Airbnb isn’t your business—it’s just a platform.
At Lumos Host, we work with STR hosts across the U.S. and Latin America who want to build real brands—not just listings. The first step? A direct booking website.
Here’s why every short-term rental owner should have one, and how to build it without spending months or thousands of dollars.
You Own the Data
When guests book through Airbnb or Vrbo, you don’t get their emails. That means:
- No post-stay marketing
- No upsell opportunities
- No holiday promos
With your own booking site, you capture:
- Emails at checkout
- Names, phone numbers, and zip codes for personalized follow-up
- Consent to email guests with offers
Tools like StayFi let you collect emails even if the guest didn’t book directly, by prompting login at your WiFi portal.
Say Goodbye to OTA Fees
Most OTAs take 15–20% in fees. For a $1,000 weekend stay, that’s $150–200 out the door.
Direct booking = 100% of the revenue in your account.
Use those savings to:
- Invest in marketing
- Add amenities (like a hot tub, firepit, or upgraded linens)
- Offer better rates for repeat guests
Run Facebook & Google Ads that Actually Work
You can’t advertise an Airbnb listing URL. But with a website? Game on.
Run ads like:
- “Book 3 Nights, Get 1 Free – Only on Our Website”
- “Weekend Getaway Near [City] – Cabin Stays from $189/night”
Then retarget:
- People who clicked but didn’t book
- Instagram followers who saved your Reel
- Past guests who haven’t returned in 12+ months
Use tools like Meta Ads Manager, Google Ads, and Flodesk for automation.
Create a Content Funnel That Brings Guests Back
Blog posts and newsletters aren’t just fluff—they’re SEO gold.
Let’s say you run a cabin near Duluth, MN. You could write blogs like:
- “🌲 Best Hikes Near Duluth (All Within 15 Minutes!)”
- “🍽️ Top 10 Restaurants Near Our Cabin (5–10 Min Drive!)”
- “🏕️ The Ultimate Weekend Itinerary in Northern Minnesota”
Guests searching for “best hikes in Duluth” might find your blog—then your booking site—then your listing. That’s how organic content turns into direct revenue.
We call this a content funnel, and we build them for clients weekly.
How to Build a Booking Site (Without the Headache)
Don’t overcomplicate it. A great STR website can be built in under 10 days if you:
- Use templates designed for STRs
- Add clear calls to action (Book Now, Check Dates, Get a Deal)
- Integrate with tools like Cloudbeds, Hostaway, or Lodgify
- Highlight perks of booking direct
- Add trust with Google reviews & photos
What we build at Lumos Host:
- Custom websites with blog, ads, & review integration
- Email capture tools
- Facebook ad retargeting
- Content calendars + blog writing
As Sarah likes to Mention
If you’re serious about running a short-term rental that grows year over year, a booking website isn’t optional. It’s fundamental.
Airbnb owns the guest—you own the headache.
With a website, you own the experience, the brand, the data—and the revenue.
Need help building your site, fast?
We’ll help you set it up, fill it with bookings, and build a business that lasts.
Sarah Jensen
CEO & Founder, Lumos Host
Call: 602-618-7520
