Market Strategy for Your Direct Booking Website

We grew our direct bookings without spending a dollar on SEO. Instead, we focused on what truly works. Now, we're sharing the exact strategies that can help you do the same.

Our approach revolves around three key pillars: Attract, Convert, and Retain guests. Whether you’re just starting or scaling up, this strategy works. But before anything else, here’s the golden rule: know your guest. Each traveler is on a different journey, and your marketing must meet them where they are.

Understanding the Guest Journey

Guests discover, evaluate, and book in different ways. There are three main types:

• First-Time  Booker – Finds you on OTAs like Airbnb or Booking.com. They need trust, transparency, and  a reason to book direct.
• Returning   Guest – Prefers direct booking for better pricing and a personalized experience.
• Referred   Guest – Comes through recommendations and skips OTAs altogether.

Let’s focus on the First-Time Booker and how to move them from OTAs to your direct booking site.
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‍Step 1: Attraction

Getting Discovered Visibility is key. Most first-time bookers start on OTAs. Your job is to turn that discovery into a direct booking opportunity.

‍Leverage the Billboard Effect 70% of direct booking traffic started on an OTA. make it easy for any guests search for a property name after seeing it on an OTA.

‍In fact, 52% of OTA users look up properties after discovering them, and 92% are searching for a better price.

- Maximize this by using are cognizable brand name, featuring a branded photo in your OTA listing, and ensuring your OTA descriptions match your website.

- Optimize for Google Searches When potential guests search for you, Google needs to show them the right information. Set up a Google Business Profile with updated details and high-quality photos. Encourage past guests to leave Google reviews to build credibility.
Maveriks' Google Review Module simplifies this process.    

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Step 2: Conversion

Turning Interest into Bookings Attraction brings guests to your website, but conversion is where they commit. Your site must be seamless, trustworthy, and optimized for direct bookings. Build Immediate Trust First impressions matter. Maintain consistent branding, showcase guest reviews prominently, and ensure a professional design with high-quality images.
‍Simplify the Booking Process A complicated booking process loses potential guests. Ensure a mobile-friendly experience, be upfront about pricing, offer secure payment options, and make booking easy with fewer clicks. Leverage Conversion Tools Maveriks ’platform optimizes speed and transparency. Use exclusive direct booking offers like “Book now and save 10%” and retargeting emails to capture undecided visitors.

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‍Step 3: Retention

Turning Guests into Loyal Fans Direct bookings aren't just transactions—they’re relationships. Retaining guests lowers costs and boosts long-term revenue. Deliver an Exceptional Stay Guests Guests return when their experience exceeds expectations. Add personaltouches like welcome notes and local recommendations. Ensure seamless check seamless check-in and check-out with clear communication. Encourage Positive Reviews - Reviews attract new guests and encourage past ones to return. Send post-stay emails requesting a Google review. Use Maveriks' Google Review Module to simplify the process and respond to reviews to show you care. Stay Connected Stay top of mind with email marketing, offering exclusive deals and updates. Provide loyalty perks like early check-in or repeat booking discounts. Engage guests through social media, sharing behind-the-scenes content and guest stories.

The Bottom Line Growing your direct booking business is simple when you focus on Attract, Convert, Retain. This strategy will help you:

• Attract  more guests  through branding and trust-building.
• Convert  visitors into direct bookings with a seamless website experience.
• Retain  guests who return and refer others.

Maveriks is here to help you implement these strategies with the right tools and expert support. Ready to grow your direct bookings? Get started with a free two-week trial today. 🚀