Travelers are wising up, and that’s music to the ears of hosts and property managers aiming to skyrocket their direct bookings. “But everyone’s glued to OTAs!” you might protest. Well, think again, says Skift. In 2024, savvy travelers turned to these trusty sources:
- 46% Search Engines
- 36% Travel Review Websites
- 35% Friends & Family
- 31% Hotel Sites
- 31% OTAs
What’s the takeaway? DIRECT BOOKINGS are on the upswing. More often than ever, guests are looking for a direct booking website instead of an OTA. Still not convinced? Let’s bust some direct booking myths!
#1 ‘Direct bookings websites are for the Elite’
Who even defines “rich”? (Laughs in luxury). Creating a direct booking site can cost a fortune, but it doesn’t have to. Platforms like Hospitable let you craft websites without breaking the bank. Prefer something more bespoke? Check out this guide on building from scratch.
Remember, in the long haul, you’ll rake in 10%-20% more per booking!
#2 ‘A Direct Booking Site? For Just a Listing or Two?’
You don’t, unless you’d like to earn more and fully control your guest experience.
“It took me a good year of active learning to figure out the guest communications, payments, cleaning, and building a website, but I’m glad I did it even if it’s for one property,” says Joanna Woods, a founder of Pathfinder Vacations. Read the full story here.
Just think about it. The growth is inevitable. You will scale one way or another. Wouldn’t it be great to learn on your one mistakes while you’re managing one or two listings instead of twenty?
#3 ‘OTAs get more traffic than direct booking’
There are so many undiscovered entry points to your rental… Social media posts and reels, Google search and local search results with your listing popping up, friends’ recommendations, small businesses referring you to local tourist guides, OTAs, and a dozen more ways to find your listings.
And remember, it’s not about quantity, it’s about quality. Learn how to drive high-quality traffic to your direct booking website.
You will, however, have to understand Search Engine Optimization basics to give your website a competitive edge. Many website builders have built-in SEO functions.
#4 ‘Website development is more expensive than using OTAs’
Let the numbers speak. Quick math time!
Bottom line:
- Net Income from OTAs: $3,570
- Net Income from Direct Bookings: $4,074
- Additional Income with Direct Bookings: $504 per month
Tables don’t lie.
#5 ‘Direct bookings are not as safe as OTA bookings’
OTAs usually offer protection and resolutions like Airbnb’s Aircover, but they come with long responses and bad reviews.
There are some host-friendly solutions like Truvi that offer resolutions, a high level of protection, and automated damage waivers and deposits.
“I use Truvi to protect hosts. I don’t want them to worry about the damages.” — Confirms Torbjörn Fredman, Founder of Staynordic.
Read more about Torbörn’s way of protecting the homeowners’ peace of mind.
‘Direct Bookings are a moocher magnet’
And so are OTAs. You can scare some freeloaders with guest screening and ID verification. William Paine, Founder of Breizas Villas, has a good tip for earning money from unexpected guests.
“Reduce the number of occupants and have it incremental to factor in those extra laundry and cleaning costs for an extra number of people. You’ve got to keep cleaning costs separate from accommodation.”
More smart tips from William here.
‘It gets lonely in direct bookings’
One-man-banding isn’t for everyone, but people opening up and sharing some nuggets of wisdom and secrets, just like Jeni Tocol, the Founder of Solena Suites, who yields 60% in direct bookings. More episodes here.
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