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Hotel marketing

Hotel marketing: how to win direct bookings and pay Booking less

You win direct bookings by giving the guest both a reason and an easy way to book directly with you: a better rate, a clear benefit and a simple booking process. Booking and other portals are great for reach, but they take a high commission. The goal is not to leave them, but gradually to redirect part of your guests to the direct channel with a higher margin.

Key takeawayEvery direct booking saves a commission of 15–25 %. The recipe: a best rate guarantee on the website, a simple booking form, a fast website and remarketing to the people who found you through a portal.

Why guests book through portals

  • Trust and simplicity: they know the portal and booking is quick.
  • The feeling of a better price: even though the rate with you directly may be the same or better.
  • A poor hotel website: slow or without a working booking flow.

How to redirect guests to the direct channel

  1. Guarantee the best rate when booking directly on the website.
  2. Add an extra benefit: late check-out, breakfast, a welcome drink.
  3. Simplify booking: a fast website and a few steps to confirmation.
  4. Remarketing to website visitors and guests from the portals.

What you need for it

The foundation is a fast conversion website with a working booking flow and targeted advertising. We help hotels grow through the direct channel; more on the Who we help page.

Frequently asked questions

Should I stop using Booking?

No. The portals are valuable for reach and new guests. The goal is gradually to move part of your bookings to the direct channel with a higher margin, not to leave the portals.

Roadmapa zdarma

Chcete vědět, co z toho platí pro vás? Sestavte si roadmapu na míru: 6 otázek, 2 minuty, výsledek hned.

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How much commission do I save with a direct booking?

Usually 15–25 % of the booking value, depending on the portal and the terms. At higher volumes that adds up to a significant amount per year.

What increases direct bookings the most?

A combination of a best rate guarantee on the website, simple booking and remarketing. Without a working website, even the best rate will not help.

Do you want more direct bookings and lower commissions? Let us take a look at it.

Roadmapa zdarma

Zjistěte za 2 minuty, ve které fázi růstu jste a na co se zaměřit nejdřív. Roadmapu vám pošleme i na e-mail.

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