The $5/day Bookings Strategy (Simple)

In the last few months, I've been thinking about rental operators in massive markets. Specifically, how they can win big by going small.

This is what I think about in my free time.

I'm talking about niching down.

Most rental operators see large markets and hope to be the best option for everyone.

The way to win? Be the best option for a small community of people who LOVE you.

But first, why niche down?

Speaking to everyone is speaking to no one

Imagine you're walking in the mall and your name is Bob.

If someone yells out "Hey!" you're not going to pay attention.

If someone yells out "Bob!" your head is going to turn towards the noise right away.

Other examples:

• I bet my career on niching down. I make a living writing and doing short term rental marketing. That's about as niche as you can go in the marketing world.

• Travis Chambers cornered himself in the sci-fi world with Outpost-X.

• There is an old mining town in Minnesota that went from ruins to riches all because of the mountain biking community.

• Hilton wrote about Hushpitality. A group of people who are intentionally seeking quiet places.

My point:

Guests interests are getting deeper, not wider.

Most want a stay that matches their interests and hobbies.

They just don't know how to find it.

Which is fine. Because you can find them.

Even in massive markets.

How to find your perfect guest + get them to book

Use Meta Ads for this.

You COULD post for free and find small communities of your people overtime.

But that takes time.

Time = Money

Meta Ads let you pay for speed.

How to find your niche:

• Launch an awareness campaign at $5-$10 / day

• Send that traffic to your website

• That's it!

$5-$10 / day is $150-$300 per month. That's cheap. And it works. Let me explain why:

Meta Ads targeting is based on previous interests.

Airbnb, VRBO, Google, etc... is built for current interests.

If your niche is "fisherman" and someone has viewed fishing content in the past - you can target them with Meta Ads.

Awareness ads are the cheapest and easiest way to do that.

The goal of your awareness campaign is simple: find your niche.

But, they won't book here. That comes next.

Get them to buy

This is done using a retargeting campaign.

• Guests from the awareness campaign have data unique to them

• Meta stores that data

• So we can keep showing those people our ads

You got people to visit your website for cheap using the brand awareness campaign.

And you know they're in your niche because they went to your website.

All that's left is to offer them something.

Offer examples (that don't include a discount):

• If summer dates fill quickly, tell people that

• Fall foliage early birds - don't miss the fruity pebble trees!

• Add-on like a boat rental discount

• Vouchers or gift cards to restaurants

That's the power of a brand awareness + retargeting combo:

• You find your people + drive interest at a low cost

• Then ask for the purchase a couple days later

Some offers work better than others. That's okay.

Test them now because once they hit, they hit forever.

Remember this:

• Only run these ads to people who have been to your:

  • Website

  • Instagram Page

  • Facebook Page

• Spend $5-$20/day or more

• The goal is purchases (bookings)

Follow this process and I promise you'll create a profitable niche community of raving fans

• Pick a niche

• Find them with awareness ads

• Get them to buy with retargeting ads

All within Meta (Instagram & Facebook).

It really is that easy.

That's all for today. I'll see you in the next article.

P.S. Writing this from Phoenix, AZ. Flew down here for a 20-mile trail run. This photo was taken at mile 13ish. Everyone likes to ask what I think about for that long. Well, lemme tell ya:

These thoughts rotate in a cycle the whole time.

• “It’s so nice out here!”

• “I can’t wait for tacos”

• “I’m ready to be done”

On repeat. For hours.

Before you go

I spend about 10 hours writing this newsletter each week. The rest of my time is spent running $100K Stay and Lodge Social.

1) $100K Stay — Learn how to make $100K for your Airbnb or hotel from social media in 90 days.

• This hybrid-live training program is everything you need to get your own guests from the internet. Even if you have zero audience, experience, or marketing skills.

• Enrollment is currently closed. Book a call to join the next one →

2) Lodge Social — Our marketing team will help you get more guests to like, share and book. Work with me and my team here.

Links you might like:

1. In 2026, travelers will look for destinations and experiences to dial down life’s distractions (Hilton)

2. 4 emails guests want from you (The Lodge Social)

3. How to get bookings using Facebook Ads (YouTube)

4. Which USA cities are the most accessible for travelers of all abilities? (Wander)