Creating an exceptional Airbnb guest experience while managing your short-term rental remotely is no longer a far-fetched dream. With the rise of digital Airbnb guidebooks, hosts can maintain high guest satisfaction, reduce repetitive communication, and keep everything running like clockwork — all without being physically present.
In this ultimate guide, we explore how to manage Airbnb remotely using a professional digital guidebook. Whether you're just starting out or scaling your vacation rental business, you'll discover how to boost your efficiency and guest reviews while reducing stress. We’re going to cover:
- What is an Airbnb guidebook?
- Why are digital Airbnb guidebooks important?
- What is the difference between digital Airbnb guidebooks vs. printed manuals?
- How to create a digital guidebook for Airbnb?
- How to share digital Airbnb guidebooks?
- How to write the perfect Airbnb guidebook?
- Tips and tricks for creating Airbnb digital guidebooks
- 10 best Airbnb guidebook examples
- Final thoughts
92% of Touch Stay users are already saving time managing guests! Start reclaiming your precious time with a digital Airbnb guidebook
What is an Airbnb guidebook?
A digital Airbnb guidebook is an interactive and easy-to-access collection of essential information about your Airbnb listing. It's designed to help guests navigate their stay with ease, from understanding the Wi-Fi password to discovering local restaurants.
These digital guidebooks are accessible from any device and can include:
- Property instructions (how to use appliances, where to find items)
- Local area recommendations
- Emergency contacts
- Check-in/check-out details
Unlike static welcome folders, digital Airbnb guidebooks evolve with your property and guest needs, making them the cornerstone of managing an Airbnb remotely.
Why are digital Airbnb guidebooks important?
Whether you're wondering how to run Airbnb remotely or simply looking to reduce guest questions and save time, a digital guidebook is essential.
Benefits for hosts:
- Fewer repetitive messages from guests
- Streamlined communication and reduced workload
- Professional presentation of your property
- Time-saving automation of key guest information
Benefits for guests:
- Quick, clear answers at their fingertips
- A seamless and independent guest experience
- Access to local tips and property-specific details in one place
By investing in a great guidebook, you’re investing in your remote Airbnb management success.
Pro tip: Discover how to create sticky guidebook content your readers will love.
What is the difference between digital Airbnb guidebooks vs. printed manuals?
Printed manuals were once the go-to, but today’s guests expect digital convenience. Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Printed manual | Digital guidebook |
| Accessibility | Onsite only | Accessible anywhere |
| Updated | Inconvenient | Instantly editable |
| Visuals | Limited | Rich media (photos, videos, interactive elements) |
| Sharing | Physical only | Link, QR code, or embed |
| Eco-friendliness | Paper use | 100% paperless |
If you’re serious about managing Airbnb remotely, switching to digital is non-negotiable!
Pro tip: To save you time, we’ve compiled a list of the most commonly asked guest questions for you to include in your digital Airbnb guidebook.
How to create a digital guidebook for Airbnb
Create a guidebook on Airbnb
Airbnb allows hosts to create a basic guidebook directly on their platform. Here’s how:
- Go to your Airbnb profile and select “Listings.”
- Click on the listing you want to edit.
- Scroll to “Guidebook” and click “Create a Guidebook.”
- Add local places, descriptions, and photos.
- Save and publish.
While convenient, Airbnb’s built-in option is limited in scope, personalisation, and branding.
Utilise Touch Stay for digital Airbnb guidebooks
Touch Stay offers a polished, customisable, and brandable alternative to Airbnb's basic guidebook.
Here’s how to create one:
- Sign up for a Touch Stay account.
- Select a template or create a guide from scratch.
- Input content: house details, rules, maps, videos, FAQs, and more.
- Customise your branding and cover image.
- Generate a unique shareable link or QR code.
Why choose Touch Stay?
- More content flexibility than Airbnb
- Offline access for guests
- Better design and usability
- Streamlined automation through integrations with property management systems
How to share digital Airbnb guidebooks
Once your guidebook is complete, make sure guests can find it easily:
- Add the link to your Airbnb welcome message
- Include the QR code in your listing photos
- Mention it in your check-in instructions
- Embed the guidebook on your rental website
- Print a QR code and frame it inside your property
With Touch Stay, sharing is effortless — just copy and paste the link or use the automatically generated QR code.
Pro tip: Watch our guide on how to quickly set up your Touch Stay digital Airbnb guidebook…
How to write the perfect Airbnb guidebook
A well-structured guidebook covers every detail your guest might need.
1. Welcome message
Set the tone with a warm, personal greeting. Include:
- Your name
- Gratitude for their booking
- A short overview of what’s inside the guide
2. Check-in and check-out times and procedures
Be clear and specific. Include:
- Check-in/out hours
- Key collection or smart lock instructions
- Late check-out rules
3. Emergency information and contacts
Help guests stay safe. Provide:
- Local emergency numbers
- Your contact details
- Nearest hospital or clinic
Pro tip: check out our comprehensive guide to Airbnb safety
4. Outline and map of the house
A floor plan helps guests orient themselves. Add:
- Room-by-room descriptions
- Where to find essentials (e.g. extra towels)
5. House and community rules
Set expectations up front. Cover:
- Smoking policy
- Pet rules
- Noise curfews
Pro tip: Discover how to personalise your digital Airbnb guidebook for pet-friendly properties
6. Practical information for appliances and amenities
Make your home user-friendly. Include:
- How-to guides for heating, oven, Wi-Fi, etc.
- Troubleshooting tips
7. Travel and transportation tips
Guests love local insights. Add:
- Nearest public transport stops
- Local taxi numbers
- Parking instructions
8. Recommendations for local attractions and services
Give guests an unforgettable trip. Include some local insider knowledge, like your favourite ‘off-the-beaten-path’ places and other things guests might not find in a standard guidebook:
- Restaurants, cafés, pubs
- Museums, walks, beaches
- Supermarkets and delivery services
Pro tip: Impress guests by being the local area expert! Learn how (and why) to create the perfect Local Area Guide.
Tips and tricks for creating Airbnb digital guidebooks
1. Create concise and useful content
Use plain English. Be friendly and informative, but avoid unnecessary fluff.
2. Add beautiful and unique photos
Showcase your home and surroundings with high-quality images.
3. Keep your Airbnb digital guidebook up-to-date
Update regularly with seasonal information and appliance changes.
4. Create a PDF version of your guidebook
While Touch Stay digital guidebooks are available offline, offer guests the option to download and print if they prefer.
5. Create additional useful content on your website
Add blog posts, area guides, and FAQs to your site. Use Mangools to easily research SEO keywords to attract organic traffic.
6. Add personal tips and recommendations
Tell guests where you get your morning coffee or the best hiking spots nearby. It adds a human touch.
7. Utilise user-generated content
Include guest-submitted photos, testimonials, or links to positive reviews for social proof.
10 best Airbnb guidebook examples
Check out 10 of our favourite Touch Stay digital Airbnb guidebooks, made by real short-term rental hosts like you!
1. Captivate guests with stunning imagery
Check the image below to see how Paperbark Camp in New South Wales, Australia, has used high quality photos and videos to capture their guests’ attention and build pre-arrival excitement.
2. Use video to maximise guest enjoyment
Check below to discover how Jim and Barbara from Asheville Hillside Hideaway in North Carolina, US, have used videos to simplify delivering complex instructions, like how to use the hot tub, and much more!
3. Provide easily digestible information
Andy Morris of Seattle Vacation Home manages 50 short-term rental properties. Check his guidebook below to see how he’s structured huge amounts of info for his guests to easily understand.
4. Engage guests with tips and fun facts
Select Jenny and Mark’s digital guidebook to see all the little details they’ve included - from recommended oven settings, to the correct pronunciation of local towns close to their Airbnb in Ellingham, UK.
5. Imbue your unique warmth and hospitality
Click on Jo and Ben’s digital Airbnb guidebook for their Devon property to learn how they communicate lots of technical information without sacrificing any warmth in their tone.
6. Encourage longer stays and repeat bookings
Explore this digital Airbnb guidebook to see how detailed room information and an in-depth Local Area Guide create a thoroughly thoughtful guide that’ll tempt guests to stay longer.
7. Be memorable for sharing inspired ideas
Check the Parkland digital Airbnb guidebook to see how they go above and beyond to ensure their campers will never be bored! They’ve created a wealth of local recommendations…
8. Welcome international guests easily
Click on this digital Airbnb guidebook to see how the Touch Stay translation tool works. Tap the globe icon at the top of the HOME tab to translate into English, German, French or Dutch!
9. Build memorability with custom branding
Click on this digital Airbnb guidebook to see how Alp Safari Nex uses it to showcase their brand. Their guests know exactly who to return to and recommend to friends!
10. Balance boring yet important with feel-good factor
Happy Campers Co. in Western Australia balances technical information (essential for RV operators!) with a fun, friendly tone. They make their renters feel informed and welcomed from the get-go.
Final thoughts
The digital Airbnb guidebook has emerged as an indispensable tool for modern short-term rental hosts. It not only streamlines operations and reduces the burden of repetitive guest questions but also significantly enhances the overall guest experience. By providing readily accessible, comprehensive, and engaging information, hosts can empower their guests, foster independence, and ultimately garner better reviews and increased satisfaction.
Whether you opt for the basic functionality offered by Airbnb or leverage the advanced customisation and branding capabilities Touch Stay, embracing a digital approach is a clear pathway to more efficient remote management and a thriving vacation rental business. So, take the leap, create your perfect digital guidebook, and unlock the full potential of your Airbnb listing.
Ready to turbocharge your Airbnb hosting game? Sign up today and create your digital Airbnb guidebook in minutes!
