The Brand & Market Podcast - Turning Airbnb Listings into Legacies

What makes an Airbnb that guests can’t wait to return to?In this episode, I’m sharing the exact habits and strategies I’ve used to consistently deliver five-star guest experiences and stand out in a competitive market.Time-stamps:Quick wins (0:45)Short-term rentals are not passive investments (3:20)Match expectations of what guests see on your listing (6:02)Audit your guest communication (8:28)Co-hosting Services (11:35)Design for your ideal guest (12:55)Act as a concierge for your area (19:06)Create a home away from home (23:27)Mentioned in This Episode:Co-hosting Services: www.brandandmarket.co/cohosting Book a discovery call with Ali: brandandmarket.17hats.com/p#/schedulingConnect with Ali: Website: brandandmarket.coInstagram: instagram.com/brandandmarket.co

Happy birthday to my son, Jackson! Today’s episode is a special family tradition of getting to be on the podcast for your birthday. Enjoy this short and sweet talk all about his love for sharks, his Airbnb memories, and all of his favorites as he turns five. Time-stamps:Birthday party excitement (1:04)Jackson’s love for sharks and dinosaurs (1:26)Jackson’s favorite stuffed animal (2:30)Jackson’s favorite Airbnbs (3:02)Jackson’s favorite color (7:38) Jackson’s favorite memory from being four (9:21)Mentioned in This Episode:Website: brandandmarket.coInstagram: instagram.com/brandandmarket.co

What can public relations do for your short-term rental? In today’s episode, I’m talking with Holly Mitton of Little Bird Boston, a marketing and PR agency. Holly shares the power of PR in the hospitality industry, plus steps you can take today to incorporate it into your Airbnb's marketing strategy.

Are you ignoring the red flags of a potential investment property? In today’s episode, I’m sharing a recent experience I had of discovering the perfect property for an Airbnb listing… until I took a closer look. I walk you through our due diligence process, the major issues we uncovered (spoiler alert: barking dogs and missing ovens), and why the numbers that look great on paper don’t always tell the whole story. This isn’t just about one deal gone wrong—it’s about evaluating Airbnb properties for long-term success.Time-stamps:The Airbnb property that seemed perfect… at first (1:55)The first warning signs (5:47)Co-hosting Services (9:30)Uncovering the major red flags in short-term rental properties (10:49)Lessons learned from considering a red flag property (18:05)Mentioned in This Episode:Co-hosting Services: www.brandandmarket.co/cohosting Episode 49 From Wedding Venue Dreams to Airbnb Success - Our Kentucky Property Pivot: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-wedding-venue-dreams-to-airbnb-success-our-kentuckyAirDNA: airdna.coConnect with Ali: Book a discovery call with Ali: brandandmarket.17hats.com/p#/schedulingWebsite: brandandmarket.coInstagram: instagram.com/brandandmarket.co

Are Google Ads worth it for a local realtor? In today’s episode, I’m talking with Jack Hepp of Industrious Marketing about Google Ads strategy for realtors. We’re diving into what’s worth it, what to expect from your budget, and how to stand out with the help of your personal brand. Time-stamps:Meet Jack (1:06)How Industrious Marketing got started (3:18)Understanding types of Google Ads (4:18)Differentiating your ad with your personal brand (11:15)Targeting your ideal clients with keywords (13:28)The strategy behind long-tail keywords (16:14)Airbnb (17:27)Creating a sticky brand ecosystem (18:28)Expectations for budget and ROI (20:49)Should you sell property via Google Ads? (25:29)Work with Jack and Industrious Marketing (28:53)Be the best in your brand and market (32:11)Mentioned in This Episode:Airbnb: brandandmarket.co/airbnb Connect with Jack:Website: industriousmarketing.coLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harrisonjheppConnect with Ali: Website: brandandmarket.coInstagram: instagram.com/brandandmarket.co

Is your Airbnb property living up to its potential? In today’s episode, I’m taking you step-by-step through the process of branding for the Tennessee, Together cabin in Pigeon Forge, TN, an Airbnb for unplugging. I’ll be sharing how together with the short-term rental property owner and interior design team, I took the property’s biggest drawback and turned it into a brand that attracts dream guests. Time-stamps:Meeting Jessica, the Airbnb host (1:53)The cabin’s major drawbacks (4:57)Turning a drawback into a brand (7:08)Airbnb Cohosting Services (11:00)How the brand translated into the interior design (12:25)Creating the property’s visual brand (17:38)Launching with the new branding (21:24)Case study takeaways (23:23)Mentioned in This Episode:Thrive Vacation Homes: instagram.com/thrivevacationhomesTennessee, Together Airbnb Listing: airbnb.com/h/tennesseetogetherbythriveEpisode 35 Level Up Your Listing: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/level-up-your-listingLevel Up Your Listing Summit: levelupyourlistingsummit.comSomerled Designs: somerleddesigns.comCohosting Services: www.brandandmarket.co/cohosting Connect with Ali:Book a discovery call with Ali: brandandmarket.17hats.com/p#/schedulingWebsite: brandandmarket.coInstagram: instagram.com/brandandmarket.co

Today’s episode is a special one. It’s a birthday interview with my youngest son, Emerson! Enjoy this short and sweet talk all about his third birthday plans, Jeep obsession, and being the baby in our family. Time-stamps:Get to know Emerson (1:00)Birthday party plans (1:22)What Emerson hopes to get as a birthday gift (2:37)What Emerson wants to be when he grows up (4:11)Does Emerson like being the baby? (5:22)Mentioned in This Episode:Website: brandandmarket.coInstagram: instagram.com/brandandmarket.co

Feel like you just can’t do it all when it comes to your marketing? In today’s episode, I’m talking about the number one thing that you can focus on to keep up with the rapidly changing digital landscape: keyword research. Time-stamps:The one next best step (1:22)Why keyword research is crucial (2:34)Understanding keywords (3:13)Actionable tips to start keyword research (4:44) Airbnb social media marketing: Instagram now shows up in Google search results (8:43)Focusing on Instagram captions: Airbnb social media marketing (9:38)Long-tail keywords (10:44)Hashtags are not dead (11:26)ChatGPT can now search keywords and websites (13:03)Mentioned in This Episode:Answer The Public: answerthepublic.comGoogle Keyword Planner: business.google.com/us/ad-tools/keyword-plannerUbersuggest: neilpatel.com/ubersuggestChatGPT: chatgpt.comEpisode 48 Eden Sloboth: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seo-for-realtors-and-rental-owners-how-to-get-foundWebsite: brandandmarket.coInstagram: instagram.com/brandandmarket.co

How can you charm your short-term rental guests into booking again? In today’s episode, I’m talking with former Disney executive and current business owner Vance Morris about applying the magic of Disney theme parks to your client experience. Learn how to systematize the small details, create a consistent elevated experience, and have your Airbnb guests excited to come back and visit again. Time-stamps:Meet Vance Morris (0:58)Applying the Disney guest experience to your short-term rental (4:54)Elevating your client experience (9:24)Creating business systems based on the Disney experience (14:04)Airbnb (19:36)Systematizing the extra touches (20:36)Providing a consistent client experience (25:39)If you’re struggling to start implementing systems (29:52)Identifying which systems aren’t working (31:38)Become the best in your brand and market (32:37)Mentioned in This Episode:Airbnb: brandandmarket.co/airbnb Vance Morris Website: vancemorris.com52 Ways To Wow Your Customers Without Breaking The Bank: wow52ways.comWebsite: brandandmarket.coInstagram: instagram.com/brandandmarket.co

Is your Airbnb property rated 5 stars? In today’s episode, I’m sharing the importance of 5-star reviews for your short-term rental, and why they’re not just important on the rental sites. I’m diving into how to ask for 5-star reviews and what to do once the reviews start pouring in. Time-stamps: Why you need to ask for 5-star reviews (1:30)How to ask for a 5-star review (5:53)Cohosting Services (9:03)What to do with your 5-star reviews on Airbnb (11:38)Reviews aren’t just for marketing (14:14)When you earn less than 5 stars (15:49)Mentioned in This Episode:Cohosting Services: www.brandandmarket.co/cohosting Website: brandandmarket.coInstagram: instagram.com/brandandmarket.co

Are you an entrepreneur wondering if you should put time and effort into Google Ads? In today’s episode, I’m talking with SEO and Google Ads expert Glenneth Reed. Glenneth shares her reasoning on whether or not Google Ads are worth it for entrepreneurs, plus how to make the most of your time and budget if you do decide to invest. Time-stamps:Meet Glenneth Reed (1:03)Being a certified expert in Google Ads and SEO 2:17)Why Glenneth does NOT recommend Google Ads for relators or short-term rental owners (3:25)Google Ads and how they work (6:07)How to earn the sponsored spot on Google (8:05)Your budget for Google Ads (11:24)Using negative keywords (12:47)Power Hour (15:33)Mistakes when DIYing your Google Ads account (16:28)Ad spend based on your niche (21:09)Where to send the people who click your ads (23:53)Tools for DIYing your Google Ads (25:38)Connect with Glenneth (27:44)Become the best in your brand and market (29:30)Mentioned in This Episode:Glenneth Reed on Instagram: instagram.com/glennethdotcomThe Visibility Method Website: thevisibilitymethod.comThe Visibility Workbook: thevisibilitymethod.com/visibility-workbookPower Hour: Power Hour on Mondays at 1PM ESTWebsite: brandandmarket.coInstagram: instagram.com/brandandmarket.co

Are you scared to fail? In today’s episode, I’m getting real with you and unpacking my business failures. Plus, I’m sharing some insight gained from my recent experience at the Sand In My Boots music festival, where acts shared their own stories from before they found success. Time-stamps:Sand In My Boots Music Festival (2:57)“This is the song that changed my life” (4:53)The photography subscription failure (10:48)Airbnb (17:12)The online course failure (18:13)The wedding venue failure (23:04)Mentioned in This Episode:Airbnb: brandandmarket.co/airbnb Episode 49 From Wedding Venue Dreams to Airbnb Success - Our Kentucky Property Pivot: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-wedding-venue-dreams-to-airbnb-success-our-kentuckyEpisode 43 Why Morgan Wallen’s Brand Works And What Small Biz Owners Can Learn: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-morgan-wallens-brand-worksEpisode 39 Post Malone’s Country Pivot Is A Masterclass In Marketing: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/post-malones-country-pivot-is-a-masterclass-in-marketingAmy Porterfield Digital Course Academy Waitlist: amyporterfield.com/dca-waitlistWebsite: brandandmarket.coInstagram: instagram.com/brandandmarket.co

What if you could optimize your rental property with just the push of a button? In today’s episode, I’m talking with Matt Sanderson, co-founder of strIQ. We’re diving into how strIQ can help you acquire and optimize your rentals, plus Matt’s own experience with becoming a short-term rental owner and investor. Time-stamps:Meet Matt Sanderson (3:06)An overview of Matt’s rentals (6:02)Reasons to buy a short-term rental (6:51)Using strIQ to acquire properties (9:16)Matt’s own experience buying properties found on strIQ (13:16)The impact of an interior design company (18:15)Airbnb (21:03)Optimizing your property with strIQ (24:01)Property experiences that increase ROI (29:42)What’s next for strIQ (35:34)Becoming the best in your brand and market (38:52)Mentioned in This Episode:Airbnb: brandandmarket.co/airbnb Use code “ali20” for 20% off the strIQ app: striq.com/pricingstrIQ website: striq.comEpisode 49 From Wedding Venue Dreams to Airbnb Success - Our Kentucky Property Pivot: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-wedding-venue-dreams-to-airbnb-success-our-kentuckyEpisode 47 Converting Our Starter Home Into A Successful Airbnb: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/converting-our-starter-home-into-a-successful-airbnbSomerled: https://www.somerleddesigns.com/Funkit Interiors: https://www.funkitinteriors.com/Website: brandandmarket.coInstagram: instagram.com/brandandmarket.co

What do you do when your dream property faces 18 zoning restrictions? You pivot.In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of our Kentucky property—originally intended to be a luxury wedding venue and now a thriving short-term rental on the Bourbon Trail. From unexpected zoning drama to interior design choices that tell a brand story, this one’s a ride.I share the real estate misadventures that shaped our approach to short-term rentals, how we branded The Commonwealth with themed rooms inspired by U.S. commonwealths, and the specific guest experience strategies we use to maintain a 5-star Superhost status—even while managing remotely.Time-stamps:The first short-term rental story (1:04)Our dreams for the Kentucky property (2:26)Deciding to make the property a short-term rental (4:07)Lessons learned from the Kentucky property (6:10)From wedding venue to short-term rental (9:51)Building the brand within the rental walls (11:34)Power Hour (15:06)Opening for bookings and maintaining 5-star status (16:01)Running the rental remotely (18:27)Our ideal guest avatar (21:01)Next steps for the property (25:05)Mentioned in This Episode:Episode 47 Converting Our Starter Home Into a Successful Airbnb: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/converting-our-starter-home-into-a-successful-airbnbEpisode 3 The Best Laid Brand Lessons From a Wedding Venue Venture: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-laid-brand-lessons-from-a-wedding-venue-venturePower Hour: Power Hour on Mondays at 1PM ESTWebsite: brandandmarket.coInstagram: instagram.com/brandandmarket.co

Want to rank higher on Google without drowning in jargon? This week’s episode is for you. I sat down with Eden from Maven Made Copy—an expert in SEO and blog content strategy—to break down exactly how small businesses, especially those in real estate and short-term rentals, can boost their visibility online.We dive into why search engine optimization matters, what makes a keyword worth chasing, and how to make sure your blog posts aren’t just pretty—they’re powerful. Whether you’ve never heard the term “SEO” before or you’ve dabbled in keyword research, Eden’s tips are gold.Time-stamps:Get to know Eden of Maven Made Copy (0:58)Understanding SEO basics (2:57)Keyword research and how to rank for your audience (5:24)Using Uber Suggest to boost your SEO (8:43)Ranking for a geographic location (11:07)Incorporating SEO into your copy (12:23)Keyword stuffing and how to avoid it (13:16)Power Hour (16:02)Updating old blogs with SEO (16:57)Ranking for additional keywords (18:13)Making your website SEO-friendly (20:24)Mistakenly making your blog too short (22:18)Seeing the results from SEO (25:05)DIY-ing your SEO (27:17)Be the best in your brand and market (28:46)Mentioned in This Episode:Eden Sloboth Website: mavenmadecopy.comEden Sloboth Instagram: instagram.com/mavenmadecopyBlog Content Calendar Freebie: mavenmadecopy.com/blog-content-calendarUbersuggest: neilpatel.com/ubersuggestPower Hour: Power Hour on Mondays at 1PM ESTWebsite: brandandmarket.coInstagram: instagram.com/brandandmarket.co

What was it like to become a short-term rental host? In today’s episode, I’m sharing my personal story of converting our former home into a long-term rental and eventually an Airbnb. I’m sharing the horrible conditions of the property after a long-term rental, plus how to successful convert your home into an Airbnb. Time-stamps:Our history in the North Carolina house (1:21)Leaving North Carolina and Hurricane Florence (4:02)A horrific long-term rental experience (6:10)Airbnb (12:00)Converting the property into an Airbnb (13:00)Going live on Airbnb and booking our first guests (17:31)COVID and ultimately deciding to sell (19:25)Mentioned in This Episode:Airbnb: brandandmarket.co/airbnb Website: brandandmarket.coInstagram: instagram.com/brandandmarket.co

Are you confident in your sales process? In today’s episode, I’m chatting with my new sales coach, Gwen Tinsley. We’re diving into each step of the sales conversation, plus how to focus on serving over selling. Time-stamps:Meet Gwen Tinsley of Grit and Tenacity (1:36)What holds you back from selling confidently (7:46)Learning to sell based on service value (13:25)The complete sales process (16:17)Flodesk (21:04)Viewing selling as serving (23:40)Common misconceptions with sales (28:40)Gwen’s advice to be number one in your brand and market (34:04)Mentioned in This Episode:50% off your first year subscription to Flodesk: brandandmarket.co/flodeskGrit and Tenacity Podcast: gritandtenacityconsulting.com/podcastGrit and Tenacity Website: gritandtenacityconsulting.comGrit and Tenacity on Instagram: instagram.com/gritandtenacityconsultingWebsite: brandandmarket.coInstagram: instagram.com/brandandmarket.co

Let’s talk truth about social media and short-term rentals: is Instagram a brilliant brand builder or just more busy work?In this episode, I unpack the truth behind airbnb social media marketing and how to evaluate whether building a social presence is worth it for your Airbnb property, based on your long-term goals. I share personal lessons from managing “The Commonwealth,” our own rental-turned-brand, and highlight case studies like Bolt Farm Treehouse and Pink Dreams Cottage, who’ve done airbnb social media incredibly well.Time-stamps:Considering the longevity of your project (1:55)Property owners that are doing Airbnb social media well (5:32)The behind-the-scenes of our property, The Commonwealth (8:57)Power Hour (11:08)Keeping up with content creation (12:26)Tips for staying consistent and batching (16:12)Social media should only be part of your Airbnb marketing plan (17:14)Mentioned in This Episode:Take the Quiz: tryinteract.com/share/quiz/67b64381e7fc2f0015f9ad97Bolt Farm Treehouse: instagram.com/boltfarmtreehousePink Dreams Cottage: instagram.com/pinkdreamscottageMetricool: metricool.comLater: later.com/try/trialPlann: plannthat.comPower Hour: Power Hour on Mondays at 1PM ESTWebsite: brandandmarket.coInstagram: instagram.com/brandandmarket.co

Want an inside look at bringing a business to life? In today’s episode, I’m chatting with my clients Lori Webb and Emily Albers about our experience launching their brand new wellness studio, Health House. They share the journey behind the business, plus what it has been like to bring the vision to life through digital marketing. Time-stamps:Lori’s health battle of the last few years (1:06)Emily’s background in Western medicine (5:43)The purpose behind Health House (9:02)Building a team of over thirty people (15:09)Power Hour (20:22)What differentiates Health House (21:18)The signature series: a day-in-the-life at Health House (24:28)Welcoming fifty founding members before opening (31:14)Building the momentum and success so far (34:11)Bringing the vision to life through digital marketing (36:17)Words of encouragement for other business start-ups (41:08)Mentioned in This Episode:Website: healthhousenc.comInstagram: instagram.com/healthhousencEmily Albers What The Healthcare Podcast: emilyijk.podbean.comPower Hour: Power Hour on Mondays at 1PM ESTWebsite: brandandmarket.coInstagram: instagram.com/brandandmarket.co

What business lessons can you learn from Morgan Wallen? In today’s episode, Ali shares some thoughts on one of her all-time favorite music artists and what marketing strategies you can take from his career. Time-stamps:My personal connection to Morgan Wallen’s music (1:10)A little background on Morgan Wallen (10:52)Releasing an immense amount of music in a short time (12:11)Power Hour (16:20)More Than My Hometown Foundation (17:15) The Morgan Wallen launch strategy (20:25)Being relatable while also being private (23:30)He’s not chasing the quick wins (25:45)Lessons to apply to your own brand (28:49)Mentioned in This Episode:Power Hour: Power Hour on Mondays at 1PM ESTEpisode 39 Post Malone’s Country Pivot: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/post-malones-country-pivotEpisode 24 ESC Conference 2025: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/esc-conference-2025Episode 10 Decoding Chobani’s Brand Strategy: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-brand-marketEpisode 2 Taylor Swift Building A Billion-Dollar Brand Community: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taylor-swiftWebsite: brandandmarket.coInstagram: instagram.com/brandandmarket.co