STR Law Podcast
The Real Cost of 'Direct' Bookings: AI, Branding, and Platform Risk with Mark Simpson – STR Law
What if the biggest risk to your short-term rental business isn't a bad review, but depending on just one booking platform?I sat down with Mark Simpson, founder of Boostly and host of The Boostly Podcast, to talk about building a direct booking strategy that actually works in 2026. We get into why Airbnb's new lower-commission "direct booking link" still isn't a real direct booking, how AI tools (Claude included) are now automating guest outreach and turning cold leads into real bookings, the free and paid ways to legally collect guest emails, and why naming and branding every single property matters more than people think. We also talk rental agreements, chargeback protection, and Mark's 65% direct / 35% OTA philosophy for keeping your business safe from platform risk.Follow The Boostly Podcast and find Mark on Instagram @BoostlyUK for more.#DirectBookings #ShortTermRentals #STRHost #Boostly #VacationRentalMarketing
- The Real Cost of 'Direct' Bookings: AI, Branding, and Platform Risk with Mark Simpson
- Cost Segregation and Smart Tax Planning with Ted Lanzaro
- Unlocking Property Potential: ADUs, Zoning & What Investors Need to Know with Brad Jones
- STR Insurance Beyond the Fine Print with Darren Pettyjohn
- STR Tax Strategy Meets Asset Protection with Anthony Brister
Legal Tips for Short-Term Rental Hosts
Welcome to STR LAW, the podcast where short-term rental hosts get real legal guidance without the legalese. Hosted by real estate attorney and investor Katie Johnson, each episode breaks down the laws, risks, and must-know rules that affect your Airbnb, VRBO, or boutique vacation rental business. Episodes include STR zoning laws, rental regulations, guest disputes, liability protection, LLC formation, permits, compliance, hosting contracts, and real-world legal cases.
Subscribe now and get the legal clarity you need—without paying by the hour