JULY 22, 2025
#142 How to Land Brand Partnerships for Short-Term Rentals
Want to turn your short-term rental into a brand magnet—one that draws in top-tier products, adds value to your guests, and puts more cash in your pocket? You’re in the right place.
In this post, we’re diving into how to land brand partnerships for short-term rentals—without cold pitching, without guesswork, and without spending a dime on extra amenities.
This strategy isn’t just a trend—it’s a growing movement that smart hosts are using to differentiate their listings and boost their ROI.
Let’s talk about how you can do the same.
Why Brand Partnerships for Short-Term Rentals Are the New Revenue Stream
If you think brand partnerships are only for influencers or big hotels, think again.
Thanks to platforms like Up Close Marketing, created by the brilliant Rachel Vigil, short-term rental hosts like you now have access to curated product placement opportunities—where brands pay to have their products in your property.
It’s a win-win:
✔️ You provide guests with premium, memorable experiences.
✔️ The brand gets authentic exposure to real travelers.
✔️ You gain perks, products, and potentially profit—all while standing out in a crowded market.
How to Land Brand Partnerships for Short-Term Rentals
Securing brand partnerships for short-term rentals starts with understanding what brands want—and showing up as a professional, value-driven host.
Let’s break it down:
Make Your Short-Term Rental Brand-Ready
Before a brand sends you their premium goodies, they need to know your place is worth it. Here’s how to make your listing irresistible:
- Design with Intent: Create a space that’s not only beautiful but aligned with the kind of brands you want to attract (think lifestyle, wellness, tech, home goods).
- Tell Your Story: Brands love a compelling narrative. Who stays with you? What vibe does your space offer? Lean into your unique edge.
- Guest Experience First: Make sure your reviews, cleanliness, communication, and amenities are on point. Happy guests = happy brands.
What Brands Are Actually Looking For in Hosts
Brands aren’t just chasing exposure—they’re seeking alignment. Rachel Vigil shares that the best partnerships happen when your property attracts the brand’s ideal customer. That could be:
- Digital nomads
- Wellness seekers
- Families with young kids
- High-end vacationers
Think about who your guests are. Then think about what brands those people already use—and how you can position your STR as the perfect environment for that product to shine.
Turn Your STR Into a Branded Guest Experience
If you’ve ever stocked your Airbnb with free coffee or splurged on luxe amenities to wow your guests, brand partnerships flip the script.
Imagine receiving:
- Smart home tech
- Skincare or wellness kits
- Gourmet snacks or eco-friendly cleaning products
- Branded linens or lifestyle accessories
…all paid for by the brand—because your rental is now a marketing playground for them.
Final Thoughts
Your Airbnb or vacation rental isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a curated guest experience that brands want to be part of. When you learn how to land brand partnerships for short-term rentals, you’re not just decorating a space—you’re building an income-generating brand.
Let’s make your property unforgettable. Let’s turn it into a space where brand dreams (and guest experiences) come true.
HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:
[00:08] A short introduction about our guest Rachel Vigil and how she transitioned from rental to launching a product sampling company for vacation rentals
[02:29] Rachel breaks down the tactical side of product placement in short-term rentals
[04:25] Rachel explains the simple but specific requirements for hosts participating in product placement programs
[07:05] Rachel shares brand-specific property requirements and guest demographics to align with their marketing goals
[09:38] Rachel identifies categories of products that may not be ideal for placement due to safety, regulation, or guest perception
[11:30] The strategies hosts can introduce free product placements to enhance guest experience and brand engagement
[13:48] How often would a host expect to be able to get new products for their properties
[14:52] Rachel shares how hosts and property managers can streamline logistics when receiving and stocking product placements in their short-term rentals
[17:19] How new hosts can easily sign up and onboard their properties to start receiving product placement opportunities
[19:17] Rachel addresses common hesitations from hosts who may think product placement is too much work—especially for their cleaners
[21:21] 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
[22:58] Rachel encourages hosts to pitch product ideas—especially if they can help make brand connections, which can lead to mutual benefit
[23:57] Rachel discusses the exciting future of Up Close Marketing, including potential expansion into untapped markets
[26:03] 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.”
Let’s Connect!
Email: info@upclosemktg.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/upclosemarketing
Instagram: www.instagram.com/upclosemarketing
Website: upclosemktg.com
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