How to Create and Customize Your Direct Booking Website

Your Direct Booking Website allows you to attract direct bookings while maintaining full control over your property's presentation. You can personalize your site with images, descriptions, and details about yourself as a host to create a welcoming and professional experience for guests.

Step-by-Step: Creating Your 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. Go 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:
   • Review and accept the terms and conditions
   • Select the languages for your site
   • Choose a website name and address

Your direct booking website is now live! Share your unique URL with guests to promote 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

To customize your homepage, select "Homepage" from the content area of the side panel. You can add and modify the following elements:

• Logo: Upload your logo, which will be reflected on your direct booking website.
• Title: Add a title that will display over your header image.
• Welcome Text: Write welcome text that will appear beneath the main header image.
• Header Image: Upload a header image that will be shown as the main image on your direct booking website. Ensure the header image is no larger than 8 MB and use only your own images to avoid copyright infringement.

After making changes, select "Save" to apply your customizations.

Host Introduction Section

To add information about yourself as a host, select "Your Host" in the content area of the side panel. Follow these steps:

1. Enable the "Your Host" toggle to make it visible to guests.
2. Write information about yourself as a host in the box provided.
3. Upload a profile image.
4. Select "Save" when finished.

Guests will be able to see this section on your direct booking website, helping you build trust with potential bookers.

Design and Layout Settings

To customize the layout and theme of your direct booking website, click on "Design" and configure the following options:

• Layout: Choose the layout you prefer from available options.
• Filter Bar: Enable the filter bar toggle at the top of the page so guests can search for available dates.
• Header Image Display: Choose how you would like the header image of your website to be displayed.
• Color Theme: Select the colour theme that matches your brand.

Click "Save" to apply your design preferences.

Social Media Integration

Connect your booking website to your social media accounts by adding links to your profiles:

1. Look for the social media option at the bottom of the Homepage customization panel.
2. Enable the social media toggle.
3. Add links to your various social media accounts one by one (such as Instagram or Facebook).
4. Select "Save" to apply your changes.

Property Descriptions and Details

Your properties will have default images and text that you can customize. The description of your property is taken from your existing description text in your property settings. Guests will be able to select "Details" to view complete information about your property and proceed with booking.

Best Practices for Your Direct Booking Website

Follow these best practices to maximize the effectiveness of your direct booking website:

• Use High-Quality Images: Upload clear, professional images that showcase your property in the best light. Ensure all images are your own to avoid copyright issues.
• Write Compelling Descriptions: Create clear and engaging descriptions of your property that highlight key features and amenities.
• Keep Information Current: Regularly update your website with fresh content, new images, and current availability information.
• Optimize Your Host Profile: A complete and personable host introduction builds trust with potential guests and increases booking likelihood.
• Enable Guest Search Features: Activate the filter bar to make it easy for guests to search for available dates.
• Maintain Brand Consistency: Use a cohesive color theme and design layout that reflects your brand identity.
• Promote Your Website: Share your direct booking website URL with repeat guests and promote it through your social media channels and marketing materials.

Managing Your Website Going Forward

You can update and customize your direct booking website at any time. Simply log into your Holidu Host account, navigate to Configuration > Distribution Channels > My Website, and make any changes you need. After customizing any element, remember to click "Save" to apply your changes.

Your direct booking website is now ready to share with your guests. Use the unique URL to promote direct bookings and build a community of repeat guests.

Need Additional Help?

If you encounter any issues while setting up or customizing your direct booking website, please use our contact form to reach out to our support team. We're here to help you create the perfect online presence for your property.