For an STR manager overseeing multiple properties, maximising revenue while reducing reliance on Booking.com and Airbnb type websites. One powerful strategy is increasing branded search traffic – when guests search directly for your rental business by name. In this article, we’ll explore how branded searches directly impact revenue growth and why having the best direct booking website for short-term rentals is critical to converting that interest into commission-free bookings.
Zeevou’s innovative direct booking tools provide a scalable solution designed to help portfolio hosts grow smarter and faster.
Table of Contents
What Is a Branded Search in Short-Term Rentals?
A branded search is when someone types your business name – or a variation of it – directly into a search engine. For example, a potential guest might search “Urban Retreats London” instead of using a generic term like “vacation rental in London.” This shows that the guest already knows your brand and is intentionally looking for your specific business, not just any listing.
Why Is Branded Search Important for Large-Scale Hosts?
For hosts managing multiple properties across one or more locations, branded searches are a key indicator of business health and growth potential. When guests search your brand name directly – such as “Seaside Suites Miami” or “Your Brand Rentals” – it shows they recognise your business.
This matters because:
- Branded searches lead to higher-converting traffic: Guests who already know your name are more likely to book, especially through your own site.
- They reduce reliance on OTAs: Instead of paying high commissions to platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, you capture bookings directly.
- They reflect brand loyalty and guest satisfaction: Repeat guests and word-of-mouth referrals often start with branded searches.
- They support scaling: As your portfolio grows, a strong brand helps unify your listings and drive more consistent, organic traffic to your direct booking website.
Ready to build a recognisable brand and increase direct bookings? Check-out Zeevou’s solutions.
How Do Branded Searches Impact Direct Booking Revenue?
Branded search traffic is high intent. When guests search for your business name directly, it means they already trust your brand and are more likely to book with you.
Here’s how a business can grow over four months after launching the best direct booking website for short-term rentals:
| Months | Branded search volume | Direct Bookings | OTA Bookings | Direct booking revenue | OTA Fees Saved |
| Month 1 | 850 | 22 | 96 | £6.600 | 0 |
| Month 2 | 1,200 | 34 | 90 | £10.200 | £1.275 |
| Month 3 | 1,750 | 47 | 85 | £14.100 | £2.025 |
| Month 4 | 2,250 | 61 | 77 | £18.300 | £2.925 |
Can Branded Searches Grow My Rental Business in Multiple Cities?
Absolutely. When an STR manager oversees a portfolio spanning multiple locations, guests often search using their brand name + city (e.g., ‘Brand Stays Edinburgh).This means your brand is gaining recognition beyond a single market, even among users of Airbnb type websites.
With the best direct booking website for short-term rentals, you can create location-specific pages that rank in search results. This makes it easier for guests to find and book your properties directly in any city you operate.
What Are the Best Direct Booking Websites for Short-Term Rentals?
Boostly
Strengths: Professionally designed WordPress websites.
Key Features:
- Done-for-you websites focused on conversions.
- Integrated with major PMSs and payment gateways.
- SEO-optimised structure.
Best for: Hosts who want a high-converting website without DIY hassle.
Lodgify
Strengths: Easy-to-use, beginner-friendly builder.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop website editor.
- Integrated payment processing.
- Multi-language support.
Best for: Individual hosts looking for a polished and simple solution.
Hostaway
Strengths: Powerful integrations and scalability.
Key Features:
- WordPress-based direct booking site.
- Custom branding and domain options.
- Real-time availability and instant bookings.
Best for: Professional property managers with multi-channel needs.
Uplisting
Strengths: Clean direct booking website with one template.
Key Features:
- Easy-to-launch direct booking engine with Airbnb import capabilities.
- Syncs with major OTAs to prevent double bookings.
- Features like guest identity verification and payment processing.
Best for: Hosts with smaller portfolios looking for simplicity and affordability.
Guesty
Strengths: AI-powered tools to optimise discoverability and conversions.
Key Features:
- Commission-free direct bookings with a built-in booking engine.
- AI-driven SEO recommendations for better visibility.
- Automation for guest messaging, pricing, and analytics.
Best For: Property managers with multiple listings needing scalability and marketing tools.
Zeevou
Strengths: Fully automated PMS and direct booking website builder.
Key Features:
- Commission-free direct bookings with a built-in booking engine.
- Equipped with automated messaging and analytical tools.
- Multi-property branding features.
Best for: Hosts with multiple properties who want an all-in-one automation-focused platform.
Why Is Zeevou the Best Direct Booking Website for Short-Term Rental Businesses with Large Portfolios?
Zeevou stands out as the best direct booking website builder by combining robust features to streamline bookings.
Zeevou offers one of the best direct booking website builders that can instantly convert existing Airbnb listings into a branded site.
The website is dynamically updated with property details, rates, availability, photos, descriptions, and amenities directly from your Zeevou PMS. This ensures consistent and up-to-date information across your entire portfolio without manual updates.
It is SEO-friendly, helping your properties rank highly in search engines. It also enables users to search and book across your entire portfolio, making it ideal for multi-location providers.
The booking engine is designed to maximise conversion rates by allowing bookings in as few clicks as possible. It also supports multi-currency setups and offers secure payment gateways.
You can include vouchers and promotions to incentivise direct bookings, and even automatically display Airbnb reviews on your site to build trust.
Having the best direct booking website for short-term rentals gives an STR manager control over branding, cancellation policies, and guest screening. These factors are crucial for multi-property managers seeking stability and independence from Booking.com and Airbnb type websites.
Zeevou’s Guest CRM collects valuable guest data (like email addresses and preferences) that OTAs often restrict. This enables targeted marketing and personalised services to boost loyalty.
What Are the Steps to Grow My Direct Bookings?
To grow your direct bookings, start by building a consistent brand presence.
Start with the basics:
- Brand your business consistently across all platforms.
- Launch a site with the best direct booking website builder for short-term rentals.
- Optimise your vacation rental website for SEO and guest trust.
- Track your branded search volume and booking revenue.
Strategies for large-scale hosts:
- Unify your brand name across Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, and your own vacation rental website.
- Add your direct booking link in guest emails, welcome booklets, and signage.
- Run low-cost Google Ads for your brand name to capture high-intent searches.
- Publish a content-rich local blog to boost organic traffic.
- Collect Google Reviews under your business name to build credibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between branded and non-branded searches for short-term rentals?
Branded searches use your business name while non-branded searches use generic terms. Branded searches show higher intent and trust, leading to more direct bookings.
How can I track branded search volume for my short-term rental business?
Use tools like Google Search Console to monitor searches for your brand name and its variations. This helps you measure brand recognition and optimise your direct booking website.
Do I need a direct booking website if I already use OTAs like Airbnb and Booking.com?
Yes, a direct booking website reduces OTA commissions, captures high-intent branded search traffic, and builds brand loyalty.
How do I optimise my website for branded searches?
Use custom URLs, schema markup, and location-specific pages, and ensure consistent branding across OTAs and emails to boost visibility and trust.
How do Google Reviews help with branded searches?
Positive Google Reviews under your business name boost credibility, improve SEO rankings, and encourage more guests to book directly with your brand.
What if my brand name isn’t well-known yet?
Start by unifying your branding across platforms and using Zeevou’s SEO tools. Promote your direct booking link to build recognition and drive branded searches over time.
Ready to scale smarter? Zeevou provides the best direct booking solution for short-term rentals, tailored for STR managers looking to move beyond OTAs.
Image by pch.vector on Freepik.
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