There are many ways to get more bookings for your hotel. Travel agencies and hotel comparison sites can help target a specific market. While those two options can benefit your hotel, direct booking is another option that will allow you to transact directly with guests, foster good relationships, and bring more benefits.

With direct bookings, there is an opportunity to upsell and gain loyal clients. You won’t even have to pay commissions to 3rd parties which will translate to an increase in revenue. However, it will take great marketing strategies to increase direct bookings in your hotel.

Key Tactics to Increase Direct Hotel Bookings

1. Be Visible Online

Your website is a great tool that can connect you with potential clients. Make sure that through it, your hotel will be able to create a good impression and convert leads into sales. Here are some tips to increase direct bookings through your website:

• Make it mobile-friendly. With more people using mobile devices to transact online, your hotel will be more competitive if it can be accessed through any device.
• Optimize the booking process. Create a straightforward booking process so your clients can complete a transaction in a few steps.
• Use high-resolution images. Guests will rely on what they see on your website. Make sure to use high-quality images to showcase your rooms and luxury hotel amenities.

2. Re-Engage Past Clients

Reconnect with past clients for a possible rebooking. Take advantage of the contact details that you already have. You can reach out to them via email or phone. Offer discounts or loyalty perks that may encourage them to book your hotel again and even promote it to their close contacts.

3. Be Responsive

Customer service is a key aspect that you should not overlook if you want to get more direct bookings in your hotel. Be prompt in answering inquiries from your website, social media platform, emails, or calls. One of the things that will drive customers away is poor communication. It will also create a bad impression which may be the reason why they will never prioritize your hotel again.

4. Offer a Personalized Experience

The details you get from inquiries can help you create a personalised experience for your guests. Be keen on the details that they will provide. For example, if you’ve learned that they are planning to book a hotel room for a birthday or anniversary, you may offer them freebies or special discounts that will add more value to their stay. By taking added efforts to offer personalized services, customers will find reasons to choose your hotel over other options.

5. Establish Customer Loyalty

Repeat clients will increase direct bookings in your hotel. These customers can also help you through word-of-mouth advertising. Once a client chooses to book with you, take it as an opportunity to turn them into loyal customers. You can do this by offering them services that will give them reasons to book again whenever possible.

6. Enhance Your Level of Service

Customers who book hotels expect quality service and the most relaxing experience during their stay. Enhance your level of service to assure them that they will be given the treatment they deserve and be entitled to privileges during their stay.

• Offer welcome gifts. These are simple tokens that can leave a mark on your guests and give them the impression that they are valued,
• Provide luxury hotel amenities. Help them create a memorable and luxurious experience during their stay. Invest in world-class hotel toiletries, linen, and towels that will make them easily realize the edge that you have over other hotels.
• Make essential in-room equipment available. Basic room essentials like coffee machines, hairdryers, ironing equipment, safes, kettles and trays are some of the added perks that can make them feel more comfortable during their stay in your hotel.

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Direct bookings bring advantages without the need to pay commissions to 3rd party providers. There are techniques that you should follow to lead more people to your hotel, gain repeat clients and maximize direct bookings in your hotel.
If you are looking for a hotel amenities supplier, Hotel and Spa Essentials offers a wide range of products that caters to the needs of the most demanding guests. Send us a message today so we can assist you in finding luxury hotel toiletries, towels, linen, and in-room equipment that are used by world-class hotels.