Quick Start Guide - Your First 15 Minutes
Quick Start Guide - Your First 15 Minutes
Tier: All Plans ✅ (Trial, Growth, Business)
Time: 15 minutes
Prerequisites: Just your GuestLoop account!
Overview
Welcome to GuestLoop! This quick start guide will take you from zero to your first digital guidebook in just 15 minutes. By the end, you'll have a scannable QR code ready to place in your property and your first guest ready to access their personalized guidebook.
Your 15-Minute Checklist
Step 1: Create Your Property (3 min) ✅
Step 2: Add WiFi & Basic Info (2 min) ✅
Step 3: Customize Your Guidebook (5 min) ✅
Step 4: Generate Your QR Code (2 min) ✅
Step 5: Test the Guest Experience (3 min) ✅
Step 1: Create Your Property (3 minutes)
What You'll Do
Add your first vacation rental property to GuestLoop.
How to Do It
- Click "Properties" in the left sidebar
- Click "+ Add Property" (big purple button, top right)
- Fill in the essentials:
Property Name:
Example: "Beachside Cottage" or "Downtown Loft"
Keep it simple and descriptive.
Property Address:
Full address: 123 Beach Road, Miami, FL 33139
Guests will see this in the guidebook.
Property Type:
Select: House, Apartment, Cabin, etc.
Helps with organization.
- Click "Create Property"
✅ Done! Your property is created. Now let's add the critical info.
Step 2: Add WiFi & Basic Info (2 minutes)
What You'll Do
Add the #1 thing guests ask about: WiFi password!
How to Do It
- In your new property, click "Edit Guidebook"
- Find the "WiFi Information" section (should be Section 2)
- Click inside the section to edit
- Add your WiFi details:
Network Name: Your_WiFi_Name
Password: YourPassword123
How to Connect:
1. Open WiFi settings
2. Select "Your_WiFi_Name"
3. Enter password above
4. Connected!
- Click "Save" or click outside the section
Pro Tips
- ✅ Double-check the password (most common mistake!)
- ✅ Note if case-sensitive
- ✅ Mention router location (for troubleshooting)
✅ Done! WiFi = Happy Guests
Step 3: Customize Your Guidebook (5 minutes)
What You'll Do
Fill in the essential sections guests need.
Priority Sections
Section 1: Check-In Instructions (2 min)
Click the section and add:
Check-In Time: 3:00 PM
How to Access:
1. Lockbox on front door (code: 1234)
2. Key inside unlocks main door
3. Place key on kitchen counter when inside
Need help? Call me: (555) 123-4567
Section 3: House Rules (1 min)
Click and add basic rules:
🚭 No smoking (inside or out)
🐕 Sorry, no pets
🔇 Quiet hours: 10 PM - 8 AM
👥 Maximum occupancy: 6 guests
Thank you for respecting our home!
Section 8: Emergency Contacts (1 min)
Critical safety info:
🚨 Emergency: 911
Your Host: Sarah
📱 (555) 123-4567 (call/text anytime!)
Nearest Hospital:
City Hospital - 10 min drive
123 Hospital Rd | (555) 999-8888
Section 9: Check-Out Instructions (1 min)
Simple departure checklist:
Check-Out Time: 11:00 AM
Before You Leave:
✅ Trash in outdoor bins
✅ Start dishwasher
✅ Strip beds (leave linens on bathroom floor)
✅ Turn off AC/lights
✅ Lock all doors
✅ Leave key in lockbox
Thank you! Hope you had a great stay! ⭐
✅ Done! You've covered the essentials. You can add more details later!
Step 4: Generate Your QR Code (2 minutes)
What You'll Do
Create a printable QR code guests can scan to access the guidebook.
How to Do It
- Go back to Properties page (click "Properties" in sidebar)
- Find your property in the list
- Click the "QR" button (next to "Edit Guidebook")
- QR code page opens - you'll see:
- Large scannable QR code
- Property name
- Instructions for guests
- Click "Download PNG" or "Print"
What to Do With It
Option 1: Quick Print
- Print directly from browser
- Use regular paper
- Place on kitchen counter
Option 2: Professional Print (Recommended)
- Download PNG
- Upload to VistaPrint or FedEx
- Order 8x10" sign ($15-20)
- Frame and hang in property
Where to Place
Best locations:
- ✅ Kitchen counter (most visible)
- ✅ Inside front door (first thing they see)
- ✅ Living room coffee table
✅ Done! QR code ready for guests to scan!
Step 5: Test the Guest Experience (3 minutes)
What You'll Do
Make sure everything works before your first guest arrives.
How to Test
- Open your phone's camera
- Scan the QR code you just printed/downloaded
- Tap the notification that appears
- Enter a test email (use your own email)
- Access the guidebook
- Read through each section as if you're a guest
What to Check
✅ WiFi password is correct
✅ Check-in instructions are clear
✅ Emergency contacts are accurate
✅ All sections load properly
✅ No typos or errors
Mobile View
- Make sure text is readable
- Tap phone numbers (should offer to call)
- Tap address (should open maps)
- Check that it looks professional
✅ Done! You've successfully tested the guest experience!
🎉 Congratulations!
You're ready to welcome your first guest with GuestLoop!
What You've Accomplished
✅ Created your first property
✅ Added essential guest information
✅ Customized your guidebook
✅ Generated a scannable QR code
✅ Tested the complete guest experience
What Happens Next?
When Your Guest Arrives
- Guest scans QR code with phone camera
- Enters their email (one time only)
- Accesses digital guidebook instantly
- You get notified that they accessed it
- Guest is added to your CRM automatically
Benefits You'll See
Fewer Questions
- Guests find answers themselves
- No more "What's the WiFi?" texts
- Self-service experience
Better Reviews
- Professional presentation
- Easy access to information
- Modern, tech-savvy approach
Email List Building
- Every guest captured automatically
- Ready for email campaigns (Starter+ tier)
- Build your marketing database
Quick Wins: Do These Next
Within 24 Hours
1. Add More Guidebook Sections (10 min)
- Local restaurant recommendations
- Parking instructions
- Appliance instructions
2. Set Up Multiple Properties (5 min each)
- If you manage 2+ properties
- Each gets unique QR code
- Separate guidebooks
See: Managing Properties Guide
Within 1 Week
3. Import Your Bookings (Starter+ only)
- Upload CSV from Lodgify/Airbnb
- Build guest database
- Enable email capture
4. Send Your First SMS (Starter+ only)
- Welcome message to upcoming guests
- Include guidebook link
- 98% open rate!
Within 1 Month
5. Customize Branding (Starter+ only)
- Add your logo
- Match property colors
- Professional appearance
6. Launch Email Campaign (Starter+ only)
- To past guests
- Win-back offer
- Build repeat bookings
Common First-Day Questions
Q: Do I need to fill in every guidebook section right away?
A: No! Start with WiFi, Check-In, and Emergency Contacts. Add more as you have time.
Q: Can I edit the guidebook after creating it?
A: Yes! Edit anytime. Changes reflect immediately for all guests.
Q: What if I make a mistake in the guidebook?
A: Just edit and fix it. No harm done. Guests always see the latest version.
Q: How many properties can I add on Free plan?
A: 1 property on Free. Upgrade to Starter for up to 5 properties.
Q: Do guests need an app to scan the QR code?
A: No! Built-in camera app on any smartphone works.
Q: Can I see who accessed my guidebook?
A: Yes! Go to Guests page to see who provided their email and when.
Troubleshooting
Issue: QR Code Won't Scan
Solutions:
- Make sure code is flat (not wrinkled)
- Improve lighting
- Hold phone 6-12 inches away
- Print larger (try 6x6" or 8x8")
Issue: Can't Find Edit Button
Solutions:
- Make sure you clicked into the property first
- Look for "Edit Guidebook" purple button
- Refresh page if stuck
Issue: WiFi Password Not Showing
Solutions:
- Make sure you clicked "Save" after editing
- Hard refresh page (Ctrl+F5)
- Re-enter in WiFi section
Pro Tips from Successful Hosts
Tip 1: Keep It Simple
"I overthought my first guidebook. Guests just want WiFi, check-in, and local food spots. Add more later!" - Sarah, Beach House Host
Tip 2: Test Everything
"I printed the QR code but never tested it myself. The lockbox code I put in the guidebook was wrong! Always test!" - Mike, Mountain Cabin Owner
Tip 3: Update Often
"I update my local recommendations every 3 months. Guests love fresh tips. Takes 5 minutes." - Jennifer, Downtown Loft Host
Tip 4: Print Big
"My first QR code was too small. Guests couldn't scan it. Now I use 8x10" in a frame. Perfect!" - David, Vacation Rental Manager
Your Checklist (Print This!)
☐ Property created with name & address
☐ WiFi information added
☐ Check-in instructions complete
☐ House rules listed
☐ Emergency contacts added
☐ Check-out instructions written
☐ QR code generated
☐ QR code printed (or ordered)
☐ QR code placed in property
☐ Guest experience tested
☐ First guest welcomed!
Need More Help?
Learning Resources
Video Tutorials:
- Watch: Complete Setup (15 min)
- Watch: QR Code Placement Tips (5 min)
- Watch: First Guest Walkthrough (3 min)
Written Guides:
Get Support:
- Email: support@guestloop.com
- Live Chat: Click chat icon (bottom right)
- Community Forum: forum.guestloop.com
- Help Center: help.guestloop.com
Ready to Level Up?
Starter Plan Benefits
When you're ready for more features:
SMS Messaging 📱
- Send guidebook links before arrival
- 98% open rate
- 150 SMS/month included
Email Campaigns 📧
- Win back past guests
- Unlimited campaigns
- Template variables
Custom Branding 🎨
- Add your logo
- Custom colors
- Professional look
Congratulations Again! 🎉
You've completed the Quick Start and are ready to provide an amazing digital experience for your guests!
What You're Now Ready For:
✅ First guest arrival - Guidebook is live
✅ Professional presentation - QR code in place
✅ Self-service experience - Guests help themselves
✅ Automatic email capture - Building your list
✅ Better reviews - Modern, helpful approach
Next Step: Wait for your first guest to scan the QR code and watch the magic happen! 🚀
Welcome to the GuestLoop family! Here's to happier guests and better reviews! 🏠✨
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