How to use a guest welcome book to ensure a positive short-term rental stay, a great review and repeat bookings

As an independent property manager, the comfort and experience of your guests is always your number one priority.

Wouldn’t it be great, then, if you had a single document for your guests that answers their burning questions? That’s exactly what a guest welcome book can do!

A guest book takes the guesswork out of running your short-term rental. Instead of calling or texting you constantly with questions, your guests can always refer back to your welcome book.

Naturally, in the digital age you’ll want to put the welcome book for your STR online. A guest welcome book can provide a personalized experience for your guests while they stay with you. Not only that, your online guest book creates a unified branding experience for your business so that it’s your company name that your guests remember.

Here are a few ways you can get the most out of your guest welcome book.

REITERATE HOUSE RULES

No one can remember everything all the time. Chances are, you told your guests the rules of staying in your STR before they arrived, but in the excitement of being on vacation they’re bound to forget.

A welcome book can serve as a reference for them to check back on in case they forget when quiet hours are, or where they can and can’t have food in the house.

Because it’s a written record, it can also help prevent conflict between you and your guests about the rules if they violate any.

GIVE THE LOCAL SCOOP

Do you have a favorite local pizza place or burger joint? Do you know the best stores in town to shop? Tell your guests about it!

Your welcome book gives you the chance to recommend your favorite local spots with your guests. By giving your guests the inside scoop on your town, it positions you as an expert and makes them feel more welcome in your town during their stay. It’s a great way to boost the overall experience your guests have while staying at your STR.

When it comes time to rate your STR after their stay, it’s the little things like that will go the extra mile to getting you a coveted top rating.

MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES

While a welcome book is a great resource for your guests, it’s also an opportunity for you to do some branding and marketing.

If you choose to use a captive WiFi service like StayFi, you can redirect your guests to your online welcome book as soon as they enter their information. Your welcome book can be posted on your branded direct booking website, or you can link to a PDF stored on a service like Google Drive or Dropbox.

Since guests are required to input their email address to access the StayFi WiFi, you'll grow your email list in the process.

Email marketing has the highest ROI of any tactic out there, so having a quality email database is one of the most valuable tools you can have in your marketing arsenal. When your guests provide you with their email, it allows you to continue your conversation with them after they leave your STR. That can lead to repeat bookings and is a boon for your branding.

If you have more questions about how a guest welcome book can be a benefit to your STR business, the Customer Success team at Futurestay can help.

Activate your account today to find out how Futurestay can help you provide a better experience for your guests while you build, grow and optimize your business.