How to create and customize your Direct Booking Website

Your Direct Booking Website is a powerful tool to attract direct bookings while maintaining full control over your property's presentation. You can personalize your site with images, descriptions, and details about yourself as a host to create a welcoming and professional experience for guests.

Step-by-Step: Creating Your Booking Website

1. Log in to your Holidu Host account and select the property you want to create a website for.
2. Go to "Configuration" on the left-hand menu and scroll down to "Distribution Channels."
3. Click on "Distribution Channels" and scroll down to "My Website."
4. Click "Activate" and follow the setup prompts:
   • Review and accept the terms and conditions
   • Select the languages for your site
   • Choose a website name and address

Your direct booking website is now live! Share your unique URL with guests to promote direct bookings.

Customizable Features

Once your booking website is live, you can easily personalize it to match your style and brand. Here's how:

Homepage Customization

To customize your homepage, select "Homepage" from the content area. You can add an image, title, welcome text, and header image to personalize your page. At the bottom of this page, you'll also have the option to enable social media via the toggle. Add the link to your various social media accounts one by one.

When you upload a header image, ensure it is no larger than 8 MB. Please use your own images only for your direct booking website. Do not use any images from Google or other image platforms, where you could be at risk of copyright infringement.

When you update the logo, it will be reflected on your direct booking website. Adding a title will display it over the header image, while the welcome text will appear beneath the main header image.

Property Details

Your properties will have default images and text set that you can customize yourself. The description of your property is taken from your existing description text. Guests can select "Details" to book directly.

Host Introduction Section

To add information about yourself as a host, select "Your host" in the content area of the side panel. Enable the "Your host" toggle to make it visible for guests. Write information about yourself as a host in the box provided and upload an image. When you are finished with your text, select "Save".

The "Host" area of your direct booking website will be visible to guests, helping to build trust and create a personal connection with potential bookers.

Design and Layout Customization

To customize the layout and theme of your direct booking website, click on "Design" and choose the layout you prefer. Enable the filter bar toggle at the top of the page so guests can search for available dates. You can also choose how you would like the header image of your website to be displayed, as well as the color theme.

Social Media Integration

Connect your booking website to your social media accounts by adding links to platforms like Instagram or Facebook. Toggle the social media option on your homepage and add your profile links one by one to increase your online presence and encourage guests to follow you.

Saving Your Customizations

Click "Save" after making any changes, and your booking website customization will be updated. You can come back and customize your direct booking website at any time to keep it fresh and relevant.

Sharing Your Direct Booking Website

Your direct booking website is ready and can now be shared with your repeat bookers. Simply share the link or website URL of your direct booking website with your guests through email, messaging, or social media to encourage direct bookings.

Best Practices for Your Direct Booking Website

Use High-Quality Images

Ensure all images you upload are clear, well-lit, and professionally presented. High-quality visuals make a strong first impression and encourage potential guests to complete their bookings.

Keep Content Current

Regularly update your property descriptions, host introduction, and available dates to ensure your website reflects accurate information. This builds trust with potential guests and reduces booking complications.

Optimize for Mobile Devices

Many guests will view your website on mobile devices. Ensure your images and text display well across all screen sizes by testing your site on different devices before sharing the link.

Leverage Personalization

Share your authentic story in the host introduction section. Guests appreciate knowing who they'll be working with, and this personal touch can differentiate your property from competitors.

Enable the Filter Bar

Always enable the filter bar toggle in the Design section. This allows guests to easily search for their desired dates and availability, creating a seamless booking experience that increases conversion rates.

Maintain Consistency

Use the same branding, color scheme, and tone across your website to create a professional and cohesive experience for guests. This consistency reinforces your brand identity and builds confidence in potential bookers.

Need Additional Help?

If you have questions or need further assistance with creating or customizing your direct booking website, please use our contact form to reach our support team. We're here to help you maximize your direct bookings.