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 how your property is presented online. This guide will walk you through the setup process and show you how to customize every aspect of your website to create a welcoming and professional experience for your guests.

Step-by-Step: Creating Your Booking Website

Follow these steps to launch 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 on the left-hand menu and scroll down to find "Distribution Channels."
3. Click on Distribution Channels and scroll down to locate "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 for your unique URL

Your direct booking website is now live! You can immediately share your unique URL with guests to start promoting direct bookings.

Customizing Your Direct Booking Website

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

Homepage Customization

Make your homepage inviting and unique by customizing the following elements:

• Logo: Upload your personal logo or branding image. This will appear at the top of your website and help establish your professional identity.
• Title: Add a title that will display over your header image. This should briefly describe your property or welcome message.
• Welcome Text: Write a welcoming message that will appear beneath the main header image. Use this space to introduce your property and create a personal connection with potential guests.
• Header Image: Upload a high-quality header image that represents your property. This will be the main visual element guests see first. Ensure your header image is no larger than 8 MB and use only images you own to avoid copyright issues.

To customize your homepage, select "Homepage" from the content area. Add your images, title, and welcome text. When finished, save your changes.

Adding Host Information

Build trust with your guests by sharing information about yourself as a host:

1. Select "Your Host" in the content area of the side panel.
2. Enable the "Your Host" toggle to make this section visible to guests.
3. Write a brief bio about yourself as a host in the provided text box. Share what makes you unique and why guests should choose your property.
4. Upload a professional photo of yourself.
5. Select "Save" to confirm your changes.

This section will appear on your direct booking website, helping guests feel more comfortable and connected before they book.

Integrating Social Media

Expand your online presence by connecting your social media accounts to your booking website:

• Scroll to the bottom of the homepage customization page.
• Enable the social media toggle.
• Add links to your various social media accounts one by one, such as Instagram, Facebook, or other platforms where your guests can follow you.

This allows guests to learn more about you and your property through your social media presence.

Design and Layout Customization

Control the overall look and feel of your booking website through design options:

1. Select "Design" from the customization menu.
2. Choose your preferred website layout from the available options.
3. Enable the filter bar toggle so guests can easily search for available dates on your property.
4. Select how you would like your header image to be displayed (full width, cropped, or another option).
5. Choose a color theme that matches your brand or personal style.
6. Click "Save" to apply your design choices.

Property Details and Descriptions

Your property details are automatically populated from your existing property description in your Holidu Host account. However, you can customize them:

• Your property description will be pulled from the information you've already entered in your property settings.
• Guests can select "Details" on your booking website to view the full property description and proceed to booking.
• Make sure your property description is clear, detailed, and highlights what makes your property special.

Best Practices for Your Direct Booking Website

Follow these recommendations to maximize the effectiveness of your booking website:

• Use High-Quality Images: Always use professional, clear photos of your property that you own or have permission to use. Avoid using images from Google or other platforms to prevent copyright infringement.
• Keep Information Updated: Regularly review and update your property description, availability, pricing, and host information to ensure everything is current and accurate.
• Optimize for Mobile: Test how your website looks on smartphones and tablets. Many guests will browse on mobile devices, so ensure it's easy to navigate on smaller screens.
• Write Clear Descriptions: Use simple, descriptive language that helps guests understand what they're booking. Be specific about amenities, house rules, and any special features.
• Share Your Unique URL: Promote your direct booking website link across all your marketing channels, including email, social media, and previous guest communications to encourage direct bookings.
• Maintain Consistency: Ensure your website branding, tone, and style are consistent with your overall presence and reflect your personality as a host.

Accessing Your Customization Settings

You can customize your direct booking website at any time by following these steps:

1. Log in to your Holidu Host account.
2. Select the property whose website you want to customize.
3. Go to "Configuration" and select "Distribution Channels."
4. Click on "My Website" to access your customization panel.

From here, you can make changes to any aspect of your website whenever you need to update information or refresh your design.

Sharing Your Direct Booking Website

Once your website is customized and ready, share it with your repeat guests and potential bookers:

• Share your direct booking website URL via email to previous guests with a personal message encouraging them to book directly.
• Include the link on your social media profiles.
• Add it to your email signature.
• Share it in property reviews or guest communications.
• Post it on your social media pages and stories.

Your direct booking website is now ready to help you attract and convert direct bookings while building a stronger relationship with your guests.

Need Additional Help?

If you have questions about creating or customizing your direct booking website, please use our contact form to reach out to our support team. We're here to help you make the most of this powerful booking tool.