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Website Builders
Definitely NOT one of the new kids on the block. GoDaddy offers a scalable approach that allows you to start with a basic site and add on when you're ready. Web hosting averages $20/month and always starts with a 30-day trial period.
The interface is built on WordPress and can be somewhat limited if you are a web designer. I've been using this site for a while and am impressed with their continued improvements. Want a deal? Call them directly and you are sure to get a 20% discount. (NOTE: This website is built on GoDaddy's platform)
I started using GFH in 2022 mostly to automate my guest communications and to get a unified calendar. But after I got past the initial setup, I discovered it offers so much more. The built-in website tool works very well and gives you a basic website with light customization. It also comes with an online booking engine that can be tied to your PayPal or Stripe account.
Founded in 2006, Wix has grown very quickly as a favorite with over 110 million users. Their drag and drop interface and numerous free templates get them great reviews. Web hosting starts as low as $13 per month. I have not used this site, but it has become a favorite among DIY property managers due to the simplicity of the interface and the ability to get a basic website up and running quickly.
Running neck to neck with GoDaddy in rankings, you can't go wrong with Bluehost. They consistently get high rankings for support and overall value for the money and they offer an extensive set of tools that will scale well as you begin to grow your site. Web hosting starts as low as $3.95 per month for shared hosting. Traditional web hosting compares well with other sites at roughly $20/month.
Offering a hybrid solution, with Lodgify you get a website, booking platform, Channel Manager, property management software, and more.
This is a very popular choice among property owners and worth taking advantage of their 7-day trial to see if it fits your model. Pricing is based on the number of properties you manage. The best value appears to be their Professional version, which offers a 20% discount and no booking fees.
Booking Platforms
This is where I first listed our property. The interface is easy to follow. The Dashboard and Ranking Metrics provide valuable daily progress updates. I particularly like the MarketMaker add-in, which shows how you compare to your customizable Comp Set. With Vrbo, you also get exposure on other platforms, including VacationRentals, OwnersDirect, Expedia, and more.
This was the second platform we used for our property, but the first to produce bookings. The interface is fairly easy to follow, but I find it somewhat lacking in the progress tools offered. Nevertheless, as one of the leaders among travelers in the US, this is a must site to include as you get started with your vacation rental property.
As a favorite among European travelers, you should consider this platform if you want to attract international guests. They offer a time-saving tool that allows you to import your site from another platform and a very intuitive interface. With their numerous travel partnerships, you get immediate global exposure.
As the new kid on the block Houfy is quickly gaining ground and definitely worth consideration as you get started. With no service fees or commissions, you can put that savings in your pocket or pass it along to your guests by offering lower nightly rates. Realize they do not do any marketing for you, so it is up to you to create your own marketing plan
Other Tools Worth A look
* AIRDNA - If you are assessing geographic areas for your vacation property purchase or maybe defining a new strategy for your existing rental business, take a look at this tool. The data is aggregated by zip code and offers several graphs and reports to help you evaluate the rent potential of a given area. In my "Finding Your Property" post I talk about how we used this tool to help validate out property.
* REPUSO - This affordable and easy to use tool allows you to collect all your guest reviews in one place. Use their custom code to embed a REVIEW page on your website so all reviews are automatically uploaded as they come in. Display a QR Code for guests to use during their stay or add a graphic to your communications to facilitate the collection of reviews. Sign up for the annual subscription for the best savings ($109)
* VACATION RENTAL UNIVERSITY - I'm always on the prowl for resources that bring value to new or independent hosts. I recently attended VRU's introductory course and was impressed with the material and overall presentation. Check them out and let me know what you think!
* HOSTFULLY - I talk about this product in one of my blog posts. With the new cleaning protocols promoted in 2020, I replaced our on-site Guest Welcome Book with Hostfully's Guidebook product. I love how easy it is to personalize for your guest and the ability to create a "recommendations only" version to hang on your website. Love this product!
If you'd like to give it a try, use my coupon code P3W1O5V2 to get your first 2 months FREE.
TOUCHSTAY - Very similar to Hostfully's product. You can get a digital guest book put together in less than 15 minutes. Take advantage of their free trial and take it for a test ride. Use Promo Code DG10 to get 10% off your first year of an annual subscription!
NOISEAWARE - This noise monitoring tool provides the control and protection you need as a property owner, with an unobtrusive customer touch point. I love this proactive approach, which allows you to address an escalating situation before the cops are called. If you list with Vrbo, you'll enjoy a hefty discount!
BUILDUP BOOKINGS - I recently came across this site which specializes in on-line marketing strategies. Understanding and conquering SEO (search engine optimization) can be a challenge. If you are struggling with your digital presence, consider engaging a service to help you get your site the visibility you need.
* Tools I am either using now, or used during my startup
Drop me a line and ask me for a MARKET TREND REPORT for your area!
Email: darlene.glaze@kw.com
Website: darleneglaze@kw.com
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If you're new to Vacation Home Ownership or just getting started as a host, check out my JUMP START SERVICES...a quick an affordable way to get up and running fast!