How to Make an Airbnb Guidebook on Canva For Your Guests

Providing a positive guest experience isn’t just good hospitality; it’s essential to a successful Airbnb business. One way you can go above and beyond is by creating a fully custom, beautiful Airbnb guidebook in Canva.

It’s a simple and free way to elevate your guests’ experience. You’re giving them everything they need to know about staying at your property, before they even have to ask!

Learn exactly how to create your own Airbnb guidebook and start using it today.

Key Takeaways:

• Why your Airbnb needs a guidebook

• What an Airbnb guidebook needs to have in it

• Why Canva is the best option for creating your guidebook

• Step-by-step instructions for designing on Canva

• Extra Airbnb guidebook tips

Why Every Airbnb Needs a Guest Guide Book

The difference between an average stay and a memorable one often comes down to guest experience. You could have the exact same house in the same location with the same amenities, but the Airbnb with a better experience will earn a higher review.

A guidebook helps guests feel welcome, informed, and cared for. You’re anticipating their needs and answering questions before they even have an opportunity to ask (which is great for their experience and also prevents you from answering a ton of questions all the time!)

Canva makes creating an Airbnb guidebook super easy. It will look beautiful, even if you aren’t a designer!

What to Include in an Airbnb Guidebook

Did you jump into Canva without thinking about what needs to be in your Airbnb guidebook? Hold your horses! 

These are some key elements to include in your guidebook that will help guests during their stay:

• Welcome Basket or Message: A personal note introducing yourself and thanking guests for choosing your property.

• House Rules: Clear, friendly reminders about quiet hours, smoking policy, etc.

• Check-In/Check-Out Info: Step-by-step instructions and any access details (keypad code, parking, etc.).

• Wi-Fi + Essentials: Passwords, appliance guides, thermostat info.

• Local Recommendations: Restaurants, attractions, hidden gems.

• Emergency Info: Important phone numbers, the nearest hospital, or the nearest pharmacy.

• Departure Instructions: How to leave the property (laundry, trash, key return).

Add anything else unique to your property into the Airbnb guidebook!

Why Use Canva for Your Airbnb Guidebook

Okay, more about why I love Canva for creating an Airbnb guidebook!

It's a super user-friendly platform. Canva has a drag-and-drop interface that any beginner can use.

You don’t have to start your design from scratch. Canva has dozens of pre-made templates designed specifically for Airbnb and vacation rentals. Just select the template, and customize it with your brand colors, logo, and photos of your property. Simple as that!

You can also purchase my Airbnb guidebook template that you can edit in Canva. It’s perfectly made with everything you need to include in your guidebook. Shop here!

When you’re done creating your masterpiece, you can download it as a PDF to print and have a card copy at your property, or share it digitally via Airbnb messages. You can decide or do both!

Step-by-Step: How to Make an Airbnb Guidebook on Canva

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to actually create an Airbnb guidebook on Canva.

1. Create a Free Canva Account (or log in).

2. Search for “Airbnb Guidebook” or “Welcome Book” templates, and choose a layout that fits your vibe — minimalist, modern, boho, etc.

3. Customize the Template: Add your logo or property name, replace stock images with photos of your space, and update icons, colors, and fonts to match your aesthetic. You may also need to add or remove pages from the template.

4. Fill in Your Content: Use the “what to include in your Airbnb guidebook” section above!

5. Proofread and Double-Check All Details: Make sure everything is accurate before printing or sending to guests!

6. Export: Download as PDF or share a digital link.

The great thing about Canva is that your designs are automatically saved to your account. If anything changes in the future and you need to update your Airbnb guidebook, simply follow these steps again. No lost files and starting over!

Pro Tips for a Polished Guest Experience

Want to go above and beyond for your guests? Keep your guidebook consistent with your Airbnb’s branding (colors, tone, and design). This creates a cohesive experience that your guests will appreciate.

Include QR codes linking to local maps, restaurant menus, or your Instagram. This is an easy way for people to access resources they may need during their stay.

I always think it’s nice to offer a printed copy at home and a digital version in your Airbnb messages. You never know how your guests will prefer to access information or if they might need a digital version while they’re out and about.

Update it regularly with seasonal recommendations or new amenities. Simply add another page in Canva, print it, and add it to your guest book. It makes the guest book feel updated and relevant to your guests during their stay.

Give Guests the Gift of a Seamless Stay

An Airbnb guidebook on Canva is easy to make, beautiful to share, and memorable for guests. It will set you apart from other Airbnb properties by offering something unique and helpful. Try making your first guidebook on Canva this week! Share it with me on social media so I can see your beautiful work!

FAQs About an Airbnb Guidebook

How to create an Airbnb guidebook?

The easiest way to create an Airbnb guidebook is on Canva. Use the steps in this blog to help you start!

Can you upload a guidebook to Airbnb?

If you’ve designed a custom guidebook in Canva, you can’t upload the full PDF to Airbnb, but you can share it by uploading it to Google Drive or Dropbox and sharing the link in your welcome message or house manual. You can also send the link via Airbnb’s guest messaging before check-in or print a copy to leave in your rental property.

How do I add a PDF to Airbnb?

Airbnb doesn’t currently allow direct file uploads in your listing description or house manual. However, you can easily share a PDF using a link.

Does Canva have a book template?

Yes! Canva offers hundreds of book-style templates, including “Airbnb Guidebook,” “Welcome Book,” “House Manual,” and “Vacation Rental Guide.” Pick your favorite, and start customizing it!