Ditch Your Hosted Travel Website & Level up With a Personalized Design
As a former Travel Advisor, I know you’re not an order taker and just clicking a button to plan trips - you’re creating life-changing experiences for your clients, helping them explore the world in ways that are meaningful and transformative.
But, it’s important that potential clients also understand this.
As someone who pours so much care and attention into your work, you deserve a website that truly reflects your unique approach to travel planning. If you’re still using the standard site your host agency provides, you might be missing out on an opportunity to connect more deeply with your clients.
Here’s why investing in a custom website could be one of the best decisions you make for your travel business.
(And by custom, I don’t mean you have to spend thousands of dollars on something ultra flashy or massive, I mean something beyond your host agency offering).
It’s an opportunity to reflect your personal brand
Your work is personal. Every trip you plan is infused with your passion, your expertise, and your commitment to creating something special for your clients. A custom website allows you to fully express who you are and what makes your approach to travel so unique.
Unlike a generic host agency site, which can feel impersonal and one-size-fits-all, a custom site is a true reflection of your brand and the value you bring to your clients.
You’ve got full control over your online presence
With a custom website, you have the freedom to shape every aspect of your online presence. Whether it’s showcasing your favorite destinations, sharing client testimonials, or integrating tools that make the booking process smoother, you’re in control.
This kind of flexibility allows you to create a user experience that’s tailored to your clients’ needs, making their journey with you as seamless and enjoyable as the trips you plan for them.
See how Caitlin incorporated her specializations, like sexy, spicy vacations, on her personal website!
I had a very smooth and positive experience working with Lara to build my website for my travel business. The entire process was very collaborative and I felt like my personality and business brand really came through in the final product. Lara was always available to answer questions, provide feedback, and offer support. I would highly recommend working with Birch & Bud Design Co.
CAITLIN SHEEN | TRAVEL DESIGNED BY CAITLIN (one of my first design clients when I started B & B!)
It boosts your visibility, not your host agency’s
Have you ever Googled your name and you only get your Host agency landing page? It’s a great starting point to get found online, but it also allows clients to creep over to another profile - away from you.
A custom website keeps the focus on you and gives you the tools to optimize your content for search engines, which can lead to higher rankings on Google and more traffic to your site.
It’s an investment in your visibility and your ability to connect with clients who are searching for the kind of travel experiences you offer.
TL:DR, blogging is BEST for this as you continue to showcase your expertise and add to the Google content bank every time you hit publish.
Have a blog already? Be sure to read the post on the Must Have Strategies to Boost Blog Traffic.
It’s an opportunity to share & enhance your client experience
Your clients come to you because they trust you to create something extraordinary for them. A custom website allows you to start building that trust from the moment they land on your homepage. Your first touch point is everything.
You can guide them through a journey that feels personal and aligned with their needs, making it easier for them to see the value in working with you.
This is where the design of your website is so important. Sharing the benefits of working with you, your specializations and affiliations, your process and your fees on a comprehensive Work With Me or Services page will help you shine.
A host agency site, by contrast, might not offer the same level of personalization, which can make it harder to stand out in a crowded market. Market differentiation is KEY to standing out.
Trust & credibility - need I say more?
A well-designed, professional website is a powerful tool for building trust with potential clients. It shows that you’re serious about your business and that you’re committed to providing a high level of service.
This kind of credibility is crucial, especially when clients are choosing someone to help them plan something as important as their travel experiences with their hard-earned money and cherished time.
A custom website can convey the professionalism and attention to detail that sets you apart from other advisors.
It’s adaptable & positioned for your growth
As your business evolves, so should your website. A custom site gives you the flexibility to add new services, explore new destinations, or even offer additional resources to your clients.
It grows with you, reflecting the changes in your business and helping you stay relevant in an ever-changing industry - and Squarespace makes it easy. This kind of adaptability is hard to achieve with a host agency site, which might be more rigid and less responsive to your needs.
SAVE 10% ON SQUARESPACE WITH CODE BIRCH10 AT CHECKOUT OR 20% OFF WHEN WE WORK TOGETHER!
The only rules are the ones you make
When you invest in a custom website, you’re investing in something that’s truly yours. You own the domain, the content, and the design, which means that if you ever decide to switch host agencies your website and all the content you’ve worked so hard on remains intact.
At Birch & Bud Design Co., I understand the heart and soul you put into your work. You’re not just planning trips — you’re creating experiences that change lives.
Your website should be a reflection of that passion, a space where your clients can see the care and thoughtfulness you bring to every journey you plan. A custom website is more than just a business tool; it’s a way to connect with your clients on a deeper level and to share the story of who you are and what you offer.
If you’re ready to invest in a website that truly represents your brand, I’m here to help!
