Your website isn’t just a digital brochure – it’s your short term rental’s most valuable booking tool. Done right, it builds trust, gets found in search, and converts visitors into paying guests. Done poorly? It confuses people, makes them hesitate, and sends them back to Airbnb – along with your commission.
Whether you’re building your own site or reviewing one you already have, use this checklist to make sure your STR website is actually working for you.
1. Mobile-First Design
Over 70% of travellers start their search on mobile. If your site isn’t built for phones first, you’re already behind. Your images should load fast, buttons should be thumb-friendly, and your booking process should be seamless on a small screen.
Ask yourself: Can someone book your stay in under 2 minutes on their phone without frustration?
2. Simple, Direct Booking Flow
If a guest can’t figure out how to book, they won’t. Your “Book Now” button should be visible on every page, ideally above the fold. Avoid unnecessary redirects – guests should stay on your site, not bounce between platforms.
Bonus tip: Add availability calendars and pricing previews to reduce questions and speed up the decision process.
3. SEO-Optimised for Local Search
Your site should be discoverable when someone searches for “short term rental in [Your Location]” or “Airbnb alternative near [Popular Spot].” This means using the right keywords in your page titles, headings, and image descriptions – and having a clean URL structure.
Extra boost: Consider adding a local blog or area guide to increase your chances of ranking in Google.
4. High-Quality, Story-Driven Visuals
Photos are everything – but it’s not just about wide-angle shots. Show lifestyle moments: the breakfast nook with morning light, the record player and a bottle of wine, the hammock with a view. These help guests imagine the experience, not just the layout.
Include 10-15 curated images per property. Don’t overload the page or rely on OTA image dumps.
5. Strong Brand Voice & Guest-Focused Copy
How your site sounds matters just as much as how it looks. Speak to your ideal guest: what kind of stay are they looking for? What do they care about? Use warm, welcoming language and focus on benefits over features.
Instead of “1 queen bed,” say: “A cloud-soft queen bed made for long, lazy mornings.”
6. Trust Builders
Guests need to feel safe and confident in booking directly. Show them they’re in good hands with:
- Guest reviews or testimonials
- “As seen in” logos or awards
- Secure booking system badges
- A short, friendly host bio with a photo
A personal touch goes a long way. Guests want to book with real people, not faceless properties.
7. Fast, Secure, and Well-Hosted
A slow or insecure website can kill trust immediately. Use reliable hosting that ensures your site loads quickly and displays the secure “https://” padlock in the browser. Speed also affects your SEO ranking – so it’s not just about guest experience, but visibility too.
8. Clear Navigation & Helpful Pages
Make it easy for guests to find what they need. Your site should include:
- Home
- About the Property (or “Stay” page)
- Photo Gallery
- Location/Getting Here
- Local Recommendations
- Booking Page
- Contact or FAQ
Want a Site That Does All This - and More?
We specialise in STR websites that are designed to look beautiful and convert. Mobile-first, SEO-ready, built to reflect your brand and boost direct bookings.
and we’ll review your current site or map out what’s possible – no pressure, just honest advice.