I'm not saying get rid of Airbnb, just add more options

[Michael Alexander]

Less dependence on online travel agencies (OTAs) like Airbnb and VRBO, more people booking directly with you leads to increased profits. Direct bookings mean no more commissions, full control over your cancellation policies, and full control over your business.

But how do you step up your branding and marketing efforts to get more direct bookings when you’re on a budget?

These tools can help you build a recognizable online brand identity, and get more direct bookings as a result:

Houfy

https://www.houfy.com/

Price: Free for basic listings

Houfy is an online network that looks like an OTA - but it doesn’t charge any fees or commissions. You can list your properties just like you would on Airbnb, and travelers can book them directly. There are no communication restrictions, either - guests can contact you however they want.

Host Tools users can take direct bookings through our integration with Houfy. Once you’ve connected Houfy with Host Tools, you’ll have a new channel where you can advertise your vacation rentals with zero commission fees. And you can keep your availability calendars in sync across all your channels so you never get a double booking.

HostZaver

https://home.hostzaver.com/

Price: starts at $39.00 per month

HostZaver lets you turn any of your listings into a unique website in just one click. All you have to do is copy in your Airbnb URL, select a template that you like, and start sharing around your new, bookable website. You don’t need any technical skills, and your photos, pricing and reviews will be automatically synced.

Boostly

https://www.boostly.com/

Price: About $1200 per year

Boostly is a comprehensive, downloadable guide to boosting your direct bookings. It has all the tools, tactics, and tips you need to start increasing your revenue with bookings made on your own website. Boostly also encompasses a weekly podcast and a Facebook community that you can join to exchange ideas with other property owners.

Other options include using bigger and better Channel managers like 

RentalsUnited https://rentalsunited.com/

Or 

NextPax https://nextpax.com/channel-manager/integrations/channel-par...

The more viability the better helps you get through the slower season. 

[Michael Baum]

Interesting info, but trying to beat the millions in budget that AirBNB and VRBO spend to attract customers is really tough.

I don't disagree but I am not going to spend a ton of dough to maybe get a 3 percent increase in bookings.