Creating & Editing Digital Guidebooks

Tier: All Plans (Trial/Growth/Business)
Time: 10-15 minutes
Prerequisites: At least one property created

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Overview

Digital guidebooks are the heart of GuestLoop. They provide guests with all the information they need for their stay while capturing their email addresses for your marketing database. This guide covers everything you need to create stunning, professional guidebooks for your properties.

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What is a Digital Guidebook?

A digital guidebook is a mobile-optimized website that contains:

• WiFi passwords
• Check-in/check-out instructions
• House rules
• Appliance instructions
• Local recommendations
• Emergency contacts
• Parking information
• And any custom information you want to share

Key Benefits:

• Updates instantly (no reprinting needed)
• Always accessible on guests' phones
• Captures guest emails automatically
• Looks professional and branded
• Saves you from answering repetitive questions

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Accessing the Guidebook Editor

Method 1: From Properties Page

1. Navigate to Properties in the left sidebar
2. Find your property in the list
3. Click the "Edit Guidebook" button (purple button)

Method 2: From Dashboard

1. In the Quick Actions section
2. Click "Edit Guidebook"
3. Select which property (if you have multiple on paid plans)

Method 3: Direct URL

Visit: /dashboard/properties/{property-id}/guidebook

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Guidebook Editor Interface

The guidebook editor is split into two main sections:

Left Side: Guidebook Sections

This is where you manage and edit all content sections. Each section has:

• Title: The heading guests will see
• Description: A preview of the content
• Icon: Visual indicator of section type
• Actions: Edit, Preview (👁️), Delete buttons

Right Side: Live Preview

Shows exactly how guests will see your guidebook on their mobile devices, including:

• Your property header/hero image
• All sections in order
• Your branding (logo, colors on Growth+)
• The responsive mobile layout

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Default Guidebook Sections

When you create a new guidebook, GuestLoop provides 9 default sections:

1. 📶 WiFi Information

What to Include:

• Network name (SSID)
• Password
• Instructions for connecting
• Backup/guest WiFi details

Auto-Fill Feature:
Network name and password are automatically filled from your Property Settings!

Example:

Network Name: MyRentalWiFi
Password: Welcome2024!

Connect by selecting our network and entering the password.
Guest network also available: MyRentalWiFi-Guest (no password)

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2. 🔑 Check-in Instructions

What to Include:

• Key/lockbox location
• Access codes (if applicable)
• Parking instructions
• Entry process step-by-step
• What to do upon arrival

Tips:

• Be very specific with locations
• Include photos if possible
• Test your instructions with a friend
• Update immediately if codes change

Example:

Welcome! Here's how to access your rental:

1. Park in spot #12 (see parking section for map)
2. The lockbox is on the front door handle
3. Code: 5678# (press # after entering)
4. Key inside opens both front and back doors
5. Return key to lockbox when leaving

If you have any trouble, call: (555) 123-4567

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3. 📋 House Rules

What to Include:

• Smoking policy
• Pet policy
• Quiet hours
• Guest limits
• Party policy
• Special rules

Example:

To ensure a great stay for everyone:

• No smoking anywhere on the property
• No pets allowed (service animals welcome)
• Quiet hours: 10 PM - 8 AM
• Maximum occupancy: 6 guests
• No parties or events
• Please remove shoes at the entrance
• Turn off all lights and lock doors when leaving

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4. 🏠 Appliance Instructions

What to Include:

• TV/streaming setup
• Thermostat/climate control
• Kitchen appliances
• Washer/dryer
• Any special equipment

Example:

TV & Entertainment:
- Turn on with remote (in drawer below TV)
- Netflix is available (please don't change password)
- Use "HDMI 1" for cable box

Climate Control:
- Thermostat on hallway wall
- Please keep between 68-74°F
- Turn OFF when windows are open

Kitchen:
- Dishwasher: Add detergent pod, close, press START
- Coffee maker: Pods in drawer below
- Please don't use the cast iron pan in dishwasher

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5. 📍 Local Recommendations

What to Include:

• Favorite restaurants
• Must-see attractions
• Hidden gems
• Shopping areas
• Grocery stores
• Emergency services

Pro Tips:

• Include walking distances or drive times
• Add phone numbers
• Note if reservations are needed
• Share insider tips

Example:

Our Favorite Spots:

Restaurants:
• Blue Water Cafe - Amazing seafood, 5-min drive
  Must-try: Lobster roll. Reservations recommended.
• Main Street Pizza - Best pizza in town, walk 10 min
• Coffee House - Great breakfast, opens at 6 AM

Attractions:
• Historic Lighthouse - Beautiful sunset spot, 15 min
• Beach Access - End of Oak Street, 3 min walk
• Farmer's Market - Saturdays 8 AM-1 PM, downtown

Grocery:
• Stop & Shop - Full service, 5 min drive
• Corner Market - Basics, walking distance

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6. 🅿️ Parking Information

What to Include:

• Where to park
• Parking permits/passes
• Street parking rules
• Overnight parking
• Multiple car instructions

Example:

Parking Details:

Primary Parking:
- Use driveway space on right side
- Fits 2 cars (pull in head-first)
- Parking permit on dashboard (in glove box)

Additional Parking:
- Street parking allowed on Oak Street
- No permit needed for street
- 2-hour limit Mon-Fri 8 AM-6 PM (unlimited nights/weekends)

Important:
- Don't block neighbor's driveway
- Move car by 8 AM on Tuesday (street cleaning)

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7. 🗑️ Trash & Recycling

What to Include:

• Collection days
• What goes where
• Bin locations
• Recycling rules
• Special disposal instructions

Example:

Trash Collection: Every Tuesday morning
Recycling: Every Tuesday morning

Where to Put Bins:
- Roll bins to curb Monday evening
- Bring back in after collection

What Goes Where:
• Black bin: Regular trash
• Blue bin: Plastics, paper, cardboard, glass
• Brown bin: Yard waste only

Please:
- Tie all trash bags before putting in bins
- Break down cardboard boxes
- Don't overfill bins

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8. 🚨 Emergency Contacts

What to Include:

• Your phone number
• Backup contact
• Property manager
• Emergency services
• Nearest hospital
• Utility company numbers

IMPORTANT: Always update this section immediately!

Example:

Your Host:
Name: John Smith
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: john@example.com
Best times to call: 9 AM - 9 PM

Backup Contact (if host unavailable):
Property Manager: Sarah Johnson
Phone: (555) 987-6543

Emergencies:
• Fire/Police/Ambulance: 911
• Non-emergency police: (555) 111-2222
• Nearest Hospital: Memorial Hospital
  Address: 123 Health St
  Phone: (555) 222-3333

Utilities:
• Electric: (555) 444-5555
• Water: (555) 666-7777
• Gas: (555) 888-9999

Lock yourself out? Call host immediately!

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9. 👋 Check-out Instructions

What to Include:

• Check-out time
• What to clean/not clean
• Key return
• Thermostat settings
• Final checklist

Example:

Check-out Time: 11:00 AM

Before You Leave:
1. Strip beds and put sheets in laundry room
2. Start dishwasher if you used dishes
3. Take out trash to bins
4. Close and lock all windows
5. Turn thermostat to 68°F (winter) or 76°F (summer)
6. Turn off all lights
7. Return key to lockbox
8. Lock front door (it locks automatically)

No Need To:
- Vacuum or mop (cleaning service handles this)
- Wash sheets or towels
- Clean kitchen deeply

Forgot Something?
Call us within 48 hours and we'll check for you!

Thank you for staying with us! 
We hope you had a wonderful time.

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Adding Custom Sections

Beyond the default sections, you can add unlimited custom sections:

To Add a New Section:

1. Click "+ Add Section" button at the top
2. Choose a section type or create custom
3. Enter title and content
4. Choose an icon (emoji or from library)
5. Click "Save Section"

Custom Section Ideas:

• Pet Instructions (if you allow pets)
• Hot Tub/Pool Rules
• Boat/Kayak Usage
• Hiking Trail Maps
• Ski Area Information
• Special Events Calendar
• Kids Activities
• Rainy Day Suggestions
• Photo Spots
• Local History

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Editing Sections

To Edit Any Section:

1. Click the "Edit" button next to the section
2. A modal will open with the content editor
3. Make your changes
4. Click "Save" or "Cancel"

Rich Text Editor Features:

• Bold, Italic, Underline text
• Bullet points and numbered lists
• Headers (H1, H2, H3)
• Links to external websites
• Line breaks and spacing
• Emoji support

Tips for Good Content:

✅ Do:

• Write conversationally ("Welcome!" not "Guests will...")
• Be specific with directions
• Include phone numbers and addresses
• Break up long paragraphs
• Use bullet points for lists
• Add personal touches

❌ Don't:

• Use all caps (SEEMS LIKE SHOUTING)
• Include outdated information
• Forget to proofread
• Be vague ("nearby" - how far exactly?)
• Overcomplicate simple instructions

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Reordering Sections

Sections appear to guests in the order you set:

To Reorder:

1. Drag and drop sections using the handle icon
2. The most important info should be at the top
3. Emergency contacts should be easy to find
4. Check-out instructions can be at the bottom

Recommended Order:

1. WiFi Information (guests need this immediately)
2. Check-in Instructions
3. House Rules
4. Appliance Instructions
5. Local Recommendations
6. Parking Information
7. Trash & Recycling
8. Emergency Contacts
9. Check-out Instructions

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Deleting Sections

To Delete a Section:

1. Click the "Delete" button next to the section
2. Confirm the deletion
3. Section is permanently removed

Warning: This cannot be undone! Make sure you don't need the content.

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Preview Your Guidebook

Live Preview (Right Side)

The right panel shows a real-time preview as guests will see it:

• Mobile phone frame
• Your property header
• All sections in order
• Accurate styling and branding

Full Preview Mode:

1. Click the 👁️ "Preview" button next to any section
2. Or scroll through the right-side preview panel
3. Check:
   • Typos and grammar
   • Link functionality
   • Information accuracy
   • Mobile readability

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Branding & Design (Growth+ Only)

If you're on the Growth or Business plan, customize your guidebook's appearance:

To Access Branding Settings:

1. Click "🎨 Branding & Design" at the top right
2. Or go to Property Settings → Guidebook Design

What You Can Customize:

• Logo: Upload your property logo
• Primary Color: Main brand color for buttons and headers
• Secondary Color: Accent colors
• Hero Image: Main property photo at top
• Font Style: Typography preferences
• Button Style: Rounded or square buttons

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Publishing Your Guidebook

Good news: Guidebooks are automatically published!

Any changes you make are live immediately. No "publish" button needed.

Guidebook URL

Your guidebook lives at:

https://your-domain.com/g/{property-id}

How Guests Access It:

1. QR Code: Print and place in property (most common)
2. Direct Link: Send via SMS or email
3. Booking Confirmation: Include in booking emails
4. Check-in Message: Text on arrival day

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Print Your Guidebook

Need a physical backup? GuestLoop can generate a beautiful PDF:

To Print:

1. Click "Print Guidebook" button at top right
2. Select what to include:
   • All sections
   • Specific sections only
   • With or without WiFi password
3. Click "Generate PDF"
4. Download and print

Use Cases:

• Guest binder backup
• Property insurance documentation
• Partner/team member reference
• Offline access for guests

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Tips for Great Guidebooks

1. Keep It Updated

• Review quarterly
• Update immediately when info changes
• Remove closed businesses
• Add new recommendations

2. Add Personal Touches

• Share why you love certain spots
• Include insider tips
• Tell brief stories about the property
• Welcome guests warmly

3. Think Like a Guest

• What questions do guests always ask?
• What do they struggle to find?
• What would you want to know?
• Test with friends/family

4. Use Photos (Coming Soon)

• Hero image of property
• Photos in custom sections
• Maps and diagrams
• Visual instructions

5. Be Comprehensive But Concise

• Include everything needed
• Don't overwhelm with too much
• Use sections to organize
• Key info at the top

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Common Questions

Q: Can guests edit the guidebook?

A: No, guidebooks are read-only for guests. Only you can edit content.

Q: Do I need a separate guidebook for each property?

A: Yes, each property has its own unique guidebook and URL.

Q: What if I have multiple units in one building?

A: You can either:

• Create one shared guidebook for building info
• Create separate guidebooks for unit-specific details
• Use custom sections to address different units

Q: Can I duplicate a guidebook?

A: Not yet, but you can copy/paste content between properties. Duplicate feature coming soon!

Q: Is there a character limit?

A: No hard limit, but we recommend keeping sections under 500 words for readability.

Q: Can I embed videos?

A: Not currently. You can link to YouTube or Vimeo videos though!

Q: What languages are supported?

A: You can write content in any language. Auto-translation available on Growth+ plans (1 language on Growth, 5 on Business).

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Troubleshooting

Changes Aren't Showing

1. Hard refresh the preview (Ctrl+F5 or Cmd+Shift+R)
2. Clear browser cache
3. Check you clicked "Save" not "Cancel"
4. Try a different browser

Can't Upload Logo

(Growth+ feature)

1. Check file size (max 5MB)
2. Use JPG, PNG, or SVG format
3. Try compressing the image
4. Clear browser cache and retry

Section Won't Delete

1. Make sure you clicked "Confirm"
2. Refresh the page and try again
3. Some default sections can be hidden but not deleted
4. Contact support if issue persists

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What's Next?

Now that your guidebook is ready:

1. ✅ Generate QR Codes for guest access
2. ✅ View Guest-Facing Guidebook to test experience
3. ✅ Set Up Custom Branding (Growth+)
4. ✅ Import Your Bookings to start capturing emails

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Need Help?

• Examples: See sample guidebooks at /examples
• Support: support@guestloop.com
• Community: Share your guidebook in the forum for feedback
• Video Tutorial: Watch: Creating Your First Guidebook

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A great guidebook = Happy guests + Fewer questions + More 5-star reviews! ⭐