How to create an amazing Airbnb welcome book with Canva templates

What is an Airbnb welcome book ?

Simply put, an Airbnb welcome book is the go-to guide for your guests. It contains all the essential information about:

• your property (Wi-Fi code, amenities, rules, etc.)
• the neighborhood and its secrets
• local recommendations
• emergency contacts.

Imagine walking into a cafe for the first time, confused about whether you should place your order at the counter or wait for table service. That's exactly how a guest might feel arriving at your property without a welcome book.

It’s your guest’s first friend at their temporary home. Part guide, part communicator, part secret-keeper of the local gems they must explore.

Why is a welcome booklet essential?

A well-designed welcome booklet can greatly improve customer satisfaction, leading to better reviews and repeat bookings. It's the often-forgotten hero of hospitality!

Here's the direct impact a welcome booklet has:

• Improves traveler satisfaction
• Generates better reviews (more 5-star ratings)
• Encourages repeat bookings
• Drastically reduces questions and unwanted calls at any time of the day... or night!

The secret? Travelers feel taken care of from the moment they arrive, without having to contact you for every little detail.

Canva software: your design ally (even if you don't have any skills)

For those who aren't design-savvy, the process of creating a visually appealing welcome book can be downright intimidating.

Enter Canva templates, the digital 'Easy Button' of design. Canva offers a robust library of templates that can be customized with drag-and-drop simplicity, allowing you to focus on what really matters: content. This means even if you're not the next Picasso or Da Vinci, your welcome book can still look like a masterpiece.

Plus, Canva’s user-friendly platform is reachable from just about any device, any time, making updates a breeze as you see fit.

What information should be included in an Airbnb welcome book?

Creating a welcome book is like packing for a trip: include the essentials and leave the rest.

• First up, the heartfelt greeting: set the tone with a warm welcome message.
• Next, cover the basics: house rules (crafted as kindly suggestions of course, not a strict decree), Wi-Fi credentials (because, let’s face it, nobody remembers those off the top of their head), and emergency contacts.
• Dive deeper by including insider tips to local attractions, restaurants, and transportation options. Consider it your mission to ensure guests leave with stories they'll reminisce about for years.
• A simple check-in/check-out procedure should round things out.  
  

Customize Canva booklet templates in 5 steps

Customization is key to making your welcome booklet a true reflection of your style and brand.

1. Step 1: Create your Canva account

• Go to canva.com
• Sign up for free (Pro version recommended for more templates)

2. Step 2: Choose your template

• Search for "Welcome Book," "Guest Guide," or "Airbnb Guide"
• Filter by style (modern, minimalist, bohemian, luxury, etc.)
• Tip: Choose a maximum of 8-12 pages

3. Step 3: Adapt the colors to your property

• Seaside: Soothing blues, whites, touches of beige
• Mountain chalet: Rustic tones, forest greens, warm browns
• Urban apartment: Black/white, touches of bright color
• Country house: Soft greens, creams, natural tones

4. Step 4: Customize the typography

• Maximum of 2 different fonts
• Clear font for the body text
• Character font for titles
• Minimum size: 11pt for readability

5. Step 5: Add your photos and anecdotes

• Photos of your property at its best
• Photos of recommended places
• Personal anecdote about the neighborhood
• Your photo as a host (creates a connection)

Travelers will appreciate the personal touch that cannot be found in a standardized hotel guide.

What are the best practices for using a digital welcome book versus a physical one?

Choosing between digital and physical books is akin to the age-old debate of paperbacks versus eBooks.

While the nostalgic among us may argue for the tactile joy of a physical book, the practicality of a digital version is hard to dismiss—you’ll never need to print updated pages every time you change your Wi-Fi password. Digital welcome books offer the flexibility of instant updates, accessible directly from a guest's device (saving a tree in the process). However, a well-placed physical book can serve as a cozy, comforting physical reminder of your hospitality ethos right when the guest settles in with a cup of tea.
 

An Airbnb welcome book is a vital piece of your guest's experience puzzle, contributing to the seamless and memorable stay they will rave about. Canva provides the tools, templates, and ease of use necessary to draft a welcome book that is as informative as it is beautiful. Remember, it’s about balancing information with personalization, and with a bit of effort, your welcome book can set the tone for a 5-star guest review.

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Read more: Revolutionize your Airbnb rental with a digital welcome booklet, much better than a word template