Which method is the best way to deliver vital information to your guests?

Emails with text or PDF files attached?
Welcome books at the property for when the guests arrive?
Smartphone apps that put the info at the guests’ fingertips?

I hung out with four vacation rental owners to discuss how we each deliver our access info and vacation rental property information, as well as our area information, including favorite restaurants and the closest grocery stores.

Can’t see the video? Click here for the YouTube page.

If you don’t have time to watch the whole interview, here is a breakdown of what we discussed:

  • 00:00 Introductions
  • 2:10 – When we give guests information
  • 5:00 – How we deliver the information, including Shutterfly photobooks and Bookerville
  • 7:20 – Lobster recipe
  • 7:30 – Websites
  • 8:00 – Laurie hits the nail on the head on how to share info with your guests
  • 9:15 – Discuss what method our guests use the most
  • 10:07 – Dog interrupts
  • 12:00 – Discuss making the HomeAway Hospitality App optional or mandatory
  • 14:10 – Tyann reveals how she uses the HA App as a selling point
  • 15:40 – What if a guest doesn’t know what a smartphone app is?
  • 16:38 – Tyann shares how she gets 100% of her guests to use the HA app
  • 19:50 – Melinda shares how she uses texting
  • 22:30 – Lori has an idea on a feature for the HA app
  • 23:15 – Tyann tells how the HA app benefits her workflow as an owner

Meet the vacation rental owners I hung out with:

Kathy Klopp has the Palmetto Beach House in Isle of Palms, South Carolina. This 6 bedroom home is stunning and an absolute dream for a large family vacationing together. You can visit her gorgeous property at www.palmettobeachhouseiop.com.

Laurie Bixler has two properties in Charleston, South Carolina. The Big Chill has kayaks and paddleboards for you to use while on your vacation (go see it here), and The Trust House, has a stunning swimming pool in the backyard (go see it here).

Maria Lamb has two properties – Featherbed Island House in Machiasport, Maine, and Saltbrook on the Bay in Phinneys Cove, Nova Scotia. You can see her waterfront cottages at www.featherbedisland.com.

Melinda Naye has a large luxury home near Lake Tahoe in California, close to Downtown Truckee, which you can check out here.

My properties are located in Branson, Missouri, and you can see them both at vacationhomeinbranson.com.

What do you think the best method is?

Do you agree with us? Do you have a better method? Comment below and let me know what you think.

By the way, the best way to stay on top of all the good stuff is to get on my vacation rental marketing email list.

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Tyann Marcink
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