Ready To Get More Bookings? Grow Your Airbnb Email List For Improved Bookings

Imagine transforming one-time Airbnb guests into repeat visitors, all while saving money on booking fees. This might sound too good to be true, but it’s a strategy many Airbnb hosts overlook. It can be a total game changer.

The solution lies in creating an email list for your Airbnb. This provides direct access and establishes a clear line of communication with both past and potential guests. Building an email list unlocks a powerful way to nurture relationships and secure future bookings.

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Table Of Contents:

• Why an Email List for Airbnb is a Game Changer
  • Direct Communication, Direct Bookings
  • Guidebooks are Great
  • Taking Advantage of WiFi Splash Pages
  • Direct Booking Opt-ins
  • Social Media and Surveys
  • Connecting with Community
• What to do With The Emails
  • Finding Tools To Send
  • Consistency in Sending Matters
  • Making a Plan
• Takeaways

Why an Email List for Airbnb is a Game Changer

When starting out as a host, capturing guest email addresses might seem secondary. However, this is a huge opportunity that shouldn’t be missed. You’re missing out on building a list of potential repeat customers.

Consider this analogy: social media is excellent for generating initial interest, but it offers limited control. Owning an email list means having direct contact information, allowing you to reach out repeatedly. This provides far more sustainability.

Check out our trusted tools to see who we rely on for collecting and managing our email list effectively.

Direct Communication, Direct Bookings

Relying solely on the Airbnb platform means operating under their guidelines. Creating your own email list gives you greater independence. You can foster guest relationships and secure bookings without incurring high OTA fees.

It’s vital to obtain guests’ explicit consent before adding them to your mailing list. The entire process must be transparent and compliant with privacy regulations. You want to stay on the good side of things and also build a sustainable list.

Guidebooks are Great

Numerous companies now offer customizable guidebooks. These guidebooks integrate photos, videos, and other interactive elements to enhance the guest experience. They can give great information for guests and set expectations early.

Upon booking through platforms like Airbnb, you receive a shareable link to your guidebook. This link becomes the gateway to gathering guest information. You also start the communication early with guests before they arrive.

The guidebook handles the initial data collection, requesting essential details before providing access to check-in instructions, door codes, house rules, and other crucial information. Some guidebooks even require guests to acknowledge your house rules, ensuring everyone is on the same page. This can jumpstart your email lists.

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Taking Advantage of WiFi Splash Pages

Consider the common experience at coffee shops or libraries. Before gaining WiFi access, users encounter a prompt requesting information in exchange for connectivity. It’s an offer they can not turn down.

You may be wondering, “What is a splash page in the context of Airbnb?” A WiFi splash page appears when guests connect to your property’s WiFi network. It offers a branding opportunity and can make a strong first impression, often before guests even step inside.

Services like StayFi streamline the collection of guest names, phone number, email addresses, and consent for future communication.

Direct Booking Opt-ins

Guests might discover your property through channels other than Airbnb, such as a Google search. Many businesses entice potential customers to provide their email address by offering valuable incentives. Businesses will try various ways to entice guests.

One compelling offer is to keep guests informed about current promotions and upcoming specials. This keeps your property top-of-mind. You’re providing value that encourages them to stay connected.

Social Media and Surveys

This marketing strategy targets individuals beyond your existing guest database. It aims to attract potential future guests who might consider booking your short-term rental. Giveaways can be an effective tool for audience growth.

Here’s a pro tip to keep your outreach relevant. Collaborate with nearby small businesses that complement your offering and would appeal to your target audience. Connecting with your Airbnb community is key.

For example, if your Airbnb is near a popular hiking trail, partner with a local outdoor gear shop to offer a joint giveaway. This creates a mutually beneficial promotion and expands your reach to a qualified audience.

Connecting with Community

If your property is near a larger city, explore local event listing platforms or publications. These platforms can connect you with other local businesses. Then you’re able to stay in the know with events.

Consider offering a giveaway through these outlets to attract a local audience. This can create “stay-cation” opportunities. You’re providing a valuable incentive while supporting the local community.

Looking to make your rental more welcoming? Don’t forget to check out our Pet-Friendly Checklist and our Forgot Something Basket for easy ways to enhance your guest experience.

What to do With The Emails

You’ve diligently built a substantial email list, but what’s the next step? How do you utilize this valuable resource effectively? It’s a common question hosts have when looking at sending emails.

Finding Tools To Send

There’s a wide range of options available. When sending email blasts to a large audience, you want to avoid being flagged as spam. This is to help get those open rates.

Therefore, an Email Service Provider (ESP) is essential. Popular choices include Mailchimp and ConvertKit, known for their user-friendly interfaces and broad functionality. There are lots of options for sending, but make sure it works for you.

For a specialized solution tailored to short-term rentals, consider StayFi. StayFi offers a streamlined interface specifically designed for communicating with past and prospective guests. It has lots of customization.

Here’s a quick comparison of ESP choices:

Consistency in Sending Matters

Maintaining regular contact with your subscribers is crucial for effective email list management. Consistency is key to success in marketing. If your schedule allows for monthly communication, add it to your calendar.

Inconsistent email frequency can make your messages feel unexpected or intrusive. It’s important to have good contact. Prioritize providing value to your recipients in every email.

Don’t overlook the subject line; it’s the key to grabbing their attention. Invest time and creative effort upfront to maximize your email’s impact. Use wording that has worked well previously.

Making a Plan

Begin by gradually establishing your sending frequency. Here are a few ideas:

• Promotions, Cancellations, or Discounts – This is a straightforward approach. Most people receive promotional content regularly, and you likely have examples in your inbox right now. Study the brands you admire and how you interact with their newsletters.
• Event Updates – If your property is located near a popular town or attraction, highlight relevant updates to keep potential guests informed. This positions your property as a convenient option when they’re planning their vacation. Make them think about your property when it’s relevant.
• Seasonal Availability – If your area experiences peak seasons, like a ski town with high demand during the holidays, proactively reach out to potential guests. This creates a subset of guests. Remind this specific group annually about the opportunity for a getaway.

Consider implementing a rewards program exclusively for subscribers on your email list for Airbnb. This can further incentivize engagement and loyalty. People are more likely to continue using your services.

Want to maximize your bookings and reduce reliance on a single platform? Diversifying beyond Airbnb is a smart way to attract more guests and grow your direct booking audience—an essential step in building your email list! Check out our post, Shop Airbnb Competitors To Increase Bookings, for expert tips on expanding your reach and boosting your short-term rental success.

Takeaways

Building an email list for your Airbnb is a process that yields substantial returns with minimal time and effort. Start with small steps, and then be prepared for giant leaps. It may seem overwhelming when starting out, but starting is key.

Acknowledge your initiative in making this decision today. Give yourself credit for those smaller steps. You have taken steps to make the business stronger.

Overtime those smaller steps will compound. Then, witness your reservation calendar filling up as desired. Owning your email list grants you opportunities unavailable elsewhere, empowering you to take control of your booking success.

Calling All Hosts: The Hosting Handbook

If you loved this post we invite you to check out our one-stop-shop solution for hosts everywhere —the Hosting Handbook! While you can download all the easy to consume, step-by-step tips we use in our own hosting business and create the ultimate “book” the Hosting Handbook is so much more than that! If you’ve consumed or content for years (or just met us!) this is the reference guide for all the amazing and tactical tips we have for running a profitable and, more importantly hospitable, short-term rental. How do we price for pets? How do we fold our towels? What sheets do we buy? How do I purchase a short-term rental? All these questions (and more!) can be answered in the Hosting Handbook! Check it out now!

Happy Hosting!