When running a short-term rental, guest experience is everything. From comfortable beds to a seamless check-in process, every detail matters—and one of the most overlooked but crucial elements is your WiFi network name and password. Guests expect fast, reliable internet access, and providing it efficiently is key to positive reviews. But what if you could turn your WiFi setup into a marketing tool as well?
In this post, we'll explore why the ideal WiFi network name for your short-term rental is your direct booking site URL, and why the perfect password should encourage guests to book directly with you next time, like bookdirect2save20percent. This simple strategy not only gives guests easy access to the internet but also reinforces your brand and drives more direct bookings, saving you on platform fees.
Why Your WiFi Network Name Matters
When guests arrive at your property, the first thing they often ask for is the WiFi details. It’s a necessity in today’s digital world—whether they need it to check emails, stream content, or plan their next adventure.
Traditionally, many hosts use generic network names or the default ones provided by the internet service provider, like "Netgear123" or "GuestHouseWiFi." However, you’re missing an opportunity to reinforce your brand and communicate something valuable by choosing a network name that simply blends in. That’s where a direct booking site URL comes into play.
For example, imagine your WiFi network name is “mainevacationrentals.com.” Every time your guests connect to the internet, they’re reminded of your website. It’s subtle yet powerful, helping them associate your brand with a smooth experience. Even if they initially booked your property through a third-party platform like Airbnb or Booking.com, your network name can point them directly to your own website for future bookings.
Here’s why it works:
While the WiFi network name serves as a reminder of your brand, the password can serve as a direct call to action. Using a password like "bookdirect2save20percent" does more than just provide access—it incentivizes guests to visit your site and book directly with you next time.
Here’s why this combination is genius:
Guest Engagement: A simple password like "bookdirect2save20percent" encourages guests to look into what the offer is about. If they loved their stay, they’ll be interested in saving money on their next booking, which brings them directly to your website.
Discount Appeal: Everyone loves a discount, and a clear, direct message like "save 20%" is compelling. The idea of saving a significant amount on their next stay is a great hook to prompt guests to book directly.
Savings for You: Third-party platforms can charge anywhere from 10% to 20% in commission fees. By encouraging guests to book directly, you keep more of the revenue and pass some of those savings on to your guests through discounts.
Memorable and Functional: The password is easy to remember for your guests. It's not too complicated, but it delivers a clear, enticing message that could convert a one-time guest into a repeat visitor.
Subtle Marketing: You’re not being pushy—guests need to log into the WiFi anyway, and this is just another way of subtly promoting the advantages of direct bookings without invasive marketing tactics.
Setting up this WiFi network name and password strategy is simple. Here’s a quick guide:
Access Your Router Settings: Every router has a unique IP address that you can access through a web browser. Instructions should be on your router or the ISP's website.
Change the SSID: Look for the setting to change your WiFi’s SSID (Service Set Identifier), which is the network name that appears when guests search for WiFi. Change this to your direct booking URL, such as megavacationrentals.com.
Set the Password: In the password field, change it to something like bookdirect2save20percent. Make sure your password still complies with security recommendations (minimum 8 characters, mixed case, and including numbers and/or special characters).
Test It: Before guests arrive, test the network yourself to ensure that everything is working smoothly and that the password is easy enough for guests to input.
Update Guest Instructions: Be sure to include your updated WiFi name and password in your welcome message, in-house guidebook, or on a small card near the router.