Airbnb has revolutionised the short term rental industry – there’s no doubt about it. It’s easy, trusted, and brings in bookings. But here’s the truth most hosts realise too late: relying entirely on Airbnb puts your business at risk.
If you don’t have your own direct booking website, you’re building your rental brand on someone else’s platform. And when algorithms shift, fees increase, or competition spikes, your bookings (and income) can take a hit.
Here’s why a standalone website isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s an essential asset for every serious host.
1. You're Not in Control on Airbnb
Your property might be yours – but your presence on Airbnb isn’t. They control the algorithm, your visibility, the guest journey, and the rules. At any moment:
- You could be buried in search results
- Guests could be shown competing properties first
- Reviews could be removed or misused
- A policy change could hurt your listing overnight
With your own website, you control the content, the booking experience, and your guest’s perception. You’re not just “on a platform” – you own the platform.
2. You’re Paying High Commission Fees (for Every Booking)
Airbnb takes up to 15% commission per booking. If you’re charging $300/night, that’s $45 gone – every time. Over the course of a year? That’s thousands in lost income.
A direct booking website means you keep more of what you earn. Even if you still use Airbnb for some traffic, having a commission-free channel improves your profit margins and gives you leverage.
3. Guests Are Already Looking for Your Website
Many guests find you on Airbnb – but then search for your property name or images to book directly. If you don’t have a site? You lose them. They either go back to Airbnb (and pay the fee), or worse, they find someone else.
Having a well-designed, trustworthy, mobile-friendly website means those guests can book directly with confidence. You’re meeting them where they’re already looking – and winning the booking.
4. You Can Build a Real Brand (Not Just a Listing)
Airbnb is a platform. Your property is a brand. A website lets you build a narrative: your style, your experience, your values. You can show off:
- Professional photos
- Personal host story
- Local recommendations
- Guest testimonials
- Branded experience (fonts, tone, vibe)
This elevates your rental above “just another Airbnb.” It becomes memorable – and that leads to repeat bookings, referrals, and better reviews.
5. It’s the Foundation of Long-Term Growth
Want to build an email list? Run promotions? Use Instagram to drive bookings? Offer guest rebooking discounts?
You can’t do any of that well without your own site.
A direct booking website is the central hub for all your marketing – the place every ad, social post, or guest email should point to. Without it, you’re stuck in someone else’s ecosystem, with limited tools and even more limitations.
Ready to Take Control of Your STR Business?
A standalone website isn’t about replacing Airbnb – it’s about building a safety net, a growth channel, and a better experience for you and your guests.
At Direct Stays, we design SEO-friendly, mobile-optimised, guest-ready websites that help hosts get seen, get booked, and get ahead – without relying on OTA algorithms or paying commission on every stay.
to explore what a custom website can do for your rental. No pressure – just expert advice.