How to Create and Customize Your Direct Booking Website

Getting Started: Creating Your Direct Booking Website

Setting up your direct booking website is a straightforward process that takes just a few minutes. Follow these steps to get your site live and start attracting direct bookings from your guests.

Step 1: Access Your Account Settings

Log in to your Holidu Host account and select the property for which you want to create a direct booking website.

Step 2: Navigate to Distribution Channels

From your property dashboard, go to "Configuration" in the left-hand menu. Scroll down until you find the "Distribution Channels" section and click on it.

Step 3: Activate Your Website

Look for "My Website" within the Distribution Channels area and click the "Activate" button. You will be guided through a setup process with the following steps:

• Review and accept the terms and conditions for your direct booking website
• Select the languages your website will support
• Choose a website name and secure your unique website address

Step 4: Launch Your Site

Once you complete the setup process, your direct booking website goes live immediately. You will receive your unique URL, which you can start sharing with guests right away to promote direct bookings.

Customizing Your Direct Booking Website

After your website is live, you can personalize it to reflect your brand and property. All customization options are available from the main website management page in your Holidu Host account.

Homepage Customization

Your homepage is the first impression guests get of your property. Customize it by adding the following elements:

• Logo: Upload your personal or business logo. This will appear on your website header and help establish your brand identity.
• Title: Add a welcoming title that will display over your main header image
• Welcome Text: Write a personal welcome message that appears below your header image. Use this space to greet guests and give them a sense of your hosting style.
• Header Image: Upload a high-quality header image that represents your property or hosting style. This image should be no larger than 8 MB and will be displayed prominently at the top of your website.

Important: Ensure all images you use are your own original photographs. Do not use images from Google Images or other image platforms, as you may face copyright infringement issues.

Adding Host Information

Building trust with potential guests is important. Add personal information about yourself as a host by following these steps:

1. Select "Your Host" in the content area of the customization panel
2. Enable the "Your Host" toggle to make this section visible to guests
3. Write a brief biography about yourself as a host. Share your hosting experience, your property, or what makes your space special
4. Upload a professional photo of yourself
5. Click "Save" to apply your changes

This "Your Host" section will appear on your direct booking website, allowing guests to connect with you personally before booking.

Design and Theme Selection

Customize the look and feel of your website by accessing the "Design" settings:

• Layout Options: Choose from available layout templates that best suit your property and brand aesthetic
• Color Theme: Select a color scheme that matches your branding or personal preferences
• Header Image Display: Choose how you would like your header image to be displayed on the website
• Filter Bar: Enable the filter bar toggle to allow guests to easily search for available dates on your property. This feature improves the user experience and can increase conversion rates

After selecting your design preferences, click "Save" to apply all changes to your website.

Property Information

Your property details are automatically pulled from your existing property description in your Holidu account. Guests can view full details about your property and availability by selecting the "Details" button on your website. Update your property description in your Holidu account settings if you want to make changes to how your property is presented on your direct booking website.

Social Media Integration

Connect your direct booking website to your social media profiles to increase your online presence:

1. In the homepage customization area, locate the social media toggle at the bottom of the page
2. Enable the toggle to activate social media links on your website
3. Click "Add" to add each of your social media accounts one by one
4. Enter the links to your Instagram, Facebook, or other social media profiles
5. Save your changes

Social media links will appear on your website, allowing guests to follow you and stay connected.

Best Practices for Your Direct Booking Website

Use High-Quality Images

First impressions matter. Invest time in taking clear, well-lit photographs of your property. Use professional images that showcase your space in the best possible light. Ensure all images are your own original work.

Write Compelling Descriptions

Your property description should be detailed yet concise. Highlight the unique features of your property, the amenities available, and what makes your hosting experience special. Be honest and transparent about your property's characteristics.

Keep Information Current

Regularly update your property information, pricing, and availability to ensure guests always see accurate details. This builds trust and reduces booking complications.

Personalize Your Host Profile

Take time to write a genuine introduction about yourself. Share your hosting philosophy, your property's story, or what guests can expect when they stay with you. Personal touches encourage guests to book directly with you.

Optimize Your Website URL

Use your unique website address in your marketing materials, email signatures, and social media profiles. Make it easy for your repeat guests and potential bookers to find and remember your direct booking website.

Enable the Guest Filter Bar

Make sure the filter bar is enabled so guests can easily search for their desired dates. This feature improves user experience and can lead to higher conversion rates.

Maintain Consistency Across Platforms

Ensure your branding, messaging, and property information are consistent across your direct booking website, social media profiles, and other marketing channels. This builds recognition and trust with potential guests.

Making Updates to Your Website

You can return to customize your direct booking website at any time. Simply log into your Holidu Host account, navigate to the property, and access the "My Website" section. Make any changes you desire and click "Save" to apply them immediately to your live website.

Sharing Your Direct Booking Website

Once your website is customized and ready, share your unique URL with guests to promote direct bookings. You can:

• Share the link with repeat guests via email or messaging
• Post your website URL on your social media profiles
• Include it in your email signature
• Add it to your property listing on other platforms
• Share it in your welcome guides or check-in communications

Need assistance with setting up or customizing your direct booking website? Please use our contact form to reach our support team, and we'll be happy to help you create an outstanding online presence for your property.