How to Start Accepting Direct Bookings (Without Leaving Airbnb Yet)
Last updated: June 2025
You don’t have to ditch Airbnb to dip your toes into direct bookings. In fact, starting while you’re still on OTAs is probably the smartest move. You’ll learn as you go, build your confidence, and slowly shift control back into your hands—all without needing to be some tech wizard.
Table of Contents
- 1. Use the Guests You Already Have
- 2. Start Collecting Emails—One by One
- 3. Make a Simple Site
- 4. Get a PMS That Handles Payments
- 5. Make Guests Feel Safe
- 6. Don’t Go All-In Overnight
- Final Thoughts
1. Use the Guests You Already Have
If you’ve had guests who loved their stay, that’s your starting point. Don’t overthink it.
- After they check out, send a thank-you message.
- Let them know you offer better rates when they book with you directly.
- Ask if they’d like updates or special deals in the future.
Just be human. That’s what people remember.
2. Start Collecting Emails—One by One
You don’t need fancy email software to begin. A few simple options:
- A Google Form you send in your follow-up message
- A line in your digital guidebook that says “Join our list for exclusive rates”
- StayFi if you want to automate it with your Wi-Fi login
Don’t over-email people. One good offer or a reminder before peak season is enough to get started.
3. Make a Simple Site — It Doesn’t Have to Be Fancy
You just need something that shows:
- What your place looks like
- When it’s available
- A way to book it
Add a few reviews, explain what’s included, and you’re off to a strong start. Don’t let perfection stop you from launching.
If you want help, CraftedStays is what I ended up using. It took care of the setup, looks clean, and connects to my PMS automatically.
4. Get a PMS That Handles Payments
You shouldn’t be collecting payments manually. The easiest way to handle this is by using a Property Management System (PMS) that connects to Stripe. Most of them do.
That way, your bookings go through a real payment processor, taxes and fees are handled properly, and you can offer clear terms and policies.
If you’re using something like CraftedStays, this is already baked in.
5. Make Guests Feel Safe Booking with You
Without Airbnb as your middleman, you’ll need to build trust yourself. It’s doable—just be transparent:
- Show real guest reviews (even if you copy them from Airbnb)
- Write out what’s included and what to expect
- Be clear about cancellation terms
- Add a rental agreement if needed
The more info you give up front, the more likely people are to book.
6. Don’t Try to Go All-In Overnight
Some hosts think going direct means ditching OTAs completely. You don’t have to.
Use Airbnb and Vrbo to:
- Reach new people
- Build your rep
- Grow your list
Use direct bookings for:
- Returning guests
- Saving on fees
- Gaining more control
Doing both is the move.
Give It a Shot
The biggest hurdle? Starting. Not everything will be perfect, but that’s fine. Most guests aren’t looking for perfection—they just want clarity, trust, and an easy way to book.
I wish I’d started sooner.
If you’re ready to make the leap, you can try out platforms like CraftedStays. It makes the setup easier so you can focus on getting your next booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a website to start direct bookings?
A: Not at first. Many hosts start with return guests by using email or forms. A site helps build trust, but you can ease into it.
Q: Can I still use Airbnb while doing direct bookings?
A: Absolutely. Many hosts use OTAs to get traffic and offer direct bookings to returning guests.
Q: What’s the easiest way to collect guest emails?
A: A simple Google Form or a tool like StayFi works well. Just ask guests if they’d like to stay in touch.
Q: Is Stripe safe for taking payments?
A: Yes. Stripe is a widely used payment processor trusted by millions of businesses.
Q: What should I include on my booking page?
A: Photos, guest reviews, pricing, availability, and reasons to book direct (like lower rates or better communication).
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