Hosting Hotline: What Every Host Needs to Know After 500 Episodes (Episode 500)

We’re sharing the biggest lessons from 500 episodes and how to apply them to your hosting business today.

After 500 episodes of Thanks for Visiting, one thing is clear: successful hosting requires more than just listing your property—it requires strategy, systems, and a professional mindset.

In this milestone episode, Sarah and Annette reflect on the top hosting strategies they’ve shared over the years and why they’re still essential today.

Here are some highlights you don’t want to miss:

  • Parent-child listings: A powerful way to maximize bookings year-round.
  • Ownership dynamics: Why contracts and agreements are essential when hosting with family or friends.
  • Pricing strategy: How to stop leaving money on the table and earn more in peak seasons.
  • Visibility: Why it’s your responsibility—not the OTAs—to get eyes on your listing.
  • Financial clarity: The right questions to ask your bookkeeper and accountant.
  • Hiring your first team member: Why this milestone changes everything.
  • Tech and email lists: Tools and communication that give you long-term stability.
  • Systems: The difference between chaos and consistency in your hosting business.

Finally, they introduce Strategic Host, a new program built to provide hosts with mentorship, accountability, and expert coaching. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale, this episode is your roadmap to becoming a true professional host.

Resources mentioned:

Lodgify – All-in-one software to manage bookings, sync calendars, and build your direct booking site.


Have More Questions? We’d love to hear from you! Submit your hosting questions to the Hosting Hotline and tune in to the podcast for answers. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for more tips: @thanksforvisiting_.


Download a transcript of this episode.

Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel | STR tips, tricks, and top tools

Together, Annette & Sarah are the dynamic duo behind the wildly popular podcast Thanks For Visiting, co-creators of the Hosting Business Mastery Method, & seasoned short-term-rental hosts.

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