travel project

Tidewater Stays

A booking-focused site for a family-run group of coastal holiday cottages, designed to win guests back from the big booking platforms.

Industry
Travel
Services
New Website, Search Boost, Care Plan
Timeline
5 weeks
Platform
Custom build
Launched
2024
the starting point

The challenge

Almost every Tidewater booking came through third-party platforms that took a hefty commission. Returning guests wanted to book direct but couldn’t find a reason to, or a way to.

The owners wanted a site that felt like the cottages themselves: relaxed, sandy and a little bit special.

what we did

The approach

Each cottage got its own page with honest photos, a live availability calendar and a clear “book direct and save” message. Local guides for walks, pubs and beaches give search engines and guests a reason to visit before they’ve booked anything.

A Search Boost plan keeps the guides fresh and the technical setup tidy every quarter.

What I built

  • 01

    Live availability

    Calendars synced with the platforms to avoid double bookings.

  • 02

    Book-direct perks

    Direct guests see the best price and a welcome hamper offer.

  • 03

    Local guides

    Helpful area guides that rank in search and build anticipation.

  • 04

    Quarterly tune-ups

    Search Boost keeps rankings climbing season after season.

the numbers

The results

38%of bookings now made direct
$14kcommission saved in year one
+120%organic search visits

“Guests who found us on the big sites now come back through our own website. That alone has paid for the whole project.”

TS
Co-ownerTidewater Stays
one last thing

Ready for a site that pulls its weight?

One designer on every call, page and fix. No pitch, no account manager, just straight answers and a site you’re proud to send people to.

Let’s talk
(drop me a line)

Email hello@headwaydesign.ca. I reply to every message myself.