Ever wondered how to turn an Airbnb or Vrbo guest into a repeat guest you can actually market to?

In this episode, we sit down with Arthur Kolker, founder of StayFi, to explore how short-term rental operators can build stronger guest relationships and grow their direct-booking business. We dig into how StayFi uses the Wi-Fi login experience to capture guest information naturally, without adding extra forms or friction to the stay.

Rory shares his firsthand experience using StayFi across multiple properties, including some of the real-world challenges around Wi-Fi networks, mesh systems, and smart lock connectivity. Arthur also explains why building a guest database is one of the most important steps operators can take if they want to generate repeat stays and rely less on booking platforms.

We also explore StayFi Express, automated email marketing, anniversary campaigns, gap-night promotions, and StayFinder — a tool designed to help travelers discover direct-booking options from independent vacation rental operators.

Things we discussed in this episode:

Building a guest database for repeat and direct bookings
Using Wi-Fi to capture guest information naturally
How captive portals and splash pages work in vacation rentals
Why traditional email platforms can fall short for STR operators
Setting up StayFi with existing Wi-Fi and mesh networks
Wi-Fi connectivity challenges with smart locks and other devices
Why consistent email marketing matters more than one-off campaigns
Automated emails, anniversary campaigns, and gap-night promotions
Using guest data to increase repeat stays and occupancy
StayFinder and helping travelers discover direct-booking options
Comparing direct pricing while searching on major booking platforms
Creating additional revenue through upsells, experiences, and add-ons
Building stronger relationships with guests after their first stay
Reducing long-term dependence on third-party booking platforms

Get in touch with ARTHUR:

Facebook - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/a.colker/⁠

Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/a_colker/?hl=en⁠

Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stayfi.com/⁠

#SmartStayShow #realestate #realestateinvestor #realestateagent #RealEstateInvesting #DirectBooking #BookDirect #EmailMarketing #GuestExperience #OwnYourGuest#StayFi #StayFinder #WiFiMarketing #HospitalityTech #PropTech

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