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 how your property is presented to guests. You can personalize your site with images, descriptions, and details about yourself as a host to create a welcoming and professional experience that encourages bookings.

Step-by-Step: Creating Your Booking Website

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

Step 1: Access Your Holidu Host Account

Log in to your Holidu Host account, select "Direct Bookings" on the left-hand menu, and then select "My Website and Widget".

Step 2: Review and Accept Terms and Conditions

Review the terms and conditions carefully and accept them to proceed with creating your website.

Step 3: Select Your Website Languages

Choose which languages you would like your direct booking website to be available in. This allows you to reach guests from different regions and increases your booking potential.

Step 4: Choose Your Website Name and Address

Select a memorable website name and address for your direct booking site. This URL will be unique to you and is what you'll share with guests to direct them to your booking page.

Step 5: Your Website is Now Live

Congratulations! Your direct booking website is now live and ready to receive bookings. You can now share your unique URL with guests to promote direct bookings and start receiving reservations immediately.

Customizable Features

Once your booking website is live, you have access to a range of customization options to personalize your site and make it reflect your unique style and brand identity. Here are the key features you can customize:

• Homepage Customization: Add images, logos, and welcome text to make your direct booking website inviting and unique to your property.
• Host Introduction: Share a little about yourself under "Your Host" to build trust and create a personal connection with potential guests.
• Design and Layout: Choose from different themes and layouts, and enable features like a filter bar to help guests easily search for available dates.
• Social Media Integration: Connect your booking website to your social media accounts by adding links to platforms like Instagram or Facebook to expand your online presence.

Step-by-Step Customization Guide

Step 1: Access Your Website Customization Dashboard

Once your booking website is live, you'll see the customization dashboard when you access it from your Holidu Host page or when you select "Finish" during the initial setup. From this dashboard, you can customize your direct booking website anytime you want. Here 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 links via the toggle. Select "Homepage" to customize the look of your booking website.

Step 2: Customize Property Listings

Your properties will display with default images and text that you can customize to match your preferences. The description of your property is automatically pulled from your existing property description text on Holidu. Guests can select "Details" to view more information and proceed with booking.

Step 3: Add Homepage Elements

Personalize your homepage by updating the following elements:

• Logo: When you update the logo, it will be reflected on your direct booking website at the top of your page.
• Title: Add a title that will display over your header image, creating a strong first impression for visitors.
• Welcome Text: Include welcome text that will appear beneath the main header image to greet your guests.
• Header Image: Upload a header image that will be shown as the main visual on your direct booking website. Please ensure the header image is no larger than 8 MB. Use only your own images to avoid copyright infringement risks.

Step 4: Add Your Host Introduction

Build trust with potential guests by sharing information about yourself as a host. To add a host introduction:

1. Select "Your Host" in the content area of the side panel.
2. Enable the "Your Host" toggle to make it visible for guests on your website.
3. Write information about yourself as a host in the box provided. Share your hospitality philosophy, experience, or what makes you a great host.
4. Upload a professional photo of yourself to personalize the section further.
5. When you are finished with your text, select "Save".

Your host introduction will appear on your direct booking website, allowing guests to get to know you better and feel more confident about their booking decision.

Step 5: Customize Your Website Design and Layout

Make your booking website visually appealing by customizing the design:

1. Click on "Design" in the customization menu.
2. Choose the layout you prefer from the available options.
3. Enable the filter bar toggle at the top of the page, so guests can search for available dates easily.
4. Select how you would like the header image of your website to be displayed (full width, centered, etc.).
5. Choose your preferred color theme that complements your property and brand identity.

Step 6: Add Social Media Links

Enhance your online presence by connecting your social media accounts. At the bottom of the customization page, you can enable social media links via the toggle. Add links to your various social media accounts one by one, such as Instagram, Facebook, or other platforms where you engage with your guests.

Step 7: Save Your Changes

Once you've made all your customizations, click "Save" to apply your changes. Your booking website customization is complete, and you can come back and update it at any time to keep your content fresh and current.

Share Your Direct Booking Website

Your direct booking website is now ready to be shared with your guests! Simply share the unique link or website URL of your direct booking website with your repeat boosters, past guests, and potential customers. You can include it in:

• Email marketing campaigns
• Social media posts and bios
• Your property signage
• Guest communication and welcome messages
• Your personal website or blog
• Word-of-mouth recommendations

By directing guests to your custom booking website, you can capture direct bookings, reduce platform fees, and build a stronger relationship with your guests while maintaining complete control over your property's presentation online.