How One Co-Host Became a Full-Service Property Management Brand Through Marketing

When we first met Summit Getaways Co-Hosting, they were doing what many small-scale short-term rental co-hosts do: helping a few owners manage guest communication and turnovers, relying entirely on Airbnb for bookings, and staying under the radar.

They were doing good work, but almost no one knew about them. And they were stuck.

Where We Found Them

They had:

• No direct booking website

• No Google Business Profile

• No social media presence

• No local visibility outside of Airbnb

Like many early-stage co-hosts, they were dependent on one platform, had no real brand, and couldn’t scale. And despite their skills, homeowners were hesitant to trust them because they lacked an online presence.

Step 1: Google Business Profile - Laying the Foundation

We started with the basics: a properly optimized Google Business Profile (GBP).

We:

• Verified the listing and completed every field

• Added high-quality photos of their past guest spaces

• Wrote a keyword-optimized business description

• Started posting weekly updates to boost local relevance

Within two weeks, they were showing up on local search results when people Googled “property manager in [City]” or “vacation rental manager near me.”

Step 2: Building a Social Media Presence That Showed Value

Next, we set them up on Instagram and Facebook. We didn’t just post pretty homes. We built content around:

• Behind-the-scenes of turnovers

• Guest welcome baskets and experience details

• Owner tips and what made Summit different

• Client testimonials and real numbers from their performance

We created templates, posted regularly, and used hashtags that targeted both guests and potential new homeowners looking for management support.

It made a difference fast. The brand felt more “real.” People were DMing to ask about co-hosting services.

Step 3: SEO Strategy and Local Visibility

We then launched a small direct booking site, not to replace Airbnb, but to show credibility and give them a hub. It was optimized with local SEO for “[City] vacation rental manager,” “[City] Airbnb co-host,” and variations of short-term rental terms.

We published monthly blogs targeting homeowner pain points like:

• “Is Co-Hosting Worth It in [City]?”

• “How to Choose a Property Manager for Your Cabin”

• “Airbnb vs Direct Bookings: What Homeowners Need to Know”

These blogs weren’t just fluff, they ranked. Within 3 months, the website was getting over 400 monthly visits from local homeowners and guests alike.

The Results: From Co-Host to Full-Service

In just 6 months, Summit Getaways:

• Signed 13 new homeowners

• Rebranded as a full-service property management company

• Increased brand search traffic significantly

• Started generating consistent inbound leads

• Launched a second branch in a neighboring market

They didn’t do it through ads or gimmicks. They did it by building a solid online presence, and committing to showing up where people are searching.

Why It Worked

Most co-hosts don’t realize they’re running a real business. And most small management companies don’t treat marketing like a growth tool.

But the market is changing. Owners want a professional face. Guests want confidence when booking direct. You can’t just exist only on Airbnb or expect leads by word of mouth, you need to show up across platforms.

We Can Help You Do the Same

At KIN Marketing, we specialize in working with growing short-term rental brands. Whether you’re a co-host looking to level up or a vacation rental manager ready to scale, we help you:

• Optimize your GBP for local discovery

• Build a content strategy that connects

• Launch or improve your direct booking site

• Show up in search results where it counts

Marketing isn’t optional anymore. It’s the engine that gets you from side hustle to full-scale success, and we’re here to help you get there.