Things to consider before contacting a host

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Mastering the Art of Emailing Hosts for the First Time

When first contacting a host remember that the host has little idea of what you are like, your email is their first impression of you.

The importance of your first message to a host cannot be underestimated, the way you write this will have a large bearing on whether a host feels that you will be a suitable helper and guest at their place.

Write a good message and there is a much higher chance of getting a positive reply. If you write an inadequate email that is rushed or shows no enthusiasm it’s far more likely to get a "no thanks" in reply or no response at all.

• Put yourself in the host’s shoes, see things from their point of view.
• How would you like to be contacted?
• What type of person would you like to host in your own place?

Generally, hosts like people that are self reliant, able to be independent, make good decisions, polite, honest and helpful.

It’s important then to consider how to get this across in your first contact message.

How can this be done?

First, let’s look at what NOT to do!

• Copy/Pasting, or sending the same message to lots of hosts. This is a real dislike for the majority of hosts. Ask yourself what your reaction would be if you were sent this type of message. Would you feel like responding in a positive way? Would you take the person seriously?

 

• Sending a one line message such as: "I’m available now and would like to visit your area, when can I arrive?" (we have seen this sent!) is unlikely to get a response and could be seen as spamming by hosts if you send this to them.

 

• Using AI or chatbots to write a message is something hosts have told us they dislike. Although you might think it's saving you time, in the end It's easy to detect text not written by a human, make sure you don't fall into this trap!

So, what are good things to include?

• Make sure that you have read a host’s profile properly and include references to it to prove that you have done this. This goes a long way to creating a good first impression.

 

• Explain how your skills can help them with the tasks that they require assistance with and perhaps write about the reasons for your interest in visiting their area.

 

• Write messages yourself. Hosts really want to hear your voice and reasons for wanting to visit them. If you're tempted to use AI or chatbots, just remember that messages written by AI are easy to identify and hosts will be put off.

By following this advice you will have a better chance of endearing yourself to the host. This is likely to make them feel that you have taken the time to carefully choose them and that you are sincere about going there.

It’s usually important to keep your message concise, don’t include loads of information about yourself. That’s what your profile is for - make sure it’s well filled out because hosts will go there to find out more about you. It’s a sign of a serious helper if you have good up-to-date information in your profile - remember pictures say a great deal and if you take the time to create a video about yourself, this shows that you are enthusiastic and committed. If a picture is worth a thousand words, how many is a video worth? ;)

Remember to stay in regular contact once you have established a connection and agreed to go and help a host. This is especially important if you have arranged this far in advance of the time you plan to visit. Plans do change, but keeping hosts informed is much better than cancelling at the last minute.