177. Small Changes That Have BIG Impact for Your Guests

Deborah Labi is a retired property manager with her fingers in many pies, sharing her experience via her consultancy, a podcast, a soon-to-launch second podcast, and co-director of The Book Direct Show. She likes to keep as busy as her brain; an OCC – or obsessive compulsive creative – she’s an ideas fountain. Through The Guest Inn-Spector, Deborah has keyed in on the small details that have a large impact on your guests. She believes property owners should stay in their own rentals in order to experience them as a guest would, and envision the guest’s journey from check-in to check-out. But at the very least, have a friend or family member stay and offer their feedback (or, hire Deborah!).Essential things to audit and optimize in your rental, courtesy of The Guest Inn-Spector:Live chat availability while guests are browsing your booking siteEase of booking - how many steps does it take a guest to pay and confirm the booking?Check-in email sequence - don’t spam, but also don’t ghostIf your listing incorporates third parties (e.g. smart lock notifications), ensure these are branded through your listing to avoid guest confusionArrival instructions - this may be your guest’s first time in a city (or country!) so avoid giving them too much work in order to get their key and check inFirst impressions after entering your space (think: WiFi access, coat hangers, etc.)General property design - simple, functional things that make guests feel like they’re in a home, not a hotel - for example, where do guests hang their towels after a shower?Check-out instructions - guests are now focusing on their travel plans and flight confirmations, so consider not adding too much extra work for themSend a review request to your guest on their last day of the stay, while they’re still in your space - don’t wait until after they check outResources:PDF: Top 5 Amenities You Should Provide at Your Short Term RentalThe Guest Inn-Spector The Techsplained Podcast The Book Direct Show Drift Live Chat#STRShareSunday: @guesthouse71Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Minoan | Minoan helps short-term rentals and boutique hotels enhance their appeal with their customizable, curated retail platform.Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!Breezeway | Go to breezeway.io/tfv to claim your free implementation when you start a Breezeway account.Join us for our live Get More Bookings Bootcamp.