Most hosts focus on getting booked once. Smart hosts build a system that brings guests back. Email marketing—done right—lets you stay top of mind, deliver value, and convert happy guests into loyal, repeat bookers. This guide shows you how to use simple but powerful email funnels to build guest relationships that last long after checkout.
Build Trust First, Then Convert
Before pitching a booking, offer your guests something genuinely helpful, like a seasonal travel calendar or local guide. This positions you as their go‑to local expert. For ways to confidently capture email addresses, see our tips on email capture best practices in Direct Booking Quadrant: Foundations for OTA Independence.
Segment Like a Pro
To tailor future emails, ask subscribers about their trip goals—family, romantic escape, or group adventure. For advice on crafting funnels that turn guests into repeat bookers, check out our deeper insights under Funnel Essentials in the same Direct Booking Quadrant post.
Deliver Value Monthly (Not Just Discounts)
Keep engagement high with monthly emails featuring local events, hidden gems, and insider tips—not just promotions. For inspiration on building trust through content, check our piece on building audience connection and relevance: Building a Brand Foundation with Steph Weber.
Use Drip Sequences to Stay Top of Mind
An automated sequence might look like this:
- Email 1 (Welcome): “Here are 5 can’t-miss spots in [Your Market]”
- Email 2: “Family trip? Don’t miss these kid-friendly gems.”
- Email 3: “Limited-time openings—book direct now!”
These drip emails keep your place in subscribers’ minds, at no OTA cost.
Offer Incentives Only When Timing Is Right
Once people trust you, dial in subtle calls-to-action like early booking discounts or loyalty bonuses sent via your email list—where it costs you nothing more.
Track What Works and Iterate
Monitor open rates, click timing, and unsubscribe trends to improve your content. These analytics help you optimize your funnel over time—see how we apply this in our Funnel Essentials strategy overview.
Conclusion & Call to Action:
An email funnel isn’t just marketing—it’s your guest loyalty engine. Start by offering one strong lead magnet, segment your next 10 subscribers, and schedule one monthly value email. Want help getting started?
📩 Dive deeper into direct booking systems at CraftedStays.co. Plus, for podcast listeners, check out STR Insights founder Kenny Bedwell on our Booked Solid show—discover how he’s building funnels that drive loyalty one stay at a time.