Getting Started with BetterSTR

Welcome to BetterSTR!

This guide will walk you through everything you need to get your first digital guidebook up and running. Whether you manage one property or dozens, you'll have a professional guest guide ready in just a few minutes.

Step 1: Create Your Account

Head to auth.betterstr.com/register.php to create your free account.

You'll need to provide:

• Your email address
• Your full name
• Phone number (with country code)
• A secure password

After completing the form, you'll be automatically logged in and taken to your dashboard.

Step 2: Explore Your Dashboard

Your dashboard is your home base. Here you'll see quick stats for:

• Properties – Your connected vacation rentals
• Guides – Digital guidebooks you've created
• Reservations – Upcoming and past guest bookings
• Locations – Map points for local recommendations
• Media – Images and files you've uploaded

As a new user, most of these will show zero – that's normal! Let's get your first property connected.

Step 3: Connect Your Properties

BetterSTR integrates with popular property management systems to automatically import your listings and reservations.

Option A: Connect via PMS Integration (Recommended)

1. Click Integrations in the left menu
2. Choose your property management system:
   • Hospitable
   • OwnerRez
   • Tokeet
   • Hostex.io
   • Sympl
   • AdvanceCM
3. Click Connect and authorize BetterSTR to access your listings
4. Your properties will sync automatically within seconds

Note: BetterSTR uses read-only access – we never modify your listings.

Option B: Create a Manual Property

If you don't use a PMS, you can add properties manually:

1. Click Properties in the left menu
2. Click Add Property
3. Enter your property details (name, address, amenities)
4. Save your property

Step 4: Create Your First Guide

Now for the fun part – creating your digital guidebook!

1. Go to Properties in the left menu
2. Find your property in the list
3. Click the green plus icon (or click the three dots menu → Create Guide)
4. The Guide Builder will open with a demo template to get you started

Guide Builder Basics

The Guide Builder has two main sections:

• Left Panel – Your menu structure (drag to reorder)
• Right Panel – Content editor (click any item to edit)

Default Sections Included

Your guide comes pre-loaded with common sections:

• Keys / Access Information
• Contact Phone Number
• Emergency Information
• WiFi Details
• Check-in / Check-out Times
• House Rules
• Rubbish & Recycling

Simply click each section and customize the content for your property.

Adding New Sections

1. Click Add Menu to create a new top-level section
2. Click Add Item to add content under an existing section
3. Choose an icon, enter a title, and add your content
4. Drag and drop to reorder sections

Step 5: Share Your Guide

Once your guide is ready, it's time to share it with guests!

Get Your Guide Link

1. Go to Properties
2. Click the three dots menu next to your property
3. Click View Guide to see it live
4. Copy the URL from your browser

Sharing Options

• Direct Link – Share the URL via email or messaging
• QR Code – Generate a QR code for printed materials (Learn more)
• SMS – Send guides directly to guest phones (Learn more)
• Automatic via PMS – If connected to Hospitable, use the {guidebook} shortcode in your messages

What's Next?

Now that you have your first guide, explore these features to enhance the guest experience:

• Customize your guide theme and colors
• Use shortcodes for dynamic content
• Add translations for international guests
• Sell add-on services to guests
• Set up a custom domain for your guides

Need Help?

If you get stuck or have questions:

• Browse our Knowledge Base for detailed guides
• Check the FAQ for common questions
• Contact our support team via the chat widget

Welcome to BetterSTR – we're excited to help you create amazing guest experiences!