Each option is designed to fit different business and technical needs, from a fully managed store page, to a seamless button redirect, to an embedded booking box. With just a few steps, you can start taking bookings directly from your own site using the option that works best for you.
Which booking surface are you using? Start here
Find the URL where the problem occurs and match it below. This tells you which type of booking flow you are using — and therefore which settings are relevant and which guidance applies.
The URL looks like yourname.understory.io/... — This is an Understory Storefront, hosted by Understory. Storefront articles apply. Widget and checkout settings are not relevant here.
The URL is your own domain, pointed at Understory — This is a Storefront on a custom domain, hosted by Understory. Storefront articles apply, plus Custom Storefront Domain.
The URL is your own website, with a booking box embedded in the page — This is the Widget, hosted by you on your own site. Widget articles apply.
A link on your own website that jumps straight to a payment page — This is the Checkout integration. The payment page is hosted by Understory; the link sits on your site. Checkout articles apply.
If the URL ends in .understory.io, the page is hosted by Understory. There is no widget, no shortcode and no theme on your side to check, so an error on a page like that is usually not caused by your own setup.
How to implement your booking flows
Go to "Storefronts" in the menu on the lefthand side – View all your experiences
Click on "Implementation" under Storefront – Access booking flow integration options
Choose your preferred flow type: Storefront (Understory-managed store page), Checkout (redirect for booking), or Widget (embedded on your site)
Configure your integration:
Select Experience (e.g. all experiences or a specific one)
Select Language
Select Storefront (if relevant)
(For widgets) Configure Categories if needed
Copy the provided link or snippet:
Storefront/Checkout: A simple link to share or add to your website
Widget: Copy the website code snippet to embed on your page
Add the link or snippet to your website: You might need help from a web developer for widget integration
Test the user journey: Make sure the flow works as expected for your customers
What can I do with Understory’s booking flow implementation options?
Understory’s implementation settings allow you to flexibly connect your offerings to your website. The Storefront option is ideal if you want Understory to manage your full sales page, without maintaining separate web pages. The Checkout flow is great if you want to keep people on your site until they’re ready to book, then send them directly to the payment page. The Widget is best if you want customers to start booking right from your own webpage, without ever leaving it. Selecting and adding your preferred flow only takes a few steps, and you can customize each experience link or widget to match your setup.
Did this answer your question? If not, please reach out to us in the chat window at the bottom to the right, and we'll be happy to help 🤗