Drive Direct Bookings Without Policy Issues

In short: promote your direct channel outside of booking-related conversations: use social media, your Google profile, and a QR code on-site. After check-out, communication becomes more flexible. Always check the latest platform terms.

The guiding principle: build externally, do not solicit internally

The simplest rule to remember is: any promotion of your direct channel must happen outside of the ongoing Airbnb/Booking conversation, never within it. A polished social media profile, a Google business page, and an on-site QR code are all 'external' channels that guests can discover on their own.

The check-out moment is the safest

Once the stay is over and the relationship with the platform for that specific booking has concluded, leaving the guest with contact information for a future stay is generally considered safer than doing so during the stay itself.

Build your own reviews, not just on OTAs

If your property has its own Google Business profile (with a verifiable address), accumulating reviews there helps guests find you directly by name or location without going through an OTA—a completely independent discovery channel.

Your direct site as a destination, not an active solicitation

Having a website or a direct booking page is not a problem in itself: the issue arises only if you use the platform's messaging system to explicitly direct a guest currently booked there to that site for the same transaction.

When in doubt, stay passive

The safest rule of thumb is always the same: make your direct channel available and discoverable, but never actively pitch it within conversations linked to an active Airbnb or Booking reservation.

Building a mailing list in a compliant way

Collecting a guest's email at check-out, with their explicit consent, to send future direct offers does not link that communication to the just-concluded booking: it is a separate channel, built over time, which becomes increasingly valuable as your list of reachable former guests grows.

The role of a multilingual site for international guests

For properties with a strong international guest base, having a direct booking page available in multiple languages increases the likelihood that a former international guest will find and use it for their next trip, without necessarily having to return to the platform where they booked the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I place the QR code?

In the room and in common areas, without soliciting during the booking phase.

What should I offer?

A small perk for those who book directly next time.

How do I calculate savings?

Using our Booking and Airbnb commission calculator.

How do I try it?

With a 14-day free trial. Discover the page for short-term rentals and B&Bs.

3 steps to take today

1. Create your direct booking page.
2. Print a QR code for your property.
3. Send a warm follow-up message after check-out.