Struggling to get repeat bookings from past guests? Let me show you how to use email marketing to keep your rental top-of-mind—and your calendar full.

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The Guest Didn’t Ghost—You Just Never Emailed

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So, your guest had a great stay. They left a lovely review, maybe even took home a fridge magnet. But six months later? They’re booking someone else’s place. Ouch.

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That’s where email marketing steps in. It’s not just for online shops and “dear subscriber” spam. It’s your secret weapon to stay top of mind, fill your calendar, and build relationships that go way beyond one-night stands (I mean stays).

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In this episode, I’ll show you how to build a rock-solid email strategy—even if tech makes you want to run screaming. Stick around till the end, because I’ve got a pro tip that’ll save you HOURS every month!

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Email is Not Dead (And Neither Is Your Booking Rate)

If you’ve ever thought, “Who reads emails anymore?”—let me stop you right there. Your guests do. Stats show that email has an average ROI of $36 for every $1 spent. Yes, you read that right.

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Email marketing is personal. It lands directly in your guest’s pocket. And unlike social media, you’re not at the mercy of an algorithm that’s more moody than a teenager without Wi-Fi.

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🎧 Want to dive deeper? Tune into the Vacation Rental Resolutions podcast for real stories, tips, and interviews with top hosts.

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Step 1: Build That List (Without Being Creepy)

Start collecting emails before, during, and after a guest’s stay. But ask nicely. Here’s how:

• Pre-booking: Add a checkbox to your direct booking form: “Yes, I’d love to get local tips and exclusive offers!”

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• Check-in: Include a QR code in your welcome book or email that links to a guest perks page—ask for their email in exchange.

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• Post-stay: Follow up with a thank-you message asking if they’d like to stay in the loop.

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💡 Pro Tip: Use tools like Mailchimp or ConvertKit. They’re newbie-friendly, even if the idea of a “funnel” makes your head spin.

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Step 2: Write Emails People Actually Read

Think of your email like a note to a friend—not a corporate memo. If you wouldn’t say it out loud, don’t write it.

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Start with these:

• Welcome email: “Thanks for staying! Here’s a local guide for your next visit.”

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• Seasonal update: “The leaves are turning red, and we’ve got hot cider waiting.”

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• Special offers: “Come back this spring—20% off for returning guests.”

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👉 Don’t be afraid to inject your personality. Did a goat wander into your garden last week? Tell the story! These are the kinds of emails people actually forward.

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Step 3: Automate Like a Pro (Even If You Hate Tech)

Here’s that time-saving nugget I promised: automation.

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Email platforms let you set up automated sequences like:

• “7 days after check-out” thank-you note

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• “6 months later” birthday or anniversary promo

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• “1 year since last stay” rebooking incentive

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Once set up, they work while you sleep. Or while you’re dealing with a leaky tap and a panicked guest who can’t find the Wi-Fi code.

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📺 Want more tips? Head over to the Vacation Rental Resolutions YouTube channel for video walk-throughs and tutorials.

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What Should You Send? Here’s a Year of Ideas

Still staring at a blank screen? Here’s a quick calendar of email ideas:

• January – New Year update + promo

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• February – Romantic stays feature

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• March – Spring clean + property upgrades

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• April – Easter family package

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• May – Local events calendar

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• June – Summer activities guide

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• July – Mid-year review + special offer

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• August – Pet-friendly promo

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• September – Back-to-school getaway

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• October – Fall foliage photo contest

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• November – Early bird holiday bookings

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• December – Gratitude letter + bonus gift for rebooking

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Is This All Worth It?

Here’s a juicy stat: past guests are 5 times more likely to book again. And it’s cheaper to keep them than find new ones.

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Email marketing builds a long-term relationship. You’re not shouting into the void. You’re whispering to your best guests—and they’re listening.

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🌐 Don’t forget! Check out the Vacation Rental Resolutions website for guides, downloads, and more.

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Have you sent emails to past guests before? Did it lead to a booking—or crickets?

Drop a comment.

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Here Are You Key Takeaways

• Email isn’t dead. It’s your best tool for repeat bookings.
• Build your list early and naturally.
• Send emails that sound human—not corporate.
• Automate to save time and boost results.
• Seasonal and personal content keeps guests engaged.

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In Conclusion

Email marketing doesn’t need to be fancy. It just needs to be you. Real. Helpful. Thoughtful.

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Use these tips, and you’ll stop losing guests to someone else’s fridge magnet.

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If you want help getting started with marketing or operations, check out the “Launch Your First Vacation Rental” course, which is great for both current and aspiring owners. It’s packed with everything we wish we knew before our first listing.

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And hey, we’ve got more where this came from! You might want to check out “Engaging Effectively With Your Vacation Rental Target Market” episode 39. It pairs perfectly with today’s episode. You can find it in the Vacation Rental Resolutions website.

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🎥 Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes—and if you like what we’re creating, feel free to buy us a coffee.