Being in the accommodation business can be challenging. You need to keep customers coming to your establishment in order to keep it profitable. As competition grows from the number of new hostels and B&Bs, staying ahead in the industry takes a lot of innovation and effort. It is no longer enough to compete on price alone. People are looking for more than the cheapest room but the best experience. So, how do you increase your occupancy rate without increasing your expenses and affecting your bottom line? To help answer this we have put together a number of tips to help you do that:
#1. Invest in a Well-designed, Customer Focused Website
A poorly designed website will not attract visitors to your website but a well designed, easy to use website that is image rich will. Make sure your website is responsive. Make sure it loads quickly, is easy to navigate, well written and has tons of good quality images. Don’t forget to provide an easy booking system.
#2. Make Your Sites Easier to Use and Book
Once potential guests are on your site make them stay longer by offering them more information. Become the authority about things to do in your area, places to visit, good restaurants to eat at or shows to see. Do a little bit of extra leg work, guests appreciate that. If your site has a lot of engaging information then it stands a better chance of being bookmarked and a bookmarked site is easy to remember.
#3. Up-sell your Visitors
Get your prospective guests to spend more time on your site by providing extras like holiday or romantic packages. Offer something special at check-in. Use your front desk to offer opportunities like car rental services and concert booking services. Adding these little extras can improve customer experience.
#4. Offer Discounts for Things Like Extended Stays
Sometimes guests have a more flexible travel schedule or would have loved to spend an extra night if they could afford the full rate. Offering your guests a discount on the regular rate for an extra day could help boost your occupancy levels.
#5. Offer Referral Incentives
Your guests will be more inclined to recommend your establishment to friends and family if there is something in it for them. Offer a referral scheme by using tools like promo codes. Word-of-mouth is the greatest marketing tool you have at your disposal.
#6. Network
Network with businesses in your area that attract travelers and tourists to improve your occupancy rates. You can provide things like discounted tickets to local attractions or special rates at restaurants and other tourist attractions that would in turn also help drive business your way. Choose businesses that will enhance your own guests’ experience. And list your establishment on other accommodation booking sites like Air b n b.
#7. Use Social Media to Connect
Set up social media accounts for your business. Use these to share information about the different offers and specials you have for guests. Make sure that you engage with guests who post comments or ask questions, don’t leave it to the world – stay connected and be your own best cheerleader.
The bottom line is that in order to keep guests coming to your establishment you need to entice them. You need to add some value to what you offer prospective guests in order to stand out from the crowd. The internet is a valuable tool that if correctly used can propels your business to new heights.
