Hosting Hotline: Choosing Your Lane—Revenue, Experience, or Both? (Episode 528)

How clarifying your “why” helps you make confident, aligned decisions in your hosting business.

Vanessa’s off-grid river cabin sparked a conversation that goes far beyond amenities. Her question wasn’t really about water—it was about identity.

Do you build a short-term rental to maximize revenue? To support a specific lifestyle? Or to create a highly intentional, niche experience?

Sarah and Annette explain that there’s no universal “right” answer, only the one that aligns with your goals. Adding water could expand demand. Staying off grid could create a deeply intentional guest experience. Both are valid if they’re chosen on purpose.

Inside the episode, they break down how to:

  • Identify what truly motivates your hosting decisions
  • Recognize when data should inform—not dictate—your strategy
  • Accept that narrowing your audience can be a strength
  • Let go of the idea that every property needs to appeal to everyone
  • Fully commit once you’ve made a values-based decision

The core takeaway is simple but powerful: professional hosts don’t waffle—they decide, commit, and build accordingly.

Resources Mentioned:

Thanks for Visiting Bootcamp: Join the waitlist

Hipcamp


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.

Meet Your Hosts

Reply...

keep listening...