> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://support.uplisting.io/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# How to Activate the Website Builder

# How to Activate Your Website Builder

Follow the steps below to activate your new Website Builder from your Uplisting account.

> **📘** Before activating the Website Builder, you'll need to connect your Uplisting listings to an **active Stripe account** in order to accept direct booking payments.
> If you haven't connected Stripe yet, please complete this step first: [[**How to connect Stripe]**](https://uplisting.crisp.help/en/article/stripe-wytbfs/)
>
> Without Stripe:
> * Guests will not be able to complete bookings
> * Payments cannot be processed
> * Your website checkout will not function properly
> Once Stripe is connected, you can proceed with activating the Website Builder.

### 1. Activate your website builder

1. From your Uplisting account, select the **Direct** tab from the left-hand navigation menu
2. Click on **Create your booking website**
3. Scroll down to the **Website Builder section** and click **Activate website builder** button

![](https://files.readme.io/320dceb1504402140e64d04be7e3bbcf8e5b79331aeeeee5abc5095c2f59e3cc-image.png)


###### Custom Domain Users (Action Required)

    * If you are using a custom domain, you'll need to update your DNS settings after activation.
    * The Website Builder uses different servers, so you’ll need to update your CNAME record with your domain provider:

> **📘** The **CNAME Value** should be:
> s.eu.partnerwebsitedns.com

Once updated, allow 24 hours for the domain to propagate. Your custom domain will now point to your new Website Builder.
If you're unsure how to update your DNS records, please contact your domain provider for assistance.


###### Uplisting Hosted Domain Users

    * If you're using an Uplisting-hosted domain (e.g. yourbrand.bookeddirectly.com), no DNS changes are required.
    * Your website will be ready to use immediately after activation.


### 2. Log in to your Website Builder

Once activated:

Select the **Login to website builder** button. This will take you to your Website Builder Account Dashboard. 
For more information about the dashboard, [see this article](https://support.uplisting.io/docs/2-account-dashboard-tabs-overview-1): 

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/b/e/b/1beb313cc044d100/image_7uy5cj.png)


### 3. Start customizing your website
After activation and logging in, you can:

* Customise your website design
* Update content and branding
* Manage pages and listings
* Publish your direct booking website

📘 The level of customization available depends on your Website Builder plan:
* **Basic plan** – included free with your Website Builder, with limited customization options.
* **Plus plan** – an optional, paid upgrade that unlocks more advanced customization.

For more information on what each plan offers, see [[this guide](https://support.uplisting.io/en/article/website-builder-plans-basic-vs-plus-1rjnkqn/?bust=1789035034948)].