For hosts, the period before arrival is one of intense preparation. There’s a flood of checklists for cleaning and paying for restocking of supplies to sort through. And in day-to-day activity, there’s one essential that once checked off will set the stage for a great stay: the Airbnb welcome message. This isn’t just a simple “hello”; it’s your chance to set the tone, provide essential information, and start building a positive relationship with your guests.
In this guide, we take you through all you need to know to create the ideal welcome message, the Airbnb style. We will cover the importance of the welcome message and the essential elements, give you examples of messages from Airbnb to owners, etc., and show you some examples of template messages, such as template welcome letters for Airbnb, so that you can personalise them for your guests on your property. How to insert these into a digital guide for owners, which will assist with overall comms with guests and the guest experience, so that you score high in message letter Airbnb searches overall as a property owner.
What is an Airbnb welcome message?
An Airbnb welcome message is the initial communication you send to your guests after they book your property. Think of it as a digital handshake and a quick-start guide all in one. It’s a concise, well-structured message that covers the most important details a guest needs to know before their stay.
A basic Airbnb message to the host example might be:
“Hi [Guest Name], thank you for booking our property! We’ll send you more details about check-in closer to the time. Best, [Host Name].”
While this is a start, a truly effective welcome message goes much further, as we’ll explore in the next section.
Why are Airbnb welcome messages important?
A well-crafted Airbnb welcome message is more than just a courtesy; it’s a strategic tool that benefits both you and your guests.
First impression
The welcome message Airbnb hosts send is the first real interaction guests have with their host and property beyond the listing. A warm, friendly, and professional message immediately sets a positive tone, showing that you are organised, communicative, and genuinely excited to host them.
More information for guests
Guests often have a lot of questions leading up to their stay, such as “What time can we check in?” or “What’s the Wi-Fi password?” A good Airbnb welcome message preemptively answers these questions, saving both you and the guest time and effort. By providing clear instructions and key details upfront, you empower your guests to arrive and settle in with ease.
Building trust and improved reviews
When guests feel well-informed and cared for from the start, it builds a foundation of trust. This positive initial experience often translates into better reviews. Happy guests are more likely to leave glowing reviews that mention your excellent communication, which in turn attracts more bookings.
Key elements of an Airbnb welcome message
A great Airbnb welcome message is a blend of warmth and practicality. Here are the key elements to include:
Personal greeting with the guest’s name
Always start with a warm and personal touch using the guest’s name. This sets a friendly tone that helps make the guest instantly feel at home.
Check-in instructions and access details
This section is extremely important. Be very clear about the time of check-in and what process is to be followed. If you use a key safe, then be very clear about the code and how to access it. The clearer the instructions are, the easier the arrival will be.
Wi-Fi credentials & essential information
Provide information about the name of the WI-Fi and the name of the WIF-up password. They will be able to connect to the WI-FI network immediately on arrival, which makes an impressive difference.
House rules highlights or link to house manual
Highlight briefly a few of the most important rules of the house, but for a complete guide, it will be worthwhile to direct them to your digital house manual.
Contact details and emergency numbers
Your contact details should be provided. You should also say what the best way to contact you is. Also, it is wise to include emergency numbers for local services.
Local recommendations & insider tips
Go that extra mile and leave a list of some of your favourite local spots. These insider tips are what make guests feel more connected to their environment and add so much to their stay.
When & how to send your Airbnb welcome message
Getting the timing and delivery method right is crucial.
Timing
The ideal time to send your welcome message is 3-7 days before the guest’s arrival. This gives them enough time to read the information without it being so far in advance that they forget the details.
Delivery methods
You can send the message directly through the Airbnb app, via email, or as a text message. A digital message is far more efficient than a printed one, as it can be easily updated and can include multimedia.
Don’t get stuck with a static, hard-to-update printed guide. Start your free trial today and see how a digital guidebook can revolutionise your hosting experience.
How to integrate the Airbnb welcome message into the digital guidebook
The best way to use your Airbnb welcome message is as an introduction to your digital guidebook. The message should be concise and contain the most urgent information, while the guidebook holds the rest.
What should you include in your digital guidebook? Everything!
- House rules: A detailed list of all your house rules.
- Appliance instructions: Easy-to-follow instructions for appliances.
- Local info: A comprehensive guide to the area.
- Maps & transport: Directions and public transport information.
- FAQs: Answers to frequently asked questions.
- Emergency contacts: A full list of numbers for emergencies.
By using your welcome message, Airbnb style, to introduce the digital guidebook, you ensure guests have a single, reliable source for all their needs.
