examples for short-term rentals, boutique hotels, and personal brands.

Time-stamps:

Wednesday Wins (0:50)

Defining brand activations (2:09)

Examples of brand activations (3:40)

How my clients have done brand activation (8:23)

20% off your annual subscription of Lodgify (14:15)

Brand activation for boutique hotels (15:16)

Brand activation for personal brands...

When it comes to email marketing for your short-term rental, what makes it worth your while? In today’s episode, I’m taking a deeper look into StayFi, a WiFi marketing platform commonly used by short-term rental owners. I’m sharing whether or not I think StayFi is worth it, and what other email marketing platforms I’d consider as well.

Time-stamps:

Wednesday Wins (0:57)

What is StayFi and how do rates work? (2:15)

Why StayFi isn’t the best for your branding (5:55)

Could StayFi hurt your deliverability rates? (7:27)

20% o...

Cheers y’all! Today we are celebrating 100 episodes of the Brand & Market Podcast! I’m telling the story of how the podcast has evolved over time, the re-brand and coaching commitment that changed my entire trajectory, plus shouting out some of the amazing clients that I’ve had the privilege of working with because of the podcast.

Time-stamps:

Listener voicemails (0:42)

A podcast just wasn’t for me (5:05)

I started the Ali Rae Haney Show (7:41)

20% off your annual subscription of Lodgify (13:07)

Hiring Gaffin Creative and re-branding to Brand...

Have you considered using Manychat to generate leads for your short-term rental? In today’s episode, I’m sharing what Manychat is, plus the three steps I’d take to get started with using it for my properties.

Time-stamps:

I want to feature you on Brand & Market’s 100th episode! (0:48)

Wednesday Wins (2:15)

Using Manychat (5:01)

My favorite feature in Manychat (6:50)

Create a local guide with insider knowledge (9:33)

20% off your annual subscription of Lodgify (13:16)

Offer a discount code (14:19)

Share a giveaway code (19...

Does your marketing strategy capture potential guests in its web? In today’s episode, I’m breaking down a short-term rental marketing plan using my “spider web” model. Plus, real-life examples to keep your guests in your web, before and after they book.

Time-stamps:

I want to feature you on Brand & Market’s 100th episode! (1:00)

Wednesday Wins (3:26)

What’s changed about marketing (5:45)

The marketing spider web model (7:40)

The discovery phase (10:20)

The trust-building phase (17:02)

20% off your annual subscription of Lodgify (20:48)

The conversi...

Have you considered expanding your portfolio outside of short-term rentals? In today’s episode, I’m talking with capital raiser Yasha Wells about opportunities available for investors in industrial flex spaces. Plus, how to invest in these properties without having to do all the work typical of a short-term rental.

Time-stamps:

Meet Yasha Wells (1:47)

The transition from realtor to capital raiser (3:50)

Choosing to focus on industrial flex properties (6:26)

Yasha’s previous experiences with short-term rentals (13:44)

How private equity can create passive income (17:54)

Understanding what p...

How do I analyze a listing? In today’s episode, I’m walking you through a step-by-step example of my process to determine whether a short-term rental is going to be profitable or not. I’m analyzing a current listing for a Gatlinburg property.

Time-stamps:

Wednesday Wins (2:52)

The property I’m analyzing today (9:16)

Researching the property on AirDNA (11:55)

Accessing comparable properties (14:08)

20% off your annual subscription of Lodgify (17:46)

Comparing predictions with BNBCalc (18:48)

Comparable properties on BNBCalc (21:14)

Broader market research (23:38)

One la...

What does it take to bring our micro-resort vision to life? In today’s episode, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look into the next step for our Elysian property: adding another unit, Sol. Tune in to hear why the mirror house is perfect for our micro-resort, plus the potential challenges of getting it there.

Time-stamps:

Wednesday Wins (0:43)

Background on the Elysian micro-resort and Luna (4:53)

Envisioning Sol, the mirror house (6:35)

20% off your annual subscription of Lodgify (14:20)

My experience at the ÖÖD House warehouse (15:23)

Executing the vi...

Are you in the short-term rental business for real estate or hospitality? Maybe both? In today’s episode, I’m sharing how I use the property management system Lodgify to create a profitable short-term rental business while prioritizing guest experience.

Time-stamps:

Wednesday Wins (1:01)

The early check-in story that inspired today’s episode (3:57)

One unified inbox (10:23)

20% off your annual subscription of Lodgify (12:18)

Automated messaging (13:21)

Direct booking (16:47)

Communication with cleaners and stakeholders (19:21)

Mentioned in This Episode:

Use code “BMPOD20” 20% off your a...

Are you in the short-term rental business for real estate or hospitality? Maybe both? In today’s episode, I’m sharing how I use the property management system Lodgify to create a profitable short-term rental business while prioritizing guest experience.

Time-stamps:

Wednesday Wins (1:01)

The early check-in story that inspired today’s episode (3:57)

One unified inbox (10:23)

20% off your annual subscription of Lodgify (12:18)

Automated messaging (13:21)

Direct booking (16:47)

Communication with cleaners and stakeholders (19:21)

Mentioned in This Episode:

Use code “...

Happy birthday to my husband, Caleb! In this episode, we reflect on our year of investing in short-term rentals and our newest property, Luna. Plus, our future goals for our short-term rental business.

Time-stamps:

Perspective on our newest property, Luna (2:55)

Thoughts on the interior and exterior design of Luna (21:24)

Reaction to the branding and expansion of Elysian (30:39)

Our short-term rental dreams (41:15)

Renovations on the Kentucky property (49:00)

Caleb’s favorite part of the year (56:52)

Caleb’s birthday wish (1:01:00)

Ment...

What if you could find your next rental property in just a few minutes? In today’s episode, returning guest Matt Sanderson tells us about the upgrade of his app, strIQ. Plus, how strIQ will help short-term rental owners and investors find and purchase their next properties.

Time-stamps:

Introducing strIQ and strIQ 2.0 (1:33)

Using strIQ to compare your rental comps (4:25)

The development of strIQ 2.0 (10:55)

Searching for properties across markets (14:52)

StrIQ success stories (19:29)

Purchasing properties with capital partners (24:57)

The story behind trusted partners on...

How much can your short-term rental business change in a year? I’m proof that things can change a LOT. In today’s episode, I’m recapping my experience at Level Up Your Listing 2026, plus my huge news… I’m a rising star!

Time-stamps:

What is Level Up Your Listing? (1:00)

How LUYL 2025 changed my trajectory (4:28)

Connections made at LUYL (6:47)

Lodgify (26:29)

Educational opportunities (27:57)

Mindset work (33:10)

I’m a rising star (37:06)

Mentioned in This Episode:

Get 20% off your annual subscription...

If I’m being honest, this has been a slow booking season. But I’m not going to panic. Listen in to today’s episode as I re-analyze my pricing strategy for my short-term rentals and see what I can learn from my price management tools.

Time-stamps:

Implementing a dynamic pricing strategy (2:05)

Adjusting price settings in PriceLabs (6:07)

Far-out and last-minute pricing (10:23)

Lodgify (12:30)

Learning from the neighborhood data (13:47)

Orphan day pricing (19:25)

My strategy for when my calendar isn’t full (20:48)

Mentione...

Want an inside look at my newest rental project? In today’s episode, I’m sharing the details of a potential project that hits extremely close to home. Spoiler alert: I'm thinking about a boutique hotel for our next short-term rental! Plus, a look at the thought process and considerations we’re making before we even make an offer.

Time-stamps:

Understanding myself and my business through human design (1:00)

Quantum surfing and creating my own luck (7:20)

My “boots on the ground” type of podcast (13:13)

Short-Term Rental Acquisition Checklist (14:37)

The s...

Does your rental have “scroll-stopping” interior design? In today’s episode, I’m talking with Brianna of Brianna Michele Interiors. We’re diving into her work on my newest short-term rental property, Luna, plus taking a glimpse into her rental design process.

Time-stamps:

Introducing Brianna of Brianna Michele Interiors (1:33)

Brianna’s initial reaction about designing Luna (5:28)

Starting from scratch with the brand design process (9:29)

The story behind Brianna Michele Interiors (13:58)

How transformation of interior design for short-term rentals (16:39)

Brianna’s property in Big Bear, California (18:48)

Co-hostin...

Many short-term rental owners think that I’m referring to logos and colors when I say brand strategy. But in this episode, I’m sharing what it actually is. I’m going page by page through a recent client’s brand strategy document, showing you exactly what a detailed brand strategy includes and what it does for your rental.

Time-stamps:

Brand overview (1:37)

Property tagline (3:15)

Mission statement (3:42)

Brand values (4:53)

Brand descriptors (7:16)

Designed tagline (8:58)

Guest profile (9:23)

Unique value proposition (14:56)

Messaging and stories...

Are you confused on where to start with branding? In today’s episode, I’m diving into two common types of brands: the personal brand and the property brand. I’ll explain what defines each type, key differences to consider, and how the two can actually work together to support your goals as a short-term rental owner.

Time-stamps:

Defining a personal brand (3:25)

Building a personal brand as a short-term rental owner (9:34)

Defining a property brand (13:48)

Creating content for your property brand (15:57)

One key difference between personal and proper...

Is it time to hire a brand designer? In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the importance of having a brand strategy and what hiring a brand designer like myself will do for your property. Plus, I’m sharing my exact timeline recommendation for hiring a brand and interior designer.

Time-stamps:

Understanding brand strategy (2:51)

Brand design before interior design (4:50)

Doing the market research (5:20)

Understanding your ideal client (8:26)

Defining the guest experience (9:36)

Naming your property (10:59)

Selecting your color palette (13:46)

The timeline for br...