Why I Study These 3 Rental Brands

Over the last 6 months, I've been studying three rental brands.

• Cuyuna Cove

• Paradise Lake

• Bolt Farm Treehouse

I think they've mastered short term rental marketing. Specifically in the social media space.

Why I think they're the best may surprise you.

Let's dive in! Yippee!!!

Cuyuna Cove

I've actually spoken with Kelsey and Chris (owners). They are brilliant.

Cuyuna Cove completely understands their guest. It's a quick tell after looking at their:

• Instagram

• Website

• Emails

For them, an easy media focused marketing approach would be to show off:

• The unique, cozy design of the stays.

• Local world-class outdoor activities.

• POV videos of guests enjoying their time.

But instead, they call out their ideal guests with text like:

• Reconnect and unwind.

• Embrace trips that are slow and intentional.

• Just what your soul needs.

• Disconnect, rest and play outside.

Those who identify and live that messaging, LOVE Cuyuna Cove.

Check out their Instagram. You can see fans raving in the comments.

This is how brands are built.

• If you have a concept people love…

• Then, keep talking about it…

• Your fans will never forget about you.

Paradise Lake

There's a quote that I LOVE lately. It goes like this:

I study Paradise Lake because the folks there are great storytellers.

Scroll through their media. You'll see content like:

• How they turned a plot of vacant land into a five star getaway.

• David Graber (founder) sharing his personal "why" behind the concept.

• Clever responses to story holes from followers.

In my opinion, there are a million amazing A-frames in the world. But, I'll visit Paradise Lake over the rest because I remember the story.

That's the power of story.

Bolt Farm Treehouse

These guys own an entire idea in my head.

Let me explain:

Similar to Cuyuna Cove, their guests like to unwind and relax.

But, this place has everything their ideal guests can dream of. Including:

• Spas

• Events

• Live music

It's an all-in-one experience. Fully captured in their media. They are so good at showing what peak relaxation should be.

Which has an interesting psychological effect...

If I think Bolt Farm is peak relaxation, then I don't think of:

• Sitting on a beach.

• Cruising through Alaska.

• Hanging out by a fire.

When I want a chill getaway.

I think of an image I saw on Bolt Farm's Instagram.

They own my idea of a "relaxing vacation."

In 2025, I want to get better at:

• Brand building.

• Storytelling.

• Owning mental real estate.

That's why I'm studying these three brands.

That's all for today. I'll see you in the next article.

Before you go

I just launched my brand new direct booking marketing agency, Lodge Social.

We help rental operators get more guests to like, share, and book.

Apply to work with me and my team here.

Links you might like:

1. Speaking to everyone is speaking to no one. Let me explain…

2. How to create a story for your short term rental.

3. I’ll be featured in The Glamping Insider for the next four weeks. Check it out!

4. Not sure which marketing approach you should take? Try this quiz.