Get set up for success
Managing your channels well is one of the best ways to reach more guests and boost your bookings. NightsBridge connects to over 250 booking platforms (also called channels or online travel agencies OTAs), but we don’t just connect you to any channel. We carefully choose the ones that truly benefit you as an independent accommodation provider. We keep your availability and rates in sync automatically, which means no double bookings and no extra admin for you.
Some channels (like Booking.com) also let us update your photos, descriptions, and content directly, so you don’t need to manage separate extranets yourself. We’ll guide you through the most important options to consider for your property.
We'll cover the following:
Let's dive in! 👇
1. Why use channels / online travel agents (OTAs)?
Think of OTAs as giant billboards. They make your property visible to thousands of potential guests who may not have found you otherwise. Even if someone first discovers you on Expedia or Airbnb, they might click through to your website and book direct.
That’s the “billboard effect.” More channels → more visibility → more chances to convert browsers into bookers.
Learn more about visibility:
2. Smart channel strategy: What we recommend
- Always prioritise your own direct booking engine. Add a Book Now button. Push it on social media.
- Connect to at least one international OTA (Booking.com, Airbnb, Expedia).
- Layer on local or niche OTAs if they suit your audience.
- Use the bonus tools we offer to streamline the whole process.
Bottom line: More visibility means more bookings. With NightsBridge, you control which channels to use, and we handle the syncing so you can focus on hosting guests.
Read more about how to implement a smart channel strategy like this in the sections below 👇
First Priority: Direct booking channels
Your NightsBridge Booking Engine.
Your direct booking engine should always come first. It’s your most profitable channel: no commissions, no middleman.
- Guests check availability in real time.
- They book instantly without phoning or emailing.
- You turn lookers into bookers on your own site.
Set up is easy: just add a visible Book Now button to your website.
Don’t stop there. Share your booking link everywhere:
- Place the link in your Facebook, Instagram and TikTok bios.
- Use “Book Now” or “Check Availability” buttons where supported (like FaceBook Busisness).
- Share posts that include your booking link, especially around specials or holiday periods.
The more places guests see your link, the more likely they are to book direct.
Learn more about your NightsBridge Booking Engine:
- How to view your booking engine
- How to get bookings from your website with a 'Book Now' button
- How to add your direct booking link to your Facebook business page
- How to add your direct booking link to your Instagram bio
- How to add your direct booking link to your TikTok profile
- All Booking Engine tutorials
Google Hotels / Google Vacation Rentals.
We can connect your direct booking engine to Google. That means:
- Guests see your live rates in Google search.
- They click through to book with you directly.
- You pay no commission and keep the full booking value.
That all adds up to more visibility, more direct traffic, and more control.
Learn more about Google Hotels and Vacation rentals:
That's it for this topic!
That's the basics covered. Next we'll get into some more detail on the global OTAs (Online Travel Agents) NightsBridge connects you with.