Five quirky direct booking tips

Inspired by a recent episode of the Host Planet Podcast featuring Mark Simpson, we’ve compiled five quirky direct booking strategies to help you avoid those pesky commission fees from the likes of Airbnb and Booking.com.

At Host Planet, we’re all about helping you build a sustainable and profitable business – and that includes owning your audience and revenue.

So, here’s a cheeky list of direct booking ideas that go beyond the usual ‘build an email list’ and ‘optimise your SEO’. These are quirky, creative, and seriously effective ways to attract new guests without the middlemen.

1. Billboard bins and roundabouts

The key message here is to show up where your target customers hang out. For example, if your goal is to fill midweek nights with local contractors, advertise in places they’re likely to see it. Mark Simpson told the Host Planet Podcast one of his customers advertised her rental on bins – and it quickly delivered a large number of inquiries and bookings. Mark also mentioned Host & Stay’s multiple marketing strategies, including advertising on roundabouts, which is simple, relatively cheap, and gets your brand seen by a lot of eyeballs.

2. Star in your own content to drive direct bookings

Another tip from Mark Simpson. Hosts who ‘embrace the cringe’ with regular selfies and videos about their rentals and location can become the go-to in their local area. Starring in your own content humanises your brand and builds trust. And the more followers you gain, the more advocates you develop, and the more direct bookings you drive.

3. QR code on the fridge

Your guests from Airbnb and Booking.com won’t know they can book direct unless you tell them. A QR code on the fridge, near the Wi-Fi router, or on the back of the bathroom door (or all three) can take guests directly to your website. Try this simple line: ‘Want to skip Airbnb commission fees next time? Snap me to book direct.’ It feels insider, it’s easy, and it’s a quiet nudge towards your direct booking site.

4. Become the go-to in your local Facebook group

OK, you’re going to have to put up with people complaining about dog mess, bad parking, and noise from the local pub, but Facebook community groups are an effective way of subtly advertising your rental. Some groups don’t allow blatant promotions – so perhaps don’t make your first post a rehash of your Airbnb listing. Simply keep showing up: like posts, comment where relevant, and engage regularly. And, of course, if anyone ever asks for a place to stay, try and be the first to reply. You’ll quickly become well known as the person who runs the rental around the corner.

5. Sneakily advertise on Airbnb

Guests are becoming more and more savvy. Quite a few will scout Airbnb for a place to stay and then try to find the direct booking website. Naturally, Airbnb will not allow you to include a link to your website in the title or description. However, one thing you could consider is taking a photo of your TV which just happens to have a QR code which links to your website. Clever, right?