How to Get More Bookings Through Your Rental Website

As a private property owner, you naturally want as many guests as possible to book directly through your own website — without relying entirely on external platforms. Getting more direct bookings comes down to three key factors: visibility, trust, and ease of use. Here’s how to improve each step by step.

1. Become visible on Google and social media

To attract more visitors to your website, people need to be able to find your vacation rental when they search online. Here are a few practical tips:​​​​​​​
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Use search terms your guests would type into Google, such as “holiday home by the sea”, “vacation rental in [region]” or “pet-friendly holiday home in [place]”. Think of several keyword variations that match your property.​​​​​​​

Write short blog posts or a page about your area, for example: “5 things to do in the region” or “Why [area] is perfect for a weekend getaway.” Share your personal tips and local knowledge — mention that one great restaurant and explain why it’s worth a visit. Adapt your content to your target audience: if you mainly rent to families, highlight kid-friendly activities.

Create a Google Business Profile so your property appears on Google Maps and in local search results.

Request local backlinks from restaurants, tourist offices, or hiking groups.​​​​​​​

Post regular photos and updates on social media. Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest are ideal for reaching new guests and staying visible to returning ones. Tip: there are plenty of free Facebook groups where you can promote your rental — perfect if you still have a few open weeks to fill.

2. Build trust with your visitors

Guests need to feel confident that they’re booking with a reliable host. You can build that trust by:

• Using high-quality, up-to-date photos of both the interior and exterior. Show every room to avoid questions and uncertainty. Investing in a professional photographer once can make a big difference.
• Displaying genuine guest reviews, even those from external platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com.
• Writing a personal “About us” page that explains who you are and why you rent out your home. Holidays are about atmosphere and experience — make sure that feeling comes through online.
• Providing clear contact details including email, phone number, and preferably WhatsApp.
• Offering secure online payments, for example through Mollie or Stripe.

3. Make it quick and easy to book on your website

Few things are more frustrating than a complicated booking process. With these tips, you can increase your conversion rate:

• Show real-time availability and let visitors book instantly. After booking, send an automatic confirmation email so guests know their stay is secured.
• Be transparent about your prices — no hidden fees or confusing add-ons.
• Keep booking forms short, asking only the essential details at first. Once the reservation is confirmed, you can request additional information via an automated follow-up email.
• Place clear “Book now” buttons throughout your site — on the homepage, property page, and near the photos.
• Test everything on mobile devices — over half of all bookings now come from smartphones.

4. Use external platforms wisely

Platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb can help increase your visibility, especially when you’re just starting out. But make sure those guests come back to book directly with you next time. For example:

• Leave a flyer or business card in your property with your website and contact details.
• Offer a discount code for repeat bookings through your own website — and encourage guests to share it with friends and family.
• Send a thank-you email after their stay, including a request for a review (with a link to Google or your own site).
• Create a newsletter or mailing list for regular guests. Share updates when new season rates are available or when a last-minute cancellation opens up dates.

In summary:

You’ll get more out of your rental website by:

• Improving your visibility on Google (SEO & content).
• Building trust with honest information, great photos, and secure payments.
• Offering a smooth, mobile-friendly booking process.
• Using external platforms strategically without becoming dependent on them.
• Staying in touch with past guests to encourage repeat bookings.

Want to know how your current rental website performs in these areas? Get in touch and request a free website analysis — we’ll give you practical improvement tips you can apply right away.