Why “Build in Public” Is the Smartest STR Strategy in 2026

👋 Welcome to Boostly — where STR & MTR owners learn how to grow direct bookings, leverage content, and build brands that compound.

In this episode of The Boostly Podcast, I sit down with Rajan Chida — one of the fastest-growing real estate storytellers on Instagram.

At just 23 years old, Rajan has:

• Built and launched a luxury STR retreat

• Grown over 500,000 followers

• Documented every step of the journey publicly

• Turned storytelling into leverage, not noise

And here’s the kicker…

He didn’t start with:

❌ A finished property

❌ A big budget

❌ Fancy gear

❌ Experience

He started with a phone, a tripod, and the decision to document everything.

✅ Why “build in public” beats polished marketing

✅ How boring topics (yes, even septic systems) go viral

✅ The 3-second visual hook rule Rajan uses on every video

✅ How to turn construction, financing & setbacks into content

✅ Why personal brands don’t always convert — and how to fix it

✅ The real difference between personal brand vs property brand

✅ How Rajan uses influencers, ManyChat & systems to drive bookings

✅ Why your network is more valuable than monetisation (early on)

This is not an Airbnb success story.

It’s a leverage story.

Most hosts ask:

Rajan asked:

Bookings were a by-product.

🎟️ Boostly’s Free 90-Minute Direct Booking Workshop

Learn the systems top hosts use to hit 65%+ direct bookings

👉 https://boostlybootcamp.com/workshop/

📊 Bookings Booster Scorecard

15 questions. Instant clarity. Personalised plan.

👉 https://www.bookingsbooster.ai/

📞 Free Strategy Call

👉 https://boostly.co.uk/call

🤖 Ask the Boostly AI (24/7)

👉 https://boostly.co.uk/bot