When it comes to sharing your second home, every situation is different. Sometimes you want total privacy. No public photos, no strangers, no outside visibility. Other times, you may want to share your home more widely with your extended circle, without opening your doors to the entire internet.
That’s why Twimo gives you two flexible booking options: Private Bookings and Public Bookings. Both are simple, secure, and designed for second homeowners. The best part? You don’t have to pick just one, you can use private, public, or both, depending on your needs.
Private Booking: Keep It Completely Off the Grid
Private Booking is the most discreet way to share your home. Instead of a public listing, your home is only accessible through a password-protected link you share directly.
How it works: Create your listing, set a password, and Twimo generates a secure link. Share it with your guests, adjust the rate if needed (like charging only a cleaning fee), and they can book and pay online in minutes.
Why it works: Best for family, close friends, or trusted coworkers. No strangers, no public visibility, and no awkward money talks — you stay in control.
Use Case Example: You want your sister’s family to stay for a week. You set the nightly rate to $0 and add a $100 cleaning fee. She clicks your private link, enters the password, and books instantly.
Check out the latest video from Twimo, a demonstration on how to share a private booking link
Private Link (Shared Publicly): Wider Circle, Still in Control
Sometimes you want to share your home with a broader circle — maybe alumni, neighbors, or community members — while still keeping it out of public search results. That’s where a Private Link still comes in.
How it works: Create your listing and set a password as usual. Post the private link in an alumni newsletter, Nextdoor group, or Facebook community. Anyone interested requests the password, and you decide who to share it with.
Why it works: Perfect balance of reach and privacy. You can broadcast the link more widely, but still keep control over who books by giving out the password selectively.
Use Case Example: You share your cabin’s private link in your alumni Facebook group. Classmates who want to book reach out for the password. You give it only to those you recognize and trust, and they book directly.
Public Booking: Share More Widely — On Your Terms
Public Booking is designed for maximum visibility within trusted circles. Your home won’t appear in a public Google directory like Airbnb or Vrbo, but it will be visible to other Twimo members and to anyone you share your Public Link with.
How it works: Create your listing, turn on Public Booking, and Twimo generates a universal link. Share it anywhere — post in a group chat, text it to friends, or print a QR code to display in your home. Every request still requires your approval.
Why it works: More visibility without random strangers. You approve every stay, pay no service fees, and keep full control of access.
Use Case Example: You post your Public Link on your neighborhood Nextdoor channel. A nearby neighbor sends a booking request, you approve instantly, and collect payment through the platform.
Check out the latest video from Twimo, a demonstration on how to share a public booking link
Why Use Private, Public, or Both?
The beauty of Twimo is that you don’t have to commit to one approach. Most homeowners switch depending on the situation:
- Private Booking → Best for family and close friends. Keep your listing hidden, adjust rates, and maintain privacy.
- Private Link (Shared Publicly) → Great for alumni groups, neighbors, or community circles where you want wider reach but still control of who books.
- Public Booking → Best for maximum visibility, when you’re ready to share more broadly with trusted networks.
By combining all three, you get the best of both worlds: privacy when you want it, flexibility when you need it.
Simple, Secure, and Built for Second Homeowners
No matter which option you choose, sharing your home on Twimo is always straightforward:
- Add your home once.
- Choose Private, Public, or both.
- Share your secure link.
- Approve bookings, keep your calendar organized, and receive payments directly.
No strangers. No service fees. Just a simpler, more personal way to share your second home.
Final Thoughts: Your Home, Your Rules
Twimo’s booking options were designed with flexibility in mind. You decide how visible your home is, who can book, and when.
So whether you’re opening your doors to family, sharing with your alumni circle, or giving more visibility to your trusted networks, you’ll always stay in control.
Ready to share your second home your way? Sign up for Twimo today.
FAQs
Will my home show up on Google if I use Private Booking?
No. Private Bookings are password-protected, and Google cannot access or index them.
Will my home show up on Google if I use Public Booking?
No — your home won’t automatically appear in Google or other public search engines. Twimo doesn’t publish your listing in a public directory. Your Public Link will only be visible to:
- Other Twimo second homeowners (via the Explore section).
- Anyone you share your Public Link with (friends, groups, QR code, etc.).
The only way it could appear in Google results is if you post that link on a public site Google indexes (like Facebook or a personal blog).
Can I switch between Public and Private?
Yes. Private Booking is always available, and you can toggle Public Booking on or off anytime.
Do I pay service fees?
Never. Twimo charges no service fees.
Who approves bookings?
Always you. Whether Public or Private, the homeowner has the final say.
Ready to share your second home your way? Sign up for Twimo today.
