How to list your site on specialist booking websites

To get your campsite or glamping business seen by thousands of potential guests, you need to list it on specialist booking websites. These platforms, like Pitchup, CoolCamping, and Canopy & Stars, already have a huge audience actively searching for their next outdoor holiday. To get started, you’ll need a collection of high-quality photos, a well-written description of your site and its facilities, and your pricing details.

Why use specialist booking websites?

Listing on established platforms is one of the most effective ways to secure bookings, especially when you're new. These sites invest heavily in marketing, meaning they get your business in front of a much larger audience than you could likely reach on your own.

• Instant Credibility: Being listed on a trusted site gives guests confidence when booking with you for the first time.
• Targeted Audience: You are reaching people who are specifically looking for a camping or glamping holiday, making them much more likely to book.
• Simplified Bookings: Most platforms provide a complete booking and payment system, which saves you the time and expense of setting one up yourself.

Your step-by-step guide to getting listed

While each platform has its own sign-up process, they generally follow the same key steps. The more prepared you are, the quicker this process will be.

1. Choose the right platforms: Don't just sign up for them all. Research which ones fit your business. Pitchup has a massive audience for all types of camping, whereas a site like Canopy & Stars is curated and focuses on unique, luxury glamping experiences. Pick one or two to start with that best reflect your brand.
2. Prepare your assets: This is the most important step. Before you even start creating an account, gather everything you need:
   • Fantastic Photos: This is your most powerful selling tool. Take clear, bright, high-resolution photos of your pitches, accommodation, facilities (make sure they are spotless!), and the surrounding views. Show your site at its absolute best.
   • A Compelling Description: Write an engaging summary of what makes your site special. Talk about the atmosphere, the local attractions, and what kind of guest would love it there. Be authentic and enthusiastic.
   • Detailed Information: Make a list of all your facilities, pitch types, and site rules. Accuracy is key – be honest about what you offer to manage guest expectations.
3. Build your listing: Sign up as an owner on your chosen platform and follow their instructions. You will be asked to upload your photos, add your descriptions, and input your pricing and availability. Fill out every section as completely as possible.
4. Manage your calendar: Once you are live, you will start receiving booking notifications. It is vital to keep your availability calendar up to date. If you list on multiple sites, you must sync your calendars to avoid double bookings, which can lead to unhappy customers and penalties from the platform.

Top Tip: Encourage your first guests to leave a review. Positive reviews are crucial for building trust and will make your listing more visible and attractive to future customers.