Wants to know how to build a website for a vacation rental company?
Almost everyone on the user end appreciates a professional and user-friendly website. The importance of meeting the criteria becomes evident in the vacation rental business. It helps attract and convert potential guests while acting as a centralized booking management and marketing platform.
But building a perfect website that can assist you with the business is no easy task. There are strategic ways to create a fully functional vacation rental website. And this article offers step-by-step guidelines on how to build a website for your vacation rental company with essential tips and examples.
Step #01 –Choosing a Website Platform
Some of the most popular website builders for vacation rentals include –
- WordPress (w/ Elementor and Plugins) – It’s highly customizable with WP Rentals or Bookly plugins. But you’ll require basic-level technical knowledge.
- Wix – It’s an easy-to-use system with drag-and-drop functionality that comes with vacation rental templates. But the scalability seems limited for large businesses.
- Shopify – The e-commerce platform also emphasizes some booking integration apps. Still, it seems more suitable for rentals with product/item-like add-ons.
- Squarespace – It enables modern design templates and built-in SEO tools for further enhancement. But the customization is more noticeable than WordPress.
Step #02 – Having a Domain Name and Hosting
Tips on choosing a domain –
- Maintain Simplicity – Easy to spell and remember, always strikes the mind.
- Include Keywords – Integrate terms and phrases directly associated with your niche.
- Check Availability – Use domain registration platforms (GoDaddy or Namecheap).
Tips on the possible hosting –
- Bluehost – Great for WordPress-based websites.
- SiteGround – Known for reliability and speed.
- Airbnb-like Platforms –Directing with 3rdparty listings.
Step #03 – Planning Website Structure and Design
You must define, organize, and implement the following webpages –
- Homepage – Highlight the brand and showcase high-quality images of your properties. Don’t forget to add a ‘Search and Book Now’ button.
- Property Listings – Include individual pages for each rental. Decorate the webpage with descriptions, photos, amenities, and even pricing.
- About Us – Share your company’s story, mission, and local expertise.
- Contact Page – Provide a contact form, email, phone number, and social media links.
- FAQ Page – Answer common questions about booking, cancellation policies, and amenities.
Meanwhile, you should stick to the following design tips –
- High-Quality Images – Get pro photography to make everything look attractive.
- Choose a Clean Layout – Ensure easy navigation with a user-friendly interface.
- Include Testimonials –Showcase reviews and guest feedback to build trust.
Step #04 – Integrating Booking and Payment Systems
A seamless booking system is mandatory for every vacation rental website. And the tips on booking tools would include –
- Checkfront– Integrates with WordPress to make reservations.
- Airbnb Calendar Sync – Sync bookings from third-party platforms.
- iCal– Integrates multiple booking sources into one calendar.
For payment gateways, enable secure online payments with options like PayPal, Stripe, and Square.
Step #05 – Optimizing for Mobile and SEO
- Mobile Optimization – Employ responsive design to ensure your website looks good on all devices. Test mobile performance with tools like Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.
- SEO Tips – Target Keywords with location-based phrases(luxury cabins in Chicago’ or ‘beach rentals in Miami.’ Add a blog section with travel guides, tips, and local attractions. Write compelling meta titles and descriptions for each page.
Step #06 – Adding the Essential Features
The key features to include in a vacation rental website are –
- Search and Filter–Allowing users to search properties by date, location, price, and amenities.
- Dynamic Pricing – Using premium tools to adjust prices based on demand and seasonality.
- Reviews and Ratings – Allow current guests to leave reviews directly on your website.
- Local Recommendations – Including suggestions on nearby attractions and/or activities.
Step #07 – Promoting Vacation Rental Website
- Social Media Marketing – Post visually appealing content on Instagram and Facebook. Employ TikTok for short property tours or travel inspiration.
- Google Ads – Target keywords like ‘best vacation rentals in Yellowstone.’
- Email Marketing – Send newsletters with special offers and seasonal discounts.
- Affiliate Marketing – Partner with travel bloggers or influencers to promote your properties.
An Example of a Good Promotion Plan:
- Launching the website with a grand opening discount for early bookings.
- Running a Facebook ad campaign for families looking for vacation spots.
- Publishing relevant blogs on ‘top things to do in [destination]’ and links.
Step #08 – Testing and Launching Website
- Pre-Launch – Ensure all payment gateways and calendar integrations work. Verify that all links and buttons are functional. You can even use tools like GTmetrix to improve load times.
- Launching Tips – Announce the launch on social media and through email campaigns. Consider offering a limited-time discount to generate initial bookings.
It has become obligatory to consider a website for your vacation rental company. Building, launching, and keeping a website is always a worthwhile investment to enhance your business significantly. This article can guide you in creating a professional and functional website tailored to your specific needs.
Contact Tectera who offers web design in Scarborough for more information.