Unlock Brand Partnerships for Your Short-Term Rental: A Host’s Guide with Rachel Vigil
Want to turn your Airbnb or vacation rental into a brand’s secret marketing playground?
In this episode, I’m joined by Rachel Vigil from Up Close Marketing to uncover a powerful product placement strategy that’s making waves in the short-term rental industry. Whether you host an Airbnb, manage multiple short-term rentals, or operate a high-end vacation rental, this episode will show you how to attract brand partnerships that elevate your guest experience and your bottom line.Imagine stocking your Airbnb with premium products—without spending a dime. Rachel shares how she built a revolutionary platform that connects vacation rental hosts with brands looking to reach travelers in a more authentic, memorable way. No cold pitching. No hidden fees. Just powerful partnerships that make your short-term rental stand out.You’ll learn:
How product placement works in the vacation rental space What brands are actually looking for in an Airbnb host or property How to make your short-term rental irresistible to marketing partners Ways to enhance your guest experience while earning perks and profitIf you’re ready to transform your Airbnb or short-term rental into a brand magnet, this episode is your step-by-step guide. Tune in and discover how your vacation rental can go from hidden gem to marketing goldmine.HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:
[01:00] A short introduction about our guest Rachel Vigil and how she transitioned from rental to launching a product sampling company for vacation rentals
[03:21] Rachel breaks down the tactical side of product placement in short-term rentals
[05:15] Rachel explains the simple but specific requirements for hosts participating in product placement programs
[07:55] Rachel shares brand-specific property requirements and guest demographics to align with their marketing goals
[10:28] Rachel identifies categories of products that may not be ideal for placement due to safety, regulation, or guest perception
[12:19] The strategies hosts can introduce free product placements to enhance guest experience and brand engagement
[14:38] How often would a host expect to be able to get new products for their properties
[15:41] Rachel shares how hosts and property managers can streamline logistics when receiving and stocking product placements in their short-term rentals
[18:51] How new hosts can easily sign up and onboard their properties to start receiving product placement opportunities
[20:48] Rachel addresses common hesitations from hosts who may think product placement is too much work—especially for their cleaners
[22:50] Rachel’s favorite product placements in her own rentals, naming a massive, durable outdoor speaker paired with an outdoor projector to create a cinematic backyard experience
[24:26] Rachel encourages hosts to pitch product ideas—especially if they can help make brand connections, which can lead to mutual benefit
[25:26] Rachel discusses the exciting future of Up Close Marketing, including potential expansion into untapped markets
[27:30] The lightning round
Golden Nuggets:
“It is so competitive right now, and what you have control of is what is inside your property.” “Don't keep it a secret, share it; because it'll just bring us more brands.” “Direct bookings - I wish I had started that from the beginning so that I could have really gathered every single guest who has stayed in my properties over those years.” “Real estate investing is about leverage and making sure our money is working hard for us.” “If you are young enough to afford the time to take the risk, you know it's going to pay off in the end.”Let’s Connect!Email:...
The STR Sisterhood
Whether you’re brand new to Airbnb or an experienced Superhost, you’re giving yourself the gift of financial freedom and FUN when you enter the short-term rental space. If there’s anyone who knows this, it’s Stacey St. John. She built a 7-figure STR portfolio in less than two years and was able to leave her W2 thanks to the earnings from her properties. Today, she’s living the life she was always meant to live – on her terms. And on her new podcast, The STR Sisterhood, she’s sharing how you can, too!
On this show, it’s all about you and your short-term rental journey. You’ll hear actionable advice from industry experts as well as inspiring stories from real women about their experiences, achievements, frustrations, and challenges…and how they’ve managed to turn their short-term rental dreams into reality. If you’re an ambitious woman who’s looking to have a 5-star Airbnb business on your hands without having to sacrifice the things you love, then tune in every week for all the goodness!
Where can you listen?
