Watch the original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUyJF2TNGNM

Mastering the Art of Product Placement in Short-Term Rentals

Welcome back to another episode of the STR Sisterhood! I’m Stacy St. John, thrilled to share some impactful insights from my chat with Rachel Vigil, a dynamo in the realm of product placement for short-term rentals. Here, we explore innovative ways to elevate your rental business and delight your guests through strategic product placement.

Meet Rachel Vigil: The Visionary Behind Upclose Marketing

Rachel Vigil, the brainchild behind Upclose Marketing, brings a wealth of experience from managing her own properties in Big Bear, California, and Maui. With eight years in self-management and a stint at Showplace, she has pioneered product sampling in vacation rentals. Her journey evolved into founding Upclose Marketing, aimed at bridging brands with rental properties in a mutually beneficial exchange.

Why Product Placement?

For brands eager to enter a crowded market, product placement in short-term rentals offers distinct advantages. Without the conventional retail entry barriers, emerging brands can directly reach consumers in a test-friendly environment. Hosts, meanwhile, benefit from adding allure to their properties with unique amenities, like luxury mattresses or high-end kitchen gadgets, sparking guest interest and enhancing the accommodation experience.

Understanding the Process: Easy and Rewarding

The process of integrating product placements into rentals is straightforward and host-friendly. Upclose Marketing sends a three-month supply of products, chosen through an opt-in mechanism, directly to the property. Accompanied by subtle marketing materials like a postcard, hosts are responsible only for setting up a display for each booking, snapping a few photos for documentation, and providing feedback via a survey.

Tailoring Experiences for Guests and Brands

One of Upclose Marketing’s unique strengths is its ability to customize placements according to both guest demographics and brand needs. Whether targeting luxury niche markets or seasonal tourism hotspots, Rachel’s approach ensures relevance and maximum impact. However, the choice of products takes careful consideration regarding potential restrictions, such as age limits on non-alcoholic drinks and allergy-sensitive items.

Joining the Program and Unlocking the Benefits

Hosts interested in this intriguing approach can join Upclose Marketing with minimal hassle. Upon signing up, they can access a variety of product rotations offered regularly, often multiple times a month. Engagement levels and timeliness in fulfilling deliverables can also open doors to VIP status, granting earlier access to new product lines.

Beyond Short-Term Rentals: The Future of Upclose Marketing

Rachel envisions widening Upclose Marketing’s reach beyond rentals to include campgrounds and RV rental spaces, opening new avenues for product placement opportunities. Her ambition extends internationally, aiming to revolutionize the approach to vacation property marketing globally.

Rachel’s blend of creativity and strategy not only enhances guest experiences but also offers brands unparalleled exposure. By tapping into untapped niches, she foresees vast growth horizons. Whether you’re a host, a brand, or both, engaging with Upclose Marketing could be the next leap forward in enhancing your rental property’s appeal.