Why Every Holiday Let Owner Needs Their Own Website: Beyond Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com
Owning a holiday let property is a rewarding venture, but in today's competitive market, standing out is essential. While listing platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com offer plenty of visibility and convenience, having your own website can be a game-changer.
In this blog post, we'll explore why every holiday let owner should consider having their own website and how it can offer advantages beyond these popular booking platforms.
1. Full Control and Branding
Having your own website means that you have complete control over your property's branding, presentation, and messaging. You can create a unique identity that reflects your property's charm, setting it apart from the standard listings on third-party platforms. You can really be you and focus on attracting the kind of customers that you want to have!
2. No Commission Fees
Most listing platforms charge significant commission fees for each booking. With your website, you can eliminate or reduce these fees, significantly increasing your profit margins.
3. Direct Booking
Encourage direct bookings through your website. This not only saves guests money (by avoiding platform fees) but also provides a more personalised booking experience.
4. Long-term Relationship Building
Through your website, you can engage directly with guests before, during, and after their stay. This allows you to build long-term relationships, gather feedback, and potentially secure repeat bookings.
5. Flexible Booking Rules
Set your booking rules, cancellation policies, and pricing structures as you see fit. You're not bound by the limitations and policies of third-party platforms.
6. Highlight Unique Features
Use your website to showcase the unique features, amenities, and local attractions that make your property special. Paint a vivid picture that helps potential guests imagine their stay. People love helpful hosts and the more you can offer in terms of support or inspiration during their stay the better!
7. Engaging Content
Create engaging content such as blog posts about the local area, travel tips, and guest stories. This content can attract organic traffic to your website, increasing its visibility.
8. Direct Communication
Your website enables direct communication with guests, allowing you to address inquiries, provide recommendations, and offer a personal touch that's often lost on large listing platforms.
9. Email Marketing
Collect guest email addresses through your website to build an email list. This list can be used for targeted marketing, promotions, and keeping previous guests informed about upcoming offers.
10. Local Partnerships
Use your website to establish partnerships with local businesses, such as restaurants or tour operators. Offer exclusive deals or packages to enhance the guest experience. This can work both ways - if they're getting business from you then they'll push business your way too.
11. Analytics and Insights
Implement analytics tools on your website to gain insights into guest behaviour. This data can help you refine your marketing strategies and improve the guest experience.
12. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
Optimise your website for search engines to improve its ranking in search results. This can increase organic traffic and bookings.
13. Secure Payments
Offer secure online payment options through your website. This builds trust with potential guests and streamlines the booking process.
In conclusion, while listing platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com are valuable for reaching a broad audience, having your own website provides unique advantages. It offers full control over your branding, pricing, and guest relationships while reducing commission fees.
A well-designed website can be a powerful tool for increasing bookings, building a loyal customer base, and establishing your holiday let property as a unique and sought-after destination. So, consider making the leap to your website—it's an investment that can set your property apart and elevate your holiday let business to new heights of success and profitability.
Get in touch if you'd like to discuss a website for your business.