Between HomeAway and Airbnb, there are 3,155 cabins in Pigeon Forge, a popular Tennessee tourist destination near Dollywood. To book up, you have to STAND OUT. But how? How do you create a pattern interrupt among all the rustic spaces decked out with plaid comforters and bear figurines? One strategy is to theme your space, surprising potential guests with something they’ve never seen before.
Jeff MacIntyre is an Emmy-winning television producer, long-time real estate investor and creator of Theme My Space, a platform designed to help short-term rental (STR) hosts transform their vacation rental into a unique experience guests will love—and share on social media. Jeff is also the only Airbnb host in Pigeon Forge with a pirate-themed cabin, complete with wall-mounted cannons and a figurehead from the bow of an old ship!
On this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Jeff joins me to explain how learning about the Pigeon Forge market drew him to the STR space. He discusses why he chose the pirate theme for one of his cabins, sharing where he got his aargh-infused artifacts and how he incorporates pirate slang in his listing. Listen in for Jeff’s insight on branding your Airbnb and learn the top five benefits of theming a STR space.
How Jeff got into the STR space
Learned about Pigeon Forge through Rhonda BlueBig profit potential in hot family travel marketJeff’s first STR property in Pidgeon Forge
Traditional cabin positioned as honeymoon spotReturns blow away long-term rental propertiesWhy Jeff chose the pirate theme for his second STR
Popular pirate-themed shows for touristsAargh-infused cabin to stand out in marketWhy Jeff is a fan of smaller 1BR + 2BR properties
Fewer problems with guestsEasier to test out theming theoryWhere Jeff got his pirate-themed artifacts
Swap meets, eBay, Craigslist and FacebookScroll Pinterest for ideas re: fabrics for bedroomJeff’s insight around branding your STR
Create sharable custom experienceSee yourself as dealer of DELIGHTJeff’s familiarity with pirate slang
Learned for Tipsy Captain YouTube channelInclude in listing captions, cabin manualThe other benefits of theming your STR space
Increase attention and bookingsOpportunities for local partnershipsTargeted marketing (e.g.: Facebook ads)Work with social media influencersEarn more by selling merchandiseJeff’s advice for promoting a themed listing
#PirateRidge decals by photo-worthy décorSelfie basket + frame with cabin nameTheme My Space
Pirate Ridge on Airbnb
Alpine Dreams on Airbnb
BiggerPockets
Rhonda Blue
Dollywood
Realtor.com
eBay
Craigslist
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