If you’re running a serviced accommodation business, you’ve probably already put your property on booking platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, or Vrbo. These online travel agencies (OTAs) will help you have a steady flow of guests, but putting all your eggs in one basket could eventually undermine long-term growth; hence, having your direct bookings website is equally as important as an OTA.
In this blog, we will discuss the pros and cons of OTAs vs direct bookings and why a combination of both equals success in the short-term rental space.
What is a Direct Bookings Website
A direct bookings website is a website that allows guests to make reservations directly with the property, whether it be a hotel room or vacation rental, versus utilising a third-party OTA, such as Airbnb or Booking.com.
Benefits of OTAs
1. High Visibility
Since OTAs have already established a large user base seeking places to stay, once you put your property on an OTA, it is easier to reach a global audience, and from there, you gain visibility without excessive marketing of your own.
2. Trusted by Guests
For many travellers, booking on websites they feel comfortable with or are familiar with is preferable. More often than not, OTAs regulate payments and build trust when rating or leaving reviews, which in turn causes more trust between hosts and guests.
3. Easy Setup
Setting up a listing on an OTA is generally easy and does not take any technical expertise.
Why Your Own Direct Bookings Website Is Important
Having your website allows you to accept bookings directly, without paying commission to third-party platforms. It gives you full control over your business and brand.
Here’s how a direct booking website can help:
1. Don’t have to pay commissions
With no commission fees, you get to keep all the money from your bookings. Over time, this adds up and helps grow your profit margins.
2. Personalised Guest Experience
You can customise your website to match your brand and provide useful information like local tips, house rules, special deals, or personalised welcome messages.
3. Build a Strong Brand
A direct booking website helps you stand out from the crowd. You can use your logo, colours, and voice. This builds trust and makes your accommodation more memorable to guests.
4. Improve Guest Loyalty
With a direct site, you can collect email addresses and send newsletters, discount offers, or booking reminders. This encourages repeat bookings and builds long-term guest relationships.
OTAs are great for getting discovered, especially when you’re new. But depending only on them limits your income and flexibility. On the other hand, a direct bookings website gives you full control and long-term benefits, but takes time to grow.
The best strategy is to use both. Use OTAs to attract new guests, then encourage those guests to book directly next time through your website. You can include your website link in a welcome note, email follow-ups, or even a thank-you card.
Why You Should Choose a Professional Serviced Accommodation Website Agency
Creating a successful direct bookings website isn’t just about throwing a few pictures online. It requires the right design, booking system, SEO setup, and mobile-friendly structure. That’s why working with a professional Serviced Accommodation Website Agency is the best choice. Here’s what a good agency can do for you:
1. Custom Design That Converts
Agencies specifically design websites for serviced accommodation. They tailor your website to look clean, professional, and trustworthy so that as many visitors as possible become paying guests.
2. Built-in Booking System
A thoroughly modern agency will set you up with a safe, easy-to-use booking system. Guests can check availability, book a date, and pay in a flash, just like an OTA.
3. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
Your website will be utterly useless if no one can find it. An agency will optimise your content, picture tags, and meta tags using the right keywords (for example, ‘serviced apartment in London’) to ensure it’s visible on Google.
4. Mobile-Responsive Design
More people book stays on their phone than on any other device. A website design agency will ensure you’re set up to look and function properly on all devices.
5. Ongoing Support and Maintenance
An acting professional team will look after your ongoing updates, security checks, switching on and off support, etc., so you can focus your energy on hosting guests.
6. Marketing and Branding Help
Finally, agencies will assist you in building strong branding that reflects your property’s personality. You may also wish to discuss setting up an email campaign, social media integrations, loyalty programmes, etc.
OTAs are helpful, but they shouldn’t be your only source of bookings. A direct bookings website gives you freedom, higher profits, and a chance to grow your brand. And when you work with a Serviced Accommodation Website Agency, you get a professional site that’s ready to convert visitors into loyal guests.
Don’t put your entire business in someone else’s hands. Take control with your direct booking website and enjoy a future of smarter, more sustainable growth.
Ready to Build Your Direct Bookings Website?
Partner with a trusted serviced accommodation website agency, GrowYourBnb, and unlock the full potential of your short-term rental business. Get more bookings, keep more profits, and grow your brand starting today.
