Running a homestay in a remote village or hill station doesn’t mean you need to stay disconnected from the digital world. In fact, many rural homestays are now seeing more guests simply by mastering one simple tool—WhatsApp. It’s free, accessible, and familiar even in areas with limited internet.
If you’re a homestay host, here’s a practical guide to get homestay booking through WhatsApp and a few easy digital hacks to grow your guest list, improve communication, and create a better experience.
Table of Contents
1. ✅ Create a Professional WhatsApp Business Account
Switch from personal to WhatsApp Business App (available free on Play Store).
Benefits:
- Add business details like 📍 location, 🕓 check-in time, 📞 contact numbers, 💰 pricing.
- Use an auto-reply for when you’re busy.
- Set up quick replies (e.g., “Here’s our Google location 📍” or “Yes, we serve organic meals 🍲”).
2. 🖼️ Use Your Status Like a Free Billboard
Your WhatsApp Status is a powerful tool to increase homestay bookings. Post photos and videos of:
- 🔥 Bonfire nights
- 🌾 Farm activities
- 🏡 Clean rooms and smiling guests
- 🥘 Local meals being cooked
👉 Guests who stayed with you will see these and recommend your homestay to others!
3. 🎥 Send Simple Video Walkthroughs
Create a short video tour of your place:
- Show the rooms 🛏️, bathrooms 🚿, and surrounding views 🌳.
- Record in local language + Hindi/English if possible.
- Send this when someone enquires—it builds trust and feels personal.
4. 📍 Share Your Google Maps Location Link
Use your Google Maps Pin so guests can easily find you. If you don’t have one, ask a friend or local digital center to help you create it.
Pro Tip: Always keep the link ready as a quick reply on WhatsApp.
5. 📸 Build a Digital Photo Folder
Use Google Drive or even your phone’s album to store:
- Best guest photos (with their permission)
- Photos of activities like crafts 🧶, farming 🚜, or nearby waterfalls 💦
📤 You can share these instantly with anyone asking, instead of looking for them every time.
6. 💬 Ask for Feedback & Google Reviews
After the guest checks out:
- Send a thank-you message 🙏.
- Ask for a short review and request them to post on your Google listing or forward to others.
⭐ More positive reviews = More bookings.
7. 📅 Use a Simple Homestay Booking Tracker
Don’t worry about big software! Just:
- Use your phone’s calendar app 📆 to mark bookings.
- Or maintain a small notebook 📓 for guest details: name, date, no. of people, meal request, etc.
This helps avoid confusion and looks professional.
8. 👨👩👧👦 Create a Guest Broadcast List
Make a broadcast list (not a group) of all previous guests:
- Share festival greetings 🎉, new room additions, special offers, etc.
- It keeps you connected and encourages repeat bookings or referrals.
Bonus Tip: Collaborate with Local Youth 🎓
If you’re not comfortable using WhatsApp or Google, ask a school/college-going child in your family or village to help. Teach them about your homestay, and let them manage your digital side a few hours a week—they learn, and you grow!
Conclusion 🌟
You don’t need big websites or paid ads to grow your rural homestay. With just a smartphone, WhatsApp, and some creativity, you can attract more guests, deliver better service, and earn more—all while staying rooted in your culture.
Your stories, your food, your fields—they’re all content. Share them. And let the world find you.