As you attempt to boost your direct bookings via your hotel booking system, remember that small increases amplify over time, so don’t get disheartened if you don’t see results overnight.
Here are a few ways to increase your property’s direct bookings with a bespoke hotel booking system:
Utilise a hotel booking system that charges no commission
Look for a mobile-friendly hotel booking engine that doesn’t charge commissions because a large portion of trip planning and booking is done on mobile devices. The usability of mobile devices will keep your own channel competitive.
In order to enhance conversion rates, make sure the booking procedure is kept to a maximum of two or three steps and incorporates a rate checker so customers can compare costs on your website. By demonstrating that you offer the best rate, you may both prevent them from leaving your site to comparison shop on OTAs and encourage them to make a reservation.
Customise the visitor experience
Within your hotel booking system, guest profiles may include specific details like birthdays, anniversaries, and special requests. With the use of Inn Style’s guest request feature during the booking process, you can utilise this data to develop connections with your guests and provide them with specialised services, exclusive discounts, and specials while they are visiting.
Consider the scenario when one of your visitors just spent a birthday at your property and said that they had a dairy allergy. Imagine the guest’s response if you contacted them to let them know that you’re giving their hotel at a reduced rate for their approaching birthday and that your restaurant has recently increased its dairy-free menu selections. Providing individualised service fosters enduring client loyalty and promotes return trips and direct reservations.
Use online advertising
This is the tough part of increasing direct sales. You’ll have to manage hotel marketing efforts yourself rather than depending on OTAs for their marketing power. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter are great places to start.
To start, look at the data from your property management system software to pinpoint the visitor segments most likely to make direct reservations. Then, as a test to see what works, create targeted offers and messages for each category.
Continuous progress is the key!
Promote visitor reviews
You want visitors to feel like one of many who made the right decision to stay at your establishment, and without verifiable testimonials from past customers, your hotel lacks credibility.
Send an email requesting an online review after each visitor’s stay. Maintaining an active presence on the most well-known review sites is essential if you want to effectively market your company online, especially if you consistently receive good comments.
And remember, direct sales growth of 1% is a success worth celebrating! You may eventually reduce your reliance on OTAs, metasearch, and other commission-based third-party sources for reservations.
Any Questions?
Get in touch with us about using Inn Style’s Property Management System, Integrated Booking Engine or book a demo to see how they all work together.