Overview
The Guest CRM (Customer Relationship Management) helps you manage the entire guest lifecycle - from initial inquiry to repeat booking. Track leads through your pipeline, nurture relationships, and convert one-time guests into loyal customers.
The CRM Pipeline
Guests move through stages based on their relationship status:
| Stage | Description | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Lead | Inquired but not booked | Follow up, send availability |
| Prospect | Engaged, considering booking | Offer incentives, answer questions |
| Booked | Has upcoming reservation | Pre-arrival communication |
| Current Guest | Currently staying | Ensure satisfaction |
| Past Guest | Completed stay | Request review, offer return discount |
| Repeat Guest | Multiple completed stays | VIP treatment, loyalty rewards |
| Inactive | No activity in 12+ months | Re-engagement campaign |
Managing Leads
-
Capture Lead Information
From inquiries, website forms, or manual entry
-
Assign Pipeline Stage
Categorize based on engagement level
-
Set Follow-Up Tasks
Schedule reminders for outreach
-
Track Interactions
Log all communications and updates
-
Move Through Pipeline
Update stage as relationship progresses
Guest Segmentation
Segment your guests for targeted marketing:
By Value
| Segment | Criteria |
|---|---|
| High Value | $5,000+ lifetime spend or 3+ stays |
| Medium Value | $1,000-$5,000 spend or 2 stays |
| New | First stay completed |
| At Risk | No booking in 9+ months |
By Behavior
- Direct Bookers - Always book direct (no OTA)
- Long Stays - Average stay 7+ nights
- Last Minute - Typically book within 2 weeks
- Seasonal - Book same season each year
- Weekend Warriors - Short weekend getaways
By Source
- Airbnb Guests
- Booking.com Guests
- Direct Website
- Referrals
- Corporate Accounts
CRM Activities
Follow-Up Tasks
Create tasks to nurture relationships:
- Post-inquiry follow-up (24 hours)
- Quote expiration reminder
- Post-stay check-in
- Annual re-engagement
- Birthday or special occasion outreach
Automated Campaigns
Set up automation for consistent outreach:
| Campaign | Trigger | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Series | First booking confirmed | Send property guide, tips |
| Win-Back | No activity 6 months | Discount offer email |
| Anniversary | 1 year since first stay | Thank you + loyalty offer |
| Referral Request | After positive review | Ask for referrals |
CRM Metrics
Track the health of your guest relationships:
| Metric | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Lead Conversion Rate | % of inquiries that book |
| Repeat Guest Rate | % of guests who return |
| Customer Lifetime Value | Average total spend per guest |
| Direct Booking Rate | % of repeat guests booking direct |
| Response Time | Average time to respond to inquiries |
| Inactive Guests | Number of guests gone cold |
Best Practices
- Respond Quickly - Reply to inquiries within 1 hour for best conversion
- Personalize Communication - Use guest name and reference past stays
- Segment Strategically - Different messages for different segments
- Track Everything - Log all interactions in the guest profile
- Automate Routine - Use automation for consistent follow-up
- Focus on VIPs - Give extra attention to high-value guests
- Ask for Feedback - Use surveys to improve service
- Reward Loyalty - Create incentives for repeat bookings
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