Airbnb or a Custom Website for Your Vacation Rental? Why Smart Hosts Are Making the Switch

Should you go with Airbnb or a custom website for your vacation rental? If you have been running your vacation rental on Airbnb or VRBO, you might be wondering if this is really the best way to scale. Spoiler alert: it might not be. While platforms like Airbnb are fantastic for getting started, they are not always the best option for long-term success. That is why more and more savvy hosts are ditching the middleman and building their own custom websites.

Let me share why having your own vacation rental website could be the game-changer you didn’t know you needed.

Why Relying on Airbnb Isn’t Enough

Don’t get me wrong, Airbnb, VRBO, and similar platforms are amazing for gaining visibility when you’re just starting out. But as your business grows, you’ll likely start noticing some big downsides:

1. You’re Playing by Their Rules

Airbnb and VRBO control everything: your listing’s visibility, their ever-changing fees, and even the booking process. One policy update can flip your entire business on its head. Sound familiar?

2. You’re Losing Money on Fees

Both you and your guests are paying hefty fees for every booking. Those costs add up fast and can eat into your profits.

3. Limited Branding Opportunities

When you list on Airbnb, your property’s branding boils down to a few photos, a name, and a description that looks like everyone else’s. There’s little room to showcase your personality, your unique vibe, or what makes your rental unforgettable.

4. No Customer Ownership

Here’s the real kicker: you don’t own your guest list. That means you can’t market directly to previous guests or nurture relationships that lead to repeat bookings.

This is where your own website can completely flip the script.

The Benefits of Having Your Own Vacation Rental Website

When Ivy Lane Cottage came to me, they were ready to take control of their bookings. Within weeks of launching their custom website, they were fully booked for the next summer. And they did it all without solely relying on Airbnb. Here’s why having your own website is such a powerful move:

1. Full Control Over Your Business

Your website, your rules. You get to decide how to showcase your property, set your own booking policies, and highlight what makes your rental special. No more worrying about algorithm changes or platform restrictions.

2. Keep More of Your Money

By cutting out the middleman, you save on booking fees, and so do your guests. Lower fees can make your rental more attractive to potential visitors while padding your profits.

3. Make Your Brand Stand Out

A personalized website gives you the chance to wow your guests before they even get there. Whether you’re rocking a chic modern look or going for cozy, cottage-core vibes, your site can be packed with personality and set the mood for their stay.

4. Build a Direct Booking Pipeline

Here’s the magic: when guests book directly through your website, you’re building your own customer base. You can stay connected with past guests via email marketing, offer exclusive discounts, and turn one-time visitors into loyal, repeat customers.

5. Better SEO = More Visibility

Unlike Airbnb, where you’re fighting to stand out among thousands of listings, a well-optimized website can help people find you directly on Google. This means more organic traffic and bookings without paying for ads.

Let’s Address Some Common Fears About Leaving Airbnb

Switching to your own website can feel like a big leap, so let’s talk about some of the common fears that might be holding you back.

“What if I don’t get any bookings?”

If you’re worried about bookings, remember that you don’t have to ditch Airbnb completely. Think of your website as your primary hub and Airbnb as a backup tool to fill gaps. Over time, your goal is to drive more traffic to your site and rely less on third-party platforms.

“Isn’t building a website expensive?”

Not necessarily! A custom website is an investment, but one that pays off by increasing your bookings and cutting out platform fees. Plus, there are options like Showit that make it easy to create stunning, functional websites without breaking the bank.

“I’m not tech-savvy. How will I manage a website?”

Good news: platforms like Showit are super user-friendly, and I’ll make sure you’re comfortable managing your site before we launch.

Why Showit Is a Must-Have for Vacation Rentals

Let’s talk about Showit for a sec. It is a drag-and-drop website builder that is perfect for creative folks like vacation rental hosts. Why do I love it? For starters, it is super user-friendly. No coding or tech stress required. Just drag, drop, and you are good to go. Plus, it is fully customizable, so your site can feel 100% like your brand. Forget boring, cookie-cutter templates. This is all about your vibe.

And the best part? Showit makes SEO a breeze, helping your site show up on Google and attract more eyes and bookings to your rental. If you are still weighing Airbnb or a custom website for your vacation rental, platforms like Showit make it easier than ever to take the leap.

Need proof it works? Take my client, Ivy Lane Cottage, for example. Their Showit site doesn’t just look stunning, it helped them land more bookings faster than they ever imagined. If they can do it, so can you!

Ready to Take the Leap?

Switching from Airbnb to a custom website might feel like a bold move, but it’s one that can truly take your vacation rental business to the next level. Whether you’re looking to save on fees, build a recognizable brand, or grow your bookings, a custom website gives you the freedom and flexibility you need.

If you’re ready to make the switch or just curious about what’s possible, let’s chat! You can explore my website design services right here. I’d love to help you create a website that turns your vacation rental into a fully booked, thriving business.

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links. If you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I only share about companies that I truly believe in and use myself! For my details on affiliate links, please visit my terms of use.