Here is a picture of OTA SyncWe’ve helped hundreds properties increase direct bookings on average by 31%. How? By focusing your attention on strategies that work, rather than industry myths. Let’s cut the noise and see how you can get more direct bookings for your property without spending a fortune.
First Impressions that Convert: Your website
Imagine this: a traveler discovers your beautiful property on Booking.com and then decides that they want to visit your official website. They find a digital relic of 2010 which doesn’t function on their mobile.
Game Over
The best hotel websites of today:
- The site should load in under 3 seconds (40% of visitors will abandon a website that takes longer).
- Displays flawlessly on Smartphones (where 50% of all bookings occur)
- Show availability in real time without having guests search for information
- A booking button you can’t miss
One hotel manager told me: Our mobile booking experience has been redesigned and direct reservations have increased by 26% in just the first month.
It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. “Book Direct” Make Your Advantage Clearly Visible
What are the benefits for guests who choose to book directly? If you don’t have a clear answer to this question, you will lose bookings.
Smart properties can create unmistakable values with:
- Book direct and get a free breakfast Messages prominently displayed
- The best rate guarantee is proven by using price comparison widgets
- Exclusive perks that OTAs cannot offer (room choice, early check-in preference)
- Instant-reward loyalty program that doesn’t require any points calculation
A small coastal hotel doubled direct reservations by offering a “Sunset Drinks Package” available only through their website—a $10 value that saved them thousands in commissions.
Search Visibility – Be Found when It Matters
Search engines are used by travelers to find information Hotels in [your location],” Where are you? Direct bookings are most difficult to get if you’re not visible.
You can boost your search visibility by:
- Optimising for localized terms (“boutique hotel near Central Park”)
- Creating content on experiences in your area
- Weekly updates to your Google Business profile will help you maximize it.
- Generating reviews with your targeted keywords
We began publishing articles every month about hidden gems in the vicinity of our hotel.
Shared ownership is a concept that allows for one owner to share. Our direct bookings are at an all-time high. We now rank first on Google for “where to stay in Portland”.
The Follow-Up. Turning Lookers into Bookings
Travelers visit an average of 38 websites before making a booking. How can you keep your brand top of mind?
- Retargeting ads are smart ads that display your best offers to former site visitors
- Implementing abandoned booking recovery
This room is reserved for you!”
) - Segmented emails that target specific travel interests
- Limited-time offers on direct bookings can help you create urgency
A resort recovered 24% of the bookings that were abandoned by sending one personalized follow-up email with a small incentive for direct booking.
From Interest to Confirmation: Simplify your journey
Bookings are lost for every extra click. Period.
Direct bookings are the most successful.
- From room selection through to confirmation, the process should only require three steps.
- No surprises – Total cost upfront
- Include trust indicators (“Best Rate Guaranteed,” Secure payment badges
- Multiple payment options available without redirection to third-party sites
How to turn a one-time stay into a lifelong relationship
Direct bookings are the best way to convert first-time guests to repeat customers.
- Capture preferences of guests during their stay
- Send personalized emails after departure with targeted offers
- Create seasonal campaigns to highlight different experiences through the year
- Rebooking is made easy with personalized booking links
You can also find out more about us on our website. OTA SyncOur all-in-one platform for hospitality helps properties implement these strategies with our intuitive booking engine. We also provide smart marketing tools and an AI-powered system of guest communication. Our technology partnership allows even small properties to compete with OTA giants, and gain more direct bookings.
Want to boost your bottom-line and take control of distribution? Every day, we help hotels reach this goal. We can help you create a customized direct booking strategy that is tailored to your property.
