What are the best practices for creating a direct booking website for a VRBO property?
In today’s competitive real estate market, it’s more important than ever for vacation rental property owners to have a direct booking website. A direct booking website allows you to bypass the third-party rental sites and take control of your own marketing and pricing. This can lead to higher occupancy rates and increased revenue.
If you’re thinking about creating a direct booking website for your VRBO property, there are a few things you need to know. In this article, we’ll discuss the best practices for creating a successful direct booking website.
1. Choose a reputable web hosting company
The first step in creating a direct booking website is choosing a reputable web hosting company. Your web host will provide you with the storage space and bandwidth you need to host your website. They will also provide you with the tools you need to build and maintain your website.
When choosing a web hosting company, there are a few things you need to consider. First, you need to make sure that the company is reputable and has a good reputation for uptime and customer service. Second, you need to make sure that the company offers the features you need, such as WordPress support, cPanel, and SSH access. Third, you need to make sure that the company offers plans that fit your budget.
Some of the best web hosting companies for VRBO property owners include:
- Bluehost
- HostGator
- SiteGround
- A2 Hosting
- DreamHost
2. Use a user-friendly website builder
Once you’ve chosen a web hosting company, you need to choose a website builder. A website builder is a tool that allows you to create a website without having to know any code. There are many different website builders available, but not all of them are created equal.
When choosing a website builder, you need to make sure that the builder is easy to use and that it offers the features you need. Some of the features you should look for include a drag-and-drop editor, templates, and a built-in blog.
Some of the best website builders for VRBO property owners include:
- WordPress
- Wix
- Squarespace
- Weebly
- GoDaddy
3. Create a compelling home page
The home page of your direct booking website is the first thing potential guests will see, so it’s important to make a good impression. Your home page should be visually appealing and easy to navigate. It should also include a clear call to action, such as a button that invites guests to book a stay.
When designing your home page, keep the following tips in mind:
- Use high-quality images
- Keep the design simple and uncluttered
- Include a clear call to action
- Use keywords in your headings and descriptions
4. Write compelling property descriptions
Your property descriptions are one of the most important factors in convincing potential guests to book a stay. Your descriptions should be detailed and informative, and they should highlight the unique features of your property.
When writing your property descriptions, keep the following tips in mind:
- Use keywords in your headings and descriptions
- Highlight the unique features of your property
- Use vivid language to create a sense of place
- Include photos and videos of your property
5. Offer competitive rates
One of the best ways to attract potential guests is to offer competitive rates. When setting your rates, keep in mind the going rate for similar properties in your area. You may also want to consider offering discounts for longer stays or for booking in advance.