How to turn your Airbnb travelers into direct customers (and save 15%)

Platform independence: the new challenge for hosts

Airbnb and Booking are great tools for finding new travelers. But this visibility comes at a price: between 15% and 20% commission on each transaction. For a host who manages several accommodations without concierge services, these fees often represent a colossal share of the net margin.

The challenge is simple: how do you get a traveler who has discovered you on a platform to book their next visit directly with you? The answer lies not in expensive advertising, but in the intelligent use of your digital welcome booklet.

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1. Capturing attention at the right moment

Unlike a paper manual that eventually gathers dust, the digital booklet is consulted several times a day by the traveler (for Wi-Fi, codes, or your local recommendations).

This is the ideal place to place your loyalty offer. A dedicated "Book your next stay" block at the end of the booklet is far more effective than a business card tucked away in a drawer. Travelers are already in the positive experience of their stay; this is the moment when they are most receptive.

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2. The irresistible offer: the "Win-Win" advantage

To convince a traveler to leave the reassuring comfort of a platform, you need to offer clear added value.

• Price leverage:** Systematically offer a discount (e.g. -10%). As you no longer pay commission to Airbnb, you remain more profitable while being less expensive for the customer.
• Exclusive leverage:** Offer a benefit that platforms can't guarantee, such as a free "Early Check-in" or a personalized welcome pack for loyal customers.

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3. Using the booklet to build your database

Customer data is the key to direct booking. Unfortunately, platforms often hide travelers' actual emails. The digital welcome booklet is an elegant way of getting around this obstacle:

• Offer a "Secret City Guide" block accessible in exchange for a subscription to your newsletter.
• Invite travelers to join your referral program via a direct button in the booklet.

Once you have the traveler's email address (with their consent), you can recontact them during off-peak periods with special offers, a strategy we particularly recommend to conciergeries wishing to scale their business.

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4. Building trust through professionalism

Why do people book on platforms? For security. For a traveler to accept to book directly, he must have total confidence in you. An ultra-professional, fluid and complete digital welcome booklet sends a strong signal of seriousness. If your digital welcome is impeccable, the traveler will have no fear of making a direct transaction with you next time.

As we pointed out in our [paper vs digital booklet] comparison (/blog/paper-accueil-booklet-vs-digital-the-comparative), the modernity of your tools reflects the quality of your service.

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5. The strategic check-out reminder

Check-out time is crucial. In your automated check-out procedure, don't forget to insert a "Come back and see us" block.

• Tip:** Generate a unique promo code (e.g. MERCI10) displayed only in this section. The traveler leaves with the intention of purchasing your property for a future stay, or recommending it to friends and family.

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Conclusion: Your booklet, your direct sales channel

The welcome booklet should no longer be seen as a simple help center, but as a genuine marketing channel. By centralizing your information and promoting your own brand rather than that of the platforms, you regain control of your business and your margins.

Every traveler who scans your QR Code is an opportunity to transform a one-off transaction into a lasting customer relationship.

**Do you want to start building loyalty with your travelers today? Activate your "Direct Booking" block on WonderGuest and boost your profitability