Ever feel like you’re working for Airbnb instead of yourself?
This guide shows how to build a direct booking website so you stay in control—and keep the cash.

So, you’ve got a charming vacation rental, glowing guest reviews, and a system that mostly works. But you’re still handing over a chunk of your income to OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) like Airbnb and Vrbo. Sound familiar?

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If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s worth building your own booking website—spoiler alert—it absolutely is.

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Why Your Own Booking Website Is a Game-Changer

Let’s be blunt. OTAs are helpful, but they’re also like that clingy friend who takes credit for your party planning—and then charges you for it. Between the 15%–20% commissions and limited control over your brand, relying solely on them puts your business on a shaky foundation.

Creating your own website changes the game.

• More Control, More Cash: Keep the commission money and control your branding, guest messaging, and booking flow.

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• Build Loyalty: Offer returning guests perks for booking direct—and keep them coming back.

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• Grow Your Email List: Direct bookings mean you collect emails for promotions, surveys, and seasonal offers.

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• Boost Your SEO: A well-optimized site can attract travellers searching Google, not just Airbnb.

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In “Mastering Vacation Rentals: Start, Manage, & Thrive in the Rental Business” course , we stress the power of diversifying your booking sources. And owning your site? That’s top-tier diversification.

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What Your Site Must Include to Actually Work

Now, I know what you might be thinking: “I’m not techy. I barely update my Facebook.” Relax. You don’t need to code. Platforms like Lodgify, Boostly, and Squarespace make it doable—even fun.

Here’s your vacation rental site must-have list:

• Online Booking Engine: Let guests check availability and book without emailing you 12 times.

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• Clear Property Photos: Show the real vibe. No fish-eye lenses, please.

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• Rates and Calendar: Be upfront. No one likes clicking 6 times to find out you’re booked.

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• About You Section: This is your space—inject personality and your story.

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• Local Guide Content: Help guests see why they should stay at your place, not just in your city.

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• Guest Reviews: Social proof is currency.

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• Mobile-Friendly Design: If your site doesn’t look good on a phone, it might as well not exist.

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When’s the Right Time to Build One?

The truth? Sooner than later. But here are three signs you’re definitely ready:

• You’ve got repeat guests who already love you and would gladly book direct.

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• You’re listing on 3+ OTAs and juggling calendars manually—yikes!

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• You’re tired of playing by someone else’s rules and want to scale on your terms.

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If you’re just starting out, it can feel overwhelming. Start small. Build the basics. Let it evolve with your business.

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What Hosting Platform Should You Choose?

You’ve got options, each with pros and cons:

• Lodgify – Built for vacation rentals. Syncs with OTAs. Clean templates. Monthly fee.

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• Boostly – British-based, super SEO-savvy. Ideal for hosts wanting done-for-you help.

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• SquarespaceWix – Easy drag-and-drop. Great if you’re more DIY and don’t mind plugins.

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• WordPress + Plugins – Powerful but complex. Better if you’ve got a web developer buddy or budget.

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Pick based on your time, comfort with tech, and how much you’re willing to spend.

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How to Drive Traffic to Your New Site

Building it isn’t enough. If you build it and no one comes… well, that’s not exactly the goal.

Drive traffic using:

• SEO-rich blog posts about local attractions and guest tips.

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• Email marketing to past guests.

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• Social media with link-in-bio tools.

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• QR codes in your property that drive guests to book direct next time.

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• Google Business Profile—list your site, get found in map searches.

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Need more tactics? “Mastering Vacation Rentals: Start, Manage, & Thrive in the Rental Business” course. It’s like a GPS for vacation rental success.

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If your rental plan is ‘just wing it’—this is your wake-up call.

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Download the “The 7-Day Vacation Rental Jumpstart”
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Vision, money, guests—sorted.

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Get your copy now! You can find a link in the show notes.

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Are you thinking of building your own booking website—or do you already have one? What’s stopping you or what’s worked?

Let me know in the comments.

Your 5 Key Takeaways

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In Conclusion

Creating your own booking website isn’t just about being fancy—it’s about being in control. Financially, operationally, and emotionally. Because nothing feels better than being the boss and the brand.

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So start simple. Build something real. And when your next guest books directly—without a commission—you’ll know it was worth it.

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📘 Want more tips and step-by-step support?
Visit “Mastering Vacation Rentals: Start, Manage, & Thrive in the Rental Business” course and get the full roadmap.