Technology, Influencer Marketing, and Airbnb: Insights from Sarah Stahl at STR Marketing

On a recent episode of Industry Chats, our host Jasmine Seliga sat down with Sarah Stahl of STR Marketing, to unpack how short-term rental hosts are using tech and influencer marketing to make their Airbnbs stand out—but these tips aren’t just for Airbnb owners. Hotels can use the same strategies to boost their brand, bring in more guests, and stay ahead in today’s competitive travel scene.

Sarah brings a strategic, grounded perspective shaped by years of experience helping hosts increase visibility and drive bookings. At STR Marketing, she works with property owners to streamline their marketing efforts, strengthen brand identity, and navigate the constantly shifting expectations of today’s guests.

The conversation began with a focus on technology. Sarah explained that modern STR operations require more than just listing a property online—they demand a tech stack that can automate the guest experience, optimize pricing, and free up hosts to focus on quality service. From smart locks to dynamic pricing tools, Sarah pointed out that automation isn’t just a bonus anymore—it’s the baseline for anyone serious about running a short-term rental. And the same goes for hotels. Embracing automation helps streamline operations, cut costs, and keep up with what today’s travelers expect.

She pointed to platforms like Hospitable for guest messaging and PriceLabs for rate management as examples of tools that allow smaller hosts to run their businesses more efficiently and competitively. Jasmine noted how these solutions help level the playing field, giving individual hosts access to the same capabilities as professional managers.

The conversation then shifted toward branding and marketing—specifically, the growing role of influencer partnerships. Sarah explained that influencer marketing offers STR hosts a unique opportunity to build trust and awareness through authentic content. Instead of relying solely on polished listing photos, hosts can now showcase their properties through real-life experiences shared by creators with loyal audiences.

Rather than aiming for big-name influencers, Sarah recommends working with micro-influencers, especially those who are local or travel-focused. These collaborations often lead to stronger engagement and better alignment with the host’s target guest profile.

Brand identity was another key theme. Sarah stressed the importance of clearly defining what your property offers and ensuring that message is reflected across every touchpoint—from the decor and photography to the listing description and social media presence. In a crowded marketplace, properties that communicate a distinct personality and experience are more likely to attract bookings and repeat guests.

Sarah was amazing to chat with, and she’s offering a free e-book to our listeners called From Views to No Vacancies. If you want to dive deeper into these strategies and really take your rental or hotel game to the next level, grab your copy here: https://marketmovers.travel/download-ebook-from-views-to-no-vacancies/.

​​About Affixify

Affixify is a technology due diligence platform designed specifically for hoteliers. Our platform helps hotel professionals quickly and efficiently compare a wide range of technology vendors to find the best solutions for their unique needs. With an unbiased approach and a comprehensive database of hotel technology platforms, Affixify ensures that hoteliers can make informed decisions and select the right technology to drive their business forward. We understand that no single solution fits all, and we’re here to help you find the perfect tech fit for your hotel. To learn more, get in touch with us at www.getaffixify.com.