How to Create and Customize Your Direct Booking Website

Your direct booking website is a powerful tool to attract direct bookings while maintaining complete control over your property's presentation. Follow this guide to set up, customize, and optimize your booking website for maximum guest engagement.

Step-by-Step: Creating Your Direct Booking Website

Getting your direct booking website live is quick and straightforward. Follow these steps to activate and launch your site:

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

Your direct booking website is now live and ready to share. You will receive a unique URL that you can distribute to guests to promote direct bookings.

Customizing Your Direct Booking Website

Once your booking website is live, you can personalize it to reflect your brand and property. The customization options available allow you to create a welcoming and professional experience for potential guests.

Personalizing Your Homepage

Your homepage is the first impression guests have of your property. Customize it by adding images, logos, and welcome text that showcase your unique style.

To customize your homepage:

1. Access your direct booking website from the Holidu Host page.
2. Select Homepage from the content area options.
3. Add or update your property's logo, which will appear consistently across your website.
4. Upload a header image (maximum 8 MB) that will display as the main visual on your website.
5. Add a title that will appear over your header image.
6. Write welcome text that will display beneath the main header image to greet your guests.
7. Click Save to apply your changes.

Important: Always use your own original images for your direct booking website. Avoid using images from Google or other image platforms to prevent copyright infringement issues.

Creating a Host Introduction Section

Building trust with potential guests is essential for direct bookings. Share information about yourself as a host to create a personal connection.

To add your host introduction:

1. Select Your Host from the content area in the side panel.
2. Enable the Your Host toggle to make this section visible to guests.
3. Write a compelling introduction about yourself, your hosting experience, and what makes you unique.
4. Upload a professional photo of yourself.
5. Click Save when finished.

Your host introduction will appear on your website, allowing guests to learn more about you before making a booking decision.

Customizing Design and Layout

The design and layout of your website influence how guests interact with your property information. Customize these elements to match your preferences.

To customize your design:

1. Click on Design from the customization options.
2. Select your preferred layout from the available options.
3. Enable the Filter Bar toggle to allow guests to easily search for available dates on your website.
4. Choose how you would like your header image to be displayed.
5. Select your preferred color theme to match your brand identity.
6. Click Save to apply your design choices.

Integrating Social Media

Connecting your social media accounts to your booking website helps guests learn more about you and builds credibility through your online presence.

To add social media links:

1. Navigate to your homepage customization section.
2. Scroll to the bottom of the page and locate the social media toggle.
3. Enable the toggle to activate social media integration.
4. Add links to your social media accounts one by one, including platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and others.
5. Click Save to publish your social media links on your website.

Updating Property Details

Your property information is automatically populated from your existing Holidu property listing. You can customize these details directly on your booking website.

Your property section includes:

• Default images from your Holidu listing (which you can modify)
• Property description text from your existing listing
• A Details button that allows guests to view full information and proceed to booking

Update your property images and descriptions directly through your website customization panel to ensure they reflect your current offerings and maintain consistency with your Holidu property listing.

Best Practices for Your Direct Booking Website

Maximize the effectiveness of your direct booking website by following these best practices:

Use High-Quality, Original Images

Images are the most important element of your website. Use clear, well-lit photos that showcase your property's best features. Ensure all images are your own to avoid copyright issues and maintain authenticity.

Write Compelling Descriptions

Your property description should be detailed, accurate, and highlight what makes your property unique. Include information about amenities, location benefits, and special features that will appeal to your target guests.

Keep Your Host Information Current

Regularly update your host introduction section with any relevant information about your hosting experience or special services you offer. A personal touch encourages guests to book directly with you.

Enable the Filter Bar

The filter bar is an essential feature that improves user experience by allowing guests to search for available dates quickly. Always enable this feature to reduce friction in the booking process.

Maintain Brand Consistency

Choose a color theme and layout that reflects your brand identity and provides a professional appearance. Consistency across your website builds trust and creates a memorable experience.

Share Your Website URL Strategically

Promote your direct booking website URL to your repeat guests, previous bookers, and potential customers. Include the link in your email communications, social media posts, and any marketing materials you use.

Monitor and Update Regularly

Periodically review your website's appearance and update content as needed. Keep your property images and descriptions current to reflect any changes or improvements to your property.

Managing Your Direct Booking Website

You can return to your booking website customization panel at any time to make updates or changes. All modifications are saved automatically once you click the save button, and changes are reflected on your live website immediately.

Your direct booking website is now ready to attract direct bookings. Share your unique website URL with guests and take advantage of this tool to grow your direct booking business while maintaining full control over your property's presentation.

If you need additional assistance with your direct booking website, please use the contact form to reach our support team.