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. This guide will walk you through the setup process and show you how to personalize your site with images, descriptions, and host information to create a welcoming experience for guests.

How Do I Create My Direct Booking Website?

Follow these step-by-step instructions 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 from the left-hand menu and scroll down to Distribution Channels.
3. Click on Distribution Channels and locate My Website in the list.
4. Click the Activate button and follow the setup prompts.

Setup Prompts to Complete

During setup, you will be guided through the following steps:

• Review and accept the terms and conditions for your direct booking website
• Select the languages you want your site to support
• Choose a website name and unique web address for your direct booking website

Once you complete these steps, your direct booking website is live. You will receive a unique URL that you can share with guests to promote direct bookings.

How Can I Customize My Direct Booking Website?

Personalizing your booking website helps you establish your brand and build trust with potential guests. You can customize your site at any time by accessing it from your Holidu Host dashboard.

Customizing Your Homepage

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

1. Select Homepage from the customization menu
2. Add or update your logo to appear consistently across your site
3. Upload a header image (maximum file size: 8 MB) that represents your property or brand
4. Add a title that will display over your header image
5. Write welcome text that will appear beneath the main header image
6. Click Save to apply your changes

Important: Use only your own images for your direct booking website. Do not use images from Google or other image platforms, as this creates a risk of copyright infringement.

Adding Your Host Introduction

Building personal connections with guests increases trust and bookings. To add information about yourself:

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 brief introduction about yourself as a host in the text box provided
4. Upload a profile image
5. Click Save when finished

Your host information will appear in a dedicated section on your direct booking website where guests can learn more about who manages the property.

Designing Your Website Layout and Theme

To customize the visual design and functionality of your direct booking website:

1. Click on Design in the customization menu
2. Choose your preferred website layout from the available options
3. Select a color theme that matches your brand
4. Decide how you want the header image displayed on your site
5. Enable the filter bar toggle to allow guests to search for available dates easily
6. Click Save to confirm your design choices

The filter bar is particularly useful as it enables guests to quickly check availability and proceed to booking without extra steps.

Adding Social Media Links

Connect your social media presence to your direct booking website:

1. Locate the social media toggle at the bottom of the Homepage customization section
2. Enable the social media toggle
3. Add the links to your social media accounts one by one (Instagram, Facebook, etc.)
4. Save your changes

Adding social media links allows guests to follow you and stay updated on your property offerings.

What Information Can Guests See on My Direct Booking Website?

Your direct booking website displays the following information to potential guests:

• Your homepage with personalized logo, header image, title, and welcome message
• Your property details and images from your existing property description
• A link to book directly through a Details section
• Information about you as a host, including your profile introduction and photo
• A filter bar (if enabled) to search for available dates
• Links to your social media accounts

The property description and images on your direct booking website are automatically pulled from the existing information you have set up in your Holidu Host account, though you can customize your homepage elements to create a unique experience.

Best Practices for Your Direct Booking Website

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

Use High-Quality Images

Upload clear, well-lit photos of your property and a professional profile photo. Ensure your header image is no larger than 8 MB for optimal loading performance. Images are the first visual element guests see, so quality matters significantly.

Write Compelling Copy

Your welcome text and host introduction should be friendly, informative, and highlight what makes your property unique. A personal touch helps guests feel more confident booking with you directly.

Keep Your Information Current

Regularly update your direct booking website to reflect any changes to your property, availability, or personal information. Fresh, current information builds credibility with potential guests.

Optimize for Mobile Devices

Ensure your direct booking website displays well on smartphones and tablets. Most guests browse properties on mobile devices, so a responsive design is essential for conversions.

Enable the Filter Bar

Activating the filter bar makes it easier for guests to check availability and proceed to booking. This reduces friction in the booking process and can increase conversion rates.

Leverage Social Media Integration

Connect your social media accounts to build trust and encourage guests to follow your updates. Consistent social media presence can lead to repeat bookings and referrals.

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 are here to help you get the most from your direct booking website and attract more direct bookings.