For hoteliers, a key challenge for booking engines is ensuring real-time integration with property management systems (PMS) and channel managers to avoid overbookings, rate differences or availability issues across direct and third-party channels.
Hoteliers may also need help with user experience issues, mobile responsiveness, customization limits, payment security issues, special offer management, costs, insufficient analytics, and inadequate technical support. All of this can lead to lost bookings, dissatisfied customers, and lost revenue. opportunity.
To address missed revenue opportunities, let's take a closer look at three great tools that can transform your booking engine from a simple reservation system to a powerful direct booking system.
1. Smart Pricing: The Art of Personalized Promotions
Smart pricing is more than just a discount tool. This is a strategic weapon in your revenue management arsenal. Imagine being able to target specific customer segments with personalized offers. STAAH's Smart Pricing provides this functionality, allowing you to segment promotions based on factors such as length of stay, advance purchase, customer origin, booking device, and more.
For example, we've noticed that guests from nearby states often book last-minute weekend getaways. Smart Pricing allows you to create a “Weekend Travel” promotion for customers from that state that offers a 10% discount if they book within 72 hours. Or maybe you're trying to fill a three-month period of low occupancy. “Early bird” promotions that offer a 20% discount if you book 90 days in advance can fill this gap.
The beauty of smart pricing is its flexibility. This also allows you to respond to market trends, compete with OTA transactions, and encourage good booking behavior. By offering these exclusive offers directly on your site, you not only drive conversions but also increase customer loyalty. Remember, customers who book directly are more likely to book again. This is especially true if you feel like you've found a deal that you can't find anywhere else.
How to use this feature?
Log in to your STAAH account > Go to Booking Engine > Click on ‘Smart Pricing’ under High Conversion Tools.
2. Booking Engine Notifications: Digital Concierge
In an age of information overload, clear and timely communication is golden. This is where booking engine notifications shine. Think of it as a digital concierge for your website, delivering important information at the right moments.
These warnings can be used for a variety of purposes. Are you starting a “Book Direct and Get Free Breakfast” campaign? Warnings ensure that all visitors know about this. Is your hotel busier than usual because you have a wedding booked in your event space? Alerts help you set the right expectations. Or maybe you've just renovated your spa. Get the word out and watch your spa-loving guests flock to your site.
But it's not just about promotions. Warnings can also alleviate potential problems. If your rooftop bar is closed due to construction nearby or a private event, letting guests know ahead of time can help avoid disappointment and negative reviews. In the age of TripAdvisor and Google Reviews, active communication can be the difference between a 3-star and 5-star rating.
How to use this feature?
Log in to your STAAH account > Go to Booking Engine > Click on ‘Booking Engine Notifications’ under High Conversion Rate Tools.
3. WatchMyRate: Transparency That Drives Conversions
Rate parity is a hot topic in hospitality. Many customers bounce between your site and online travel agencies (OTAs) to find the best deals. WatchMyRate tackles this problem head-on by providing rate comparisons directly on your website.
This widget doesn't just display rates. Shows real-time rates for 5 channels. A bold move to say, “We have nothing to hide.” Once customers know that your direct rates are as good or better than OTA rates, their main reason to book elsewhere disappears. It also saves you time and hassle. No more switching between tabs to compare prices.
But the benefits of WatchMyRate go beyond simple rate comparisons. This creates perceptions of fairness and transparency, qualities that today's smart travelers value. And don't forget the psychological impact. Seeing rates stack up in your favor over OTAs can give you a sense of urgency. “Why wait when you can book directly for the same price?”
Widgets are also easy to implement. It's fully customizable, so it looks like a native part of your website rather than a clunky add-on. And with minimal technical know-how required for installation, you can get it up and running in no time.
How to use this feature?
Log in to your STAAH account > Go to your booking engine > Click 'View my rates' under High Conversion Tools.
In conclusion, your booking engine is the core of your direct booking strategy. Smart pricing allows you to focus laser-targeted promotions that resonate with specific customer segments. Booking engine notifications keep your customers informed and engaged, earning their trust and managing expectations. WatchMyRate puts transparency first, giving customers confidence they can book directly.
These tools aren't just for your booking engine. They convert it into a direct booking magnet. In a world where every commission percentage point counts, this is the kind of innovation that can dramatically add to your bottom line. So, are you ready to manage your bookings and watch your revenue soar directly? A smartly equipped booking engine is the key to making this happen.
Thoughtful Thursday – Top 3 High Converting Tools You Should Have in Your Booking Engine Last modified: June 13, 2024 by