When you're starting out as a serviced accommodation or holiday let host, it can be tempting to list your property on popular Online Travel Agents (OTAs) like Airbnb, Booking.com, or Expedia. After all, they promise a steady flow of guests and a hassle-free experience. However, as a newbie in the business, have you ever wondered if there might be a better, more rewarding approach? Spoiler alert: Direct bookings are your golden ticket. Here’s why...
A: Simple – you control the guest relationship. When you use an OTA, you’re essentially renting out your guests to them. Sure, they bring the customers, but they also take a hefty commission (often between 10-20%). With direct bookings, your guests are yours to win over, not the platform’s. You can build personal connections, tailor experiences, and even offer special deals. This can lead to repeat business and glowing reviews without ever needing to pay a middleman.
Pro Tip: Imagine if you could communicate with your guests directly from the start. You’d be able to ask them about their trip, recommend local restaurants, and make them feel like VIPs. That's what direct bookings allow you to do!
A: Oh yes, they do. While OTAs may promise you more visibility, they also charge hefty commissions, sometimes up to 20% of your booking total. For new hosts, this can eat into your profits faster than a guest finishing a bottle of wine.
With direct bookings, you’re cutting out that middleman, which means more money in your pocket. You can even offer competitive pricing without feeling like you’re underpricing just to make a sale.
Pro Tip: Let’s say you save that 20% commission from OTAs. What could you do with that extra cash? Perhaps a fancy new kettle, a fresh coat of paint, or a local guidebook for guests to enjoy? The possibilities are endless!
A: Yes, it’s more work. But here's the thing – you’re building a brand. You can customize every aspect of the guest experience, from the welcome message to the follow-up after their stay. This personalized touch will make your property stand out among the sea of cookie-cutter listings on OTAs. You control the narrative and get to present your place exactly how you want it to be seen.
With OTAs, your listing is just one of many, and your branding is often lost in a sea of competitors. But with direct bookings, you can shine!
Pro Tip: Direct bookings give you more control over pricing, promotions, and packages. You can offer a discount for longer stays, or even provide free add-ons like a local tour or breakfast. Let’s be real, who doesn’t love a freebie?
A: Not necessarily. OTAs often require you to lock in specific pricing and availability, sometimes even months in advance. With direct bookings, you have the flexibility to adjust your prices and availability whenever you need. This means if you’re running a last-minute promotion, you can offer discounts without waiting for the OTA platform’s approval or losing out on potential guests.
Pro Tip: You can also offer exclusives, like discounts for returning guests or special deals for guests booking directly through your website. It’s all in your hands.
A: Reviews are everything, especially when you’re starting out. On OTAs, you rely on the platform’s rating system, but with direct bookings, you can build your own system. You can follow up personally after a stay, ask for feedback, and even ask for a review that will be posted on your website or social media. More than that, you can showcase glowing testimonials in a way that’s unique to your brand.
Pro Tip: Guests love to feel appreciated. A quick follow-up message saying “Hey, I hope you enjoyed your stay! If you have a moment, we’d love your feedback,” goes a long way.
A: Yes, it can be. But that’s where we come in! With the right tools and strategies, managing direct bookings can be simple and efficient. From setting up your website to automating booking confirmations and emails, we’ve got you covered.
When you’re ready to scale up and stop paying OTAs’ outrageous commissions, we’re here to help you transition smoothly.
Starting as a serviced accommodation or holiday let host can be overwhelming. The temptation to list on OTAs is understandable, but don't sell yourself short. Direct bookings offer you control, flexibility, and the ability to build lasting relationships with guests while keeping more profit in your pocket.
Remember: Direct bookings mean that you’re in control of your brand, your pricing, and your guest experience. Want to make the most out of your property? Message us today to get started on setting up your direct booking system!
Need help getting started? Reach out to us today and let’s chat about how you can start enjoying the benefits of direct bookings, no OTA middleman required! We’ll guide you every step of the way.