For Owners: Tips to increase Online Bookings
Congratulations, your brand new Villa Website is up and running! Now all you need to do is let potential customers / renters know so you can start taking online bookings as soon as possible.
We’ve put together a simple 6-step plan to ensure you successfully advertise and promote your booking system so as to increase online bookings straight away.
1. Spread the word
People are more likely to be active on social networking sites than they are on your website so you should start by posting short, to-the-point Facebook and Twitter updates. These could be along the lines of “You can now book online 24/7! Head over to our website to see for yourself…”; anything that grabs their attention and gets them onto your website is great. We also advise sending an update or newsletter via email so your existing customers are aware of the new booking process.
2. Make yourself seen
Ensure website visitors don’t have to look for the fact you now take online bookings, include headers or buttons on each page saying something like “Book now!”. Make sure any website visitors can’t miss this development and you’ll efficiently increase online bookings.
3. Reward your customers
We strongly recommend you encourage customers to book online rather than over the phone, especially in the first few months of going live. You can do this by providing incentives such as coupons and discounts for booking online. This will also allow you to track the increase of online bookings enabling you to further promotion; it’s win-win for both you and your customers!
4. Update company information
Make sure all your information – such as email signatures, flyers and business cards – inform customers they can now book online. Include details of discounts such as “Save 10% by booking online!” to successfully increase online bookings.
5. Stay active on blogs and social network sites
Customers need to know your business is active so you should aim to blog weekly, posting links to your blog on Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites. This will help increase online bookings by creating a strong online presence.
6. Ask for feedback
By including links to an online feedback form on confirmation emails and social media pages you’re providing customers with the chance to send you feedback. This is a great way to interact with them and improve your services at the same time.