How to Create and Customize Your Direct Booking Website

Your direct booking website is a powerful tool that allows you to attract direct bookings while maintaining complete control over your property's presentation. By personalizing your site with images, descriptions, and information about yourself as a host, you can create a welcoming and professional experience that encourages guests to book directly with you.

Step-by-Step: Creating Your Direct Booking Website

Follow these steps to set up your direct booking website in just a few minutes:

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

Once you complete these steps, your direct booking website is now live. You can immediately share your unique URL with guests to promote direct bookings and start receiving reservations through your own branded site.

Customizing Your Direct Booking Website

After your website is live, you can easily personalize every aspect of it to match your style and brand identity. Here's how to customize each element:

Homepage Customization

Your homepage is the first impression guests have of your property. To customize it:

1. Access your live booking website from your Holidu Host dashboard.
2. Select "Homepage" to begin customizing the look and feel of your website.
3. Add or update the following elements:
   • Logo: Upload your personal or business logo. This will appear consistently across your website.
   • Title: Add a custom title that will display over your header image.
   • Welcome Text: Write a friendly greeting or introductory message that appears beneath the main header image.
   • Header Image: Upload a high-quality header image that represents your property or brand. This image will serve as the main visual on your direct booking website. Ensure the file size does not exceed 8 MB.
4. Remember to use only your own original images. Do not use images from Google or other image platforms, as this could result in copyright infringement.

Property Details

Your property information appears on your website automatically:

• Default images and descriptions are pulled from your existing property listing.
• You can update these details anytime by editing your property information in your Holidu Host account.
• Guests will see a "Details" button where they can view complete information about your property before booking.

Host Introduction Section

Building trust with potential guests is essential. Share information about yourself in the "Your Host" section:

1. Select "Your Host" in the content area of the customization panel.
2. Toggle the "Your Host" switch to make this section visible to guests.
3. Write a brief introduction about yourself as a host. Share what makes you special, your hosting experience, or any relevant information that builds guest confidence.
4. Upload a professional photo of yourself.
5. Click "Save" to publish your host information.

Guests will see this "Host" section prominently displayed on your website, helping them connect with you personally before making a booking decision.

Design and Layout Customization

Customize the visual appearance and functionality of your website:

1. Click on "Design" in the customization panel.
2. Select your preferred layout from the available options.
3. Enable the filter bar toggle so guests can easily search for available dates on your website.
4. Choose how you would like the header image to be displayed (full width, centered, etc.).
5. Select your preferred color theme to match your brand identity.
6. Click "Save" to apply your design changes.

Social Media Integration

Connect your social media presence to your booking website:

1. In the homepage customization section, scroll to the bottom to find the social media toggle.
2. Enable the social media toggle to activate this feature.
3. Add your social media links one by one:
   • Instagram
   • Facebook
   • Other relevant social platforms
4. Save your changes to display social media links on your website.

Best Practices for Your Direct Booking Website

To maximize the effectiveness of your direct booking website and attract quality bookings, consider these best practices:

Use High-Quality Original Images

• Upload clear, well-lit photos of your property that showcase its best features.
• Ensure your header image is professional and represents your property accurately.
• Use only images you own or have permission to use to avoid copyright issues.

Write Compelling Descriptions

• Create accurate and detailed property descriptions that highlight unique features and amenities.
• Use clear, friendly language that speaks directly to your target guests.
• Be honest about your property to set accurate expectations and reduce cancellations.

Build Guest Trust

• Complete your host profile with a genuine introduction and professional photo.
• Highlight your hosting experience and any relevant credentials or certifications.
• Share your house rules clearly to help guests understand expectations.

Enable Search Functionality

• Always enable the filter bar so guests can easily check availability for their desired dates.
• Keep your availability calendar updated in real-time to prevent booking conflicts.

Maintain Brand Consistency

• Use a consistent color scheme and design that reflects your brand personality.
• Select a professional logo if you have one to increase brand recognition.
• Ensure all text and messaging aligns with your hosting values.

Leverage Social Proof

• Link to your social media accounts to showcase your online presence and community engagement.
• Use your website to direct guests to leave reviews and recommendations.

Sharing Your Direct Booking Website

Once your website is complete and customized, share it with your guests:

• Share your unique booking website URL in all guest communications.
• Include the link in your email signatures and messaging platforms.
• Add the URL to your social media profiles and bios.
• Provide it to repeat guests who have booked with you before.
• Use it in property descriptions on other platforms to encourage direct bookings.

Editing Your Website Anytime

Your direct booking website is not static. You can return to customize it at any time:

• Update property information and images as needed.
• Refresh your host introduction section seasonally or as your experience grows.
• Adjust your design and layout preferences whenever you want to refresh your brand.
• Add new social media accounts or update existing links.
• Modify filter bar settings and other functional features based on guest feedback.

Your direct booking website is a living representation of your property and hosting style. Take advantage of the customization options available to create a unique, professional, and inviting online presence that encourages guests to book directly with you.

If you have questions about setting up or customizing your direct booking website, please contact us using our contact form and our team will be happy to assist you.