Due to the very positive feedback we received on this section in last month’s newsletter, we would like to share with you some practical tips on how to improve your sales strategy by increasing your direct bookings versus bookings through OTA channels.
Many potential guests come to your website after discovering your property on an OTA platform and want to compare prices – offer these guests added value to convince them to book directly!
Attract More Guests Through Social Media
Social media plays an important role in increasing your hotel’s brand awareness and global presence. Guests not only share their hotel experiences and photos, but also use these platforms to book their accommodation. Make sure your hotel’s social pages are regularly updated and provide your potential guests with lots of useful information, such as local activities, the best restaurants in the area, and special offers.
As mentioned in the last edition of our newsletter, ChatGPT can help in many ways. Some examples include: Creating posts and adverts, responding to guests’ comments and questions, brainstorming ideas for social media campaigns and promotions on various platforms, composing social media messages in real time, and much more.
Promo Codes and Vouchers
Promo codes and vouchers are a powerful marketing tool for hoteliers to fill their rooms faster. Offering promo codes and coupons to direct bookers during the booking process can increase direct conversion and boost your revenue in the long run. Your promo code offers and vouchers should be sent via newsletter or scheduled to encourage the guest to book with you rather than an OTA channel.
Seekda supports both functions. Under the menu Help > Training Videos you will find short tutorials about these successful marketing functions, including business cases and instructions. Take a look right now!
Boost Your Online Reputation With Reviews
The vast majority of travellers read hotel reviews before making a final booking, using them as additional criteria to make a decision. Good reviews can strongly influence a traveller’s booking choice. An online presence that shows how satisfied previous guests were is an effective way to win over hesitant potential guests. Positive reviews and other guest-generated content, such as photos, will help your guests take the final booking step through your direct channels.
Seekda has been a partner of the German company TrustYou for many years. A recent update of the Seekda Booking Engine introduced a new, optimised display of the TrustYou score. Upon entering the KUBE, a prominent logo now shows how guests have rated the property as soon as they enter the KUBE. Don’t miss the opportunity to show your potential new customers what satisfied guests say about your hotel and what made their holiday with you so special!
Reward Loyal Direct Bookers
Highlight the benefits of direct bookings to encourage repeat visitors to book through your website. You can do this by offering your guests small perks when they book directly. Offer discounts to loyal guests in the form of vouchers that they can redeem on your website for their next stay. Increasing customer loyalty can go hand in hand with increasing direct bookings; Seekda’s marketing features Vouchers and Voucher Rules are just what you need.
