Airbnb is a great platform—but relying on it 100%? That’s risky. One bad guest, one policy change, or one random suspension and your income is gone overnight. That’s why more hosts in 2025 are building direct booking websites—to take control, keep more profit, and build a brand guests remember. Here's how to set up your own direct booking site (step by step), plus the biggest benefits most hosts don’t talk about.
1. Why You Shouldn’t Rely Only on Airbnb
- You don’t own the customer relationship
- Airbnb charges 14–16% in service fees
- You’re subject to sudden algorithm changes, policy updates, or deactivations
A direct booking site gives you freedom: you control your calendar, pricing, policies, and communication.
2. What You Can Do With a Direct Booking Website
- Accept bookings with no platform fees
- Offer repeat guest discounts automatically
- Market to corporate clients, relocation agencies, travel nurses, and families
- Collect emails for re-marketing
- Build brand recognition and trust
3. Choose the Right Website Builder
Here are three easy-to-use options:
- Lodgify – Made for STRs. Has booking engine, calendar sync, and templates built in
- Hostaway – Great for property managers with multiple listings
- Squarespace + Uplisting – Stylish and flexible, with booking widgets you can embed
Each platform includes payment processing, calendar sync with Airbnb/Vrbo, and mobile-friendly design.
4. What Your Direct Booking Site Should Include
- Property pages with full photo galleries, amenity lists, and detailed descriptions
- Live availability calendar synced with your Airbnb/Vrbo
- Booking form with secure credit card checkout
- Contact form for direct inquiries or long-term stay requests
- Reviews/testimonials pulled from your Airbnb
- FAQ section to pre-answer common questions
- Optional blog or guidebook to boost SEO and provide extra value
5. How to Price Your Direct Bookings
Undercut Airbnb—but keep it smart.
- Offer 10–15% lower pricing (since neither you nor the guest is paying service fees)
- Create bundles like “Stay 3 nights, get 1 free” or early check-in perks
- Use Stripe, Square, or PayPal to accept payments safely
6. Promote Your Direct Site Strategically
Once your site is live, drive traffic to it:
- Share it with all past guests (email or card in the unit)
- Add it to your social media bios, Instagram, and Facebook
- Join local relocation, business travel, and housing groups
- Partner with companies in your city that need regular lodging for staff
- Consider running Google or Facebook ads (only once you're ready to scale)
7. Build Trust With Branding
Your website shouldn’t feel like a Craigslist listing.
- Use a logo, consistent color scheme, and friendly copy
- Add a professional email address (yourname@yourbrand.com)
- Display trust signals: real guest reviews, refund policies, verified secure checkout
Guests book direct when it feels just as safe as Airbnb.
8. Combine Direct Bookings With Co-Hosting or Mid-Term Strategies
If you’re building a direct site, you can also:
- Attract landlords or investors who want co-hosting help
- Offer 30+ day furnished stays for travel nurses, construction workers, or digital nomads
This expands your income and reputation beyond just nightly stays.
Direct Booking = Freedom + Profit + Brand Equity
It’s not about replacing Airbnb. It’s about taking ownership of your business. The smartest hosts in 2025 don’t rely on one platform—they build a brand, own their customer list, and create income that’s protected long-term.
Need help setting up your direct booking site, building your email list, or attracting corporate clients? BookedHosts offers full-service and virtual co-hosting to grow your brand beyond Airbnb. Email info@bookedhosts.com or scroll down to submit your property today.
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