Why do I need a website for my vacation rental?

Many hosts rely solely on booking platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com. It's convenient – but not necessarily profitable. Having your own website is not only a sign of professionalism but also a powerful lever to rent out more independently, profitably, and successfully in the long term.

1. Stop paying commission fees (or share them wisely)

Platforms charge between 12–20% commission per booking – paid by the guest, the host, or both. At 100 € per night, that’s up to 20 € per booking that just disappears. Over a year, that easily adds up to four-digit amounts.

Example calculation:

• 100 € per night, 120 nights a year → 12,000 € revenue

• 15% platform fees → 1,800 € cost

With your own website, you can:

• save that 1,800 €

• split the savings with your guests

• or increase your margin without raising the guest’s price

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2. Build more trust with your guests

A well-designed website shows professionalism and transparency. You can present your rental beautifully, show reviews, answer FAQs, and communicate directly with your guests. This turns anonymous visitors into real leads.

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3. Full control over your content and communication

No more platform restrictions: You decide what to show, which data to collect, and how to interact with your guests. This also enables you to offer special deals, discounts, or repeat bookings.

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4. Become more independent in the long run

If Airbnb changes its terms or your listing drops in the rankings, you're powerless. Your own website is your digital home base – you build your own visibility and reach through SEO, Google Ads, and more.

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Conclusion: Your own website is not a luxury – it’s an investment in your independence.

And the best part: With just a few clicks, you can connect it to your Smoobu account. fewofy helps you from day one – whether with the Smoobu website builder or a professional Wix integration.