Revolutionizing Direct Bookings with Crafted Stays: An In-Depth Talk with Gil

Are you a short-term rental host looking to gain more control over your bookings without the high costs of traditional sites? Today, I sat down with Gil from Crafted Stays to uncover how he’s transforming the hospitality space with a platform designed specifically for direct bookings. 🙌

Who is Gil and What Inspired Crafted Stays?

Gil, along with his wife, started hosting cabins during the pandemic. While he was already immersed in tech as a product director, building software products for startups, he craved something more personal. Crafted Stays came to life after he realized the existing tech for booking sites just didn’t serve hosts in the way they needed.

“I couldn’t afford the $6,000 agency fee, so I did what any tech guy would do – I built it myself,” Gil shared, reflecting on those early, grueling days.

From DIY Website to Full-Scale Platform

When other hosts started asking him to build their sites, Gil knew he was onto something big. Crafted Stays emerged to meet a significant gap in the market: creating high-performing, easy-to-use booking sites without breaking the bank. 🖥️💰

Today, Gil’s team has integrated with five Property Management Systems (PMS), allowing hosts to build sites that load in seconds, are beautifully optimized for mobile, and enhance the booking experience at every touchpoint.

Key Features of Crafted Stays

Crafted Stays is designed to give even the smallest host access to powerful tools that are typically reserved for big brands. Here’s what sets them apart:

Cart Abandonment: Just like in e-commerce, if a guest abandons the booking process, Crafted Stays can prompt them to come back and complete the booking, keeping those conversions high.
Customizable Mobile-Friendly Designs: Every site is built to look amazing on any device – perfect for guests on the go. 📲✨
Integrated PMS Connection: Direct sync with PMS systems means any change you make on your PMS is automatically updated on your site – no more manual updates.
Retargeting and Funnels: If a guest visits your site but doesn’t book, you can retarget them through ads, gently guiding them back to your site.

Why It’s a Game-Changer for Hosts

Starting in short-term rentals can be expensive, and Gil’s aware of this reality. That’s why Crafted Stays offers a budget-friendly option at just $59 for up to two properties. This makes it accessible for newer hosts who want to start their direct booking journey without huge upfront costs.

“We aim to lower the barrier to entry for hosts who want more control over their bookings,” Gil explained. This approach allows even small-scale hosts to achieve a greater sense of independence and stability in their income.

Tips for Hosts Building Their First Direct Booking Site

Gil shares some pro tips for new hosts:

Know Your Ideal Guest: “Define your guest avatar,” Gil advises. Think about the guest who would appreciate every aspect of your property – this will help you design a site and write copy that speaks directly to them.
Utilize Email Marketing: Don’t let guests leave without collecting their email. Email campaigns are an excellent way to stay connected, share updates, and nurture relationships.
Engage Through Retargeting: Install a Facebook pixel to keep track of visitors to your site. A little retargeting ad can be the nudge they need to come back and book.

Join the Crafted Stays Community

Crafted Stays is changing the game for hosts everywhere. With an easy setup, full integration with PMS, and thoughtful design that empowers hosts to succeed, Crafted Stays offers more than just a site – they offer independence.

🔗 Ready to start your direct booking journey? Visit Crafted Stays and see how Gil and his team can help.

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