“How to get more bookings and more revenue on my WordPress hotel booking website?”

We do know that increasing direct bookings would be one of the most difficult challenges for any hoteliers. This is a question they have to answer if they want to keep their business alive.

There's no denying the role Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) play in helping you get more bookings. However, increasing the number of direct bookings is better for your hotel business. Because it helps you reduce the cost of OTA intermediation.

Your website is one of the distribution channels you will ever have. Your hotel website is not only a place where potential guests can browse information about your business but also a place where customers can book directly and ensure you don't have to split the commissions commonly associated with other third-party agents.

This article provides detailed tips to help you optimize your website and adopt best practices to maximize direct bookings.

1. Optimize your website

Your website serves as the primary gateway to your hotel. It’s not just about aesthetics; functionality and usability are key to converting visitors into guests. Studies show that:

• 47% of users access hotel websites via mobile devices.
• 32% of mobile bookings are abandoned due to slow loading times.
• 30% of users quit transactions because of poor mobile responsiveness.

Key Steps to Optimize:

• Responsive Design: Ensure the site is mobile-friendly, with intuitive navigation for users on smartphones, tablets, and desktops.
• Speed Optimization: Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to identify and address slow-loading pages. Compress images, minimize scripts, and use reliable hosting services.
• SEO Best Practices: Optimize your site with keywords related to your hotel and location. For instance, "beachfront hotel in Bali" or "luxury resort near Rome."
• Clear Call-to-Action (CTA): Use prominent CTAs like “Book Now” on every page.

Additional Tools:

• Use Google Analytics to monitor user behavior and improve underperforming pages.

• A/B testing can help determine which designs or layouts convert better.

2. Incorporate a Booking Engine

A booking engine transforms your website into a one-stop solution for reservations. By offering real-time room availability and secure payment options, you simplify the booking process and reduce user friction.

Why Use a Booking Engine?

• Real-Time Information: Visitors can see room availability instantly, removing doubts and delays.
• Integration Options: Integrate with external systems like channel managers to synchronize with OTAs.
• Custom Features: Include flexible pricing, seasonal discounts, and the ability to manage group bookings.

Our WP Hotel Booking Plugin is designed specifically for WordPress hotel websites. It includes:

• Advanced reservation management.
• Smart pricing for peak seasons and holidays.
• Backend tools to track guest bookings, cancellations, and payments.

You can visit the WordPress Hotel Booking DEMO for better conversions.

3. Promote positive guest reviews on your website

Reviews are among the most influential factors in the hospitality industry. According to surveys:

• 98% of travelers read reviews before booking.
• 80% of them consider reviews to be critically important in their decision-making.

Good reviews can have a big impact on a traveler's booking decision. This is why you can use customer reviews as an important strategy.

How to Utilize Reviews:

• Display on Homepage: Add a dedicated section for guest testimonials.
• Leverage Aggregated Reviews: Pull data from platforms like TripAdvisor or Google Reviews.
• Encourage Guests to Leave Feedback: Send follow-up emails post-stay requesting reviews.
• Respond to Reviews: Address both positive and negative reviews to show attentiveness and care. Besides, you also need to actively follow up reviews and respond to them, especially bad reviews. The communication between you and your customers shows potential customers that you really care about them and will definitely bring your hotel more customers.

Example: "Thank you for your kind words! We’re thrilled you enjoyed your stay and look forward to welcoming you again."

See more: Must-have features you really need on your WordPress hotel booking website

4. Entice your website visitor with gifts and offers

Get your visitors to book by giving them compelling reasons to book directly with you. Clearly mention the types of perks they are received if they make direct booking.

Discounts and perks play a critical role in influencing booking decisions. A survey by Skift revealed that 45% of travelers prioritize offers and promotions when choosing where to book.

Types of Offers:

• Seasonal Discounts: Promote "20% off for early summer bookings."

• Package Deals: Combine stays with experiences like spa treatments or sightseeing tours.

• Loyalty Rewards: Offer returning guests exclusive benefits or discounts.

Promote these offers through popups, banners, and dedicated landing pages to ensure visitors are aware of the value of booking directly with you.

5. Handle booking abandonment tactfully

Are your visitors leaving your website while in the search stage? They visit your website, sign up by email and phone number, but don't hit the "Book Now" or "Pay" buttons. This is not good and directly affects your online booking.

So, what you have to do?

You can use a popup display when a customer wants to leave your website. Leadflows - a smart tool from Leadee Ai can help you deal with this problem.

Exit-intent Popup is an advertisement that appears at the time when users intend to leave your website. By monitoring the mouse pointer, Leadflows will help you determine who is about to leave the website and immediately send that customer an Exit-intent Popup with an attractive message.

Strategies to Reduce Abandonment:

• Exit-Intent Popups: Use tools like Leadflows by Leadee Ai to detect when users intend to leave. Display messages like:

  • “Wait! Book now to enjoy a free breakfast during your stay!”

  • “Still deciding? Reserve today with no cancellation fees.”

• Email Reminders: Capture email addresses early and send follow-up messages if the booking isn’t completed.

• Retargeting Ads: Use platforms like Google Ads or Facebook to remind users who visited your site but didn’t book.

See more: How does online scheduling change the way hotel business owners work?

6. Enable booking via Facebook

Social media platforms, particularly Facebook, play a significant role in modern marketing strategies. With over 2.7 billion active users, Facebook allows you to connect directly with potential guests.

How to Utilize Social Media:

• Integrate a Booking Engine: Allow users to book directly from your hotel’s Facebook page.
• Run Targeted Ads: Promote special offers to specific demographics, like couples looking for a romantic getaway.
• Leverage Visual Content: Share high-quality images and videos of your property to entice viewers.

Besides, you can check out a video on how to create a booking form for your website

CMSmart: Your Solution for Success

Above are some of the ways to help you attract more direct bookings, but you can evolve using more ways to grow your hotel business.

In the end, it all depends on the effort you are putting in to deliver the best experience to your customers. If you can make them like your services, you can turn them into loyal customers.

At CMSmart, we understand the unique challenges faced by hoteliers in the digital landscape. Our WP Hotel Booking Plugin is tailored to help you create a seamless booking experience while managing your property effectively.

Why Choose CMSmart?

• Comprehensive Features: From real-time booking management to flexible pricing structures, our plugin has it all.
• User-Friendly Design: Easy to integrate, intuitive to use.
• Proven Results: Our solutions have helped numerous hotels boost their direct bookings and revenue.

Ready to transform your hotel website into a booking powerhouse? Explore the DEMO or contact our team for expert guidance. Together, we’ll ensure your WordPress hotel booking website stands out and delivers exceptional results.

CMSmart provides a wonderful WordPress Hotel Booking plugin, you can try the DEMO to experience it.

If you have any questions about our products, feel free to contact our support team. We are ready to help!

Rose Helen

Shop Owner

Rose Helen is a highly accomplished Ecommerce Project Consultant with a strong background in managing and guiding successful e-commerce projects. With her exceptional expertise and strategic mindset, she helps businesses achieve their goals in the digital marketplace.
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