Your direct booking website is a powerful tool to attract direct bookings while maintaining full control over your property's presentation. This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating and customizing your booking website to reflect your unique style and brand.

Creating Your Direct Booking Website

Follow these steps to set up your direct booking website:

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 scroll down to "My Website."
4. Click "Activate" and follow the setup prompts by:
   • Reviewing and accepting the terms and conditions
   • Selecting the languages for your site
   • Choosing a website name and address

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

Customizing Your Homepage

Once your booking website is active, you can personalize it to match your brand and style. Access your customization options from the Holidu Host page:

Adding Homepage Elements

To customize your homepage appearance:

1. Select "Homepage" from the content area in the side panel.
2. Add a logo to your website, which will appear consistently across your booking site.
3. Add a title that will display over your header image.
4. Write welcome text that appears beneath the main header image.
5. Upload a header image that serves as the main visual for your website.
   • Ensure the header image is no larger than 8 MB
   • Use only your own images to avoid copyright infringement concerns
6. Click "Save" to apply your changes.

Integrating Social Media

Connect your booking website to your social media presence:

1. Locate the social media toggle at the bottom of the homepage customization page.
2. Enable the toggle to activate social media integration.
3. Add links to your social media accounts one by one, including platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and other relevant channels.
4. Save your social media settings.

Adding Host Information

Build trust with potential guests by sharing 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 information about yourself as a host in the text box provided. Share your experience, hospitality approach, and what makes you a great host.
4. Upload a professional image of yourself.
5. Click "Save" to publish your host profile.

This section appears on your booking website, allowing guests to connect with you personally before making a booking decision.

Customizing Design and Layout

To adjust the visual appearance and functionality of your website:

1. Click on "Design" in the customization panel.
2. Choose your preferred website layout from available options.
3. Enable the filter bar toggle to allow guests to easily search for available dates on your property.
4. Select how you want the header image to be displayed.
5. Choose your preferred color theme to match your brand identity.
6. Click "Save" to apply your design customizations.

Managing Property Descriptions

Your property descriptions appear on your booking website with default text taken from your existing property information:

• Guests can access detailed property information by selecting "Details" on your booking website.
• Update your property descriptions in your main property settings to reflect changes across your direct booking website.
• Default images from your property listing will display, but you can customize these through your property settings.

Best Practices for Your Direct Booking Website

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

Content Quality

• Use clear, welcoming language that reflects your hospitality style
• Keep your property descriptions detailed yet concise
• Update your host information to feel personal and authentic
• Highlight unique features and amenities that set your property apart

Visual Presentation

• Use high-quality, well-lit images that accurately represent your property
• Ensure your header image is professional and inviting
• Maintain consistent branding across your logo, colors, and design elements
• Verify all images are optimized and load quickly

User Experience

• Enable the filter bar to make it easy for guests to check availability
• Ensure your website is mobile-friendly for guests browsing on smartphones and tablets
• Test your booking process regularly to confirm it functions smoothly
• Keep your social media links active and up-to-date

Promotion and Sharing

• Share your unique booking website URL with past guests to encourage repeat bookings
• Include your website link in email signatures and guest communications
• Promote your direct booking site on your social media profiles
• Consider mentioning the direct booking option in your property descriptions on other platforms

Editing Your Website Anytime

Your direct booking website is flexible and can be updated whenever you wish. Return to the customization settings at any time to:

• Update your images and descriptions
• Refresh your host introduction
• Adjust design elements and color schemes
• Modify your social media links
• Change your website name or layout

All changes are reflected immediately on your live website, ensuring your property information stays current and accurate.

Support and Additional Help

If you encounter any questions or issues while creating or customizing your direct booking website, please reach out through our contact form. Our support team is ready to assist you with any technical difficulties or guidance you may need.