Mobile-first mindset
A 2019 study showed that 70% of last minute hotel reservations are made on a mobile phone. Mobile devices are used more and more on the web each year. Your website must have a layout that is responsive to a variety of devices. When starting with mobile first, you can prioritize the mobile experience and build up from there. Users should be able to conveniently book a room from their phone. If they can’t, they may end up as guests at your competitors that have an easy to see mobile version of their website.
Online booking option
Having a direct online booking option in your site is essential in 2022. In the modern world, people prefer booking their rooms through a website rather than emailing or calling. Without this option, your hotel risks losing business to competitors or being booked through OTAs, which will take their own cut of the rate.
Additionally, having a 24/7 option for people to book your hotels will lead to more business and a higher level of convenience for future guests. People will often plan last minute trips during times when your office is closed, so options beyond emailing or calling are essential when it comes to finding a room.
Positive Reviews and Testimonials
Reviews and testimonials are one of the most important ways to showcase your experience. A website without them is incomplete. In fact, 49% of customers will not make a reservation at a hotel that doesn’t have reviews.
There are many options when it comes to showcasing your reviews. If you don’t have enough reviews, seek them out. Send out emails post-stay to guests with links to your Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Google pages, and have your team ask for reviews in person when the opportunity makes sense.
If you have enough content, consider having an entire page on your site dedicated to it. A good web designer will be able to weave in these reviews with appealing visuals from your hotel that will be persuasive to potential guests and put you above your competition.
Interested in learning about more ways to boost your hotel's marketing campaigns? Read more at the 97 Switch Guide to Hotel Marketing.
