Should You Trade Free Stays for Influencer Content? Here’s How to Decide

Influencer collaborations can be a smart marketing move for short-term rental hosts—especially for highly themed or photo-worthy properties. But are they worth it? And how do you protect yourself from wasted time, awkward interactions, or unclear ROI?

That’s exactly what listener Julia asked in this week’s Hosting Hotline episode. She runs an immersive Star Wars-themed rental in Kissimmee, Florida, and after hosting a content creator through Stay Yamo, she saw a few new followers but no immediate bookings. So she called in wondering—how do I know if these collaborations are actually worth it?

Here’s our advice:

1. Not All Influencers Are Equal
Just because someone has a large following doesn’t mean they’re a good fit. Make sure their audience aligns with your property. Are their followers likely to book your space? Do they create high-quality content you actually want to use? If the answer is no, the collaboration likely won’t pay off.

2. Decide What Success Looks Like Before Saying Yes
Are you hoping for bookings? Brand awareness? Content assets to reuse on your channels? Be clear on your goals. Some influencer partnerships are great for building awareness, others might deliver bookings—but very few do both. Set expectations upfront and know what you’re getting.

3. Red Flags Matter
If someone reacts poorly when you decline a collaboration, consider it a blessing. Professional influencers understand that not every partnership is a fit. If a creator gets offended, they’re likely not someone you’d want to work with anyway.

4. Have a Plan, Not Just a Gut Reaction
Decide in advance how many influencer stays you’re willing to host per year. Consider reserving them for off-season dates or for creators with highly relevant audiences. This makes it easier to say no with confidence—and protect your peak-season calendar.

5. Get Contracts in Place
Always define deliverables, usage rights, and timelines clearly. We break this down even further in our YouTube video on influencer partnerships—a must-watch if you’re navigating this for the first time.

Ultimately, collaborations can work—but only if they’re part of a thoughtful, long-term marketing strategy. Otherwise, you’re just giving away free nights with no real return.

Have More Questions? We’d love to hear from you! Submit your hosting questions to the Hosting Hotline and tune in to the podcast for answers. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for more tips: @thanksforvisiting_.

Download a transcript of this episode.

Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel | STR tips, tricks, and top tools

Mentioned in this episode:
– YouTube: How to Partner with Influencers as a Short-Term Rental Host
– Stayamo (influencer collaboration platform)