[Day 2] 5 Things You Can Do Today to Increase Direct Bookings

[Recap]

Five things you can do today to increase direct bookings

Arthur Colker

Why direct bookings compound long-term value

Direct bookings protect margin, strengthen guest relationships, and reduce platform dependency. OTAs remain powerful acquisition tools — but ownership of demand builds resilience.

Five actions hosts can implement immediately

1. Collect guest data intentionally
Use opt-in touchpoints like Wi-Fi portals and post-stay emails to build first-party guest lists.

2. Use the billboard effect intentionally
Consistent property names, branding, and visuals help guests remember and find you again.

3. Brand the entire guest journey
From pre-arrival to post-stay, reinforce that guests are staying with your brand, not just through a platform.

4. Automate remarketing
Post-stay, anniversary, and availability-based emails keep properties top-of-mind with minimal effort.

5. Make direct booking benefits obvious
Better pricing, flexibility, communication, and loyalty perks should be clear across all guest touchpoints.

The takeaway for hosts

Direct bookings don’t replace OTAs — they amplify them. Hosts who build brand recognition and guest relationships convert past guests into predictable, higher-margin revenue.

Community Q&A highlights

Is building direct bookings realistic for single-property hosts?
Yes. Direct bookings scale from one property upward. Even capturing repeat guests and referrals can meaningfully improve margins and booking stability over time.

Do guests actually book direct again after staying via an OTA?
Yes—especially if the experience was smooth and professional. Guests who already trust the property are far more likely to rebook directly when given a clear path and incentive.

What’s the fastest win hosts can implement today?
Consistent branding across listings, messaging, and the in-stay experience. When guests remember who they stayed with—not just where they booked—it becomes much easier to convert them later.

Does pushing direct bookings risk platform penalties?
No, as long as hosts follow platform rules. Subtle branding, post-stay follow-ups, and off-platform remarketing are compliant and widely used by professional operators.

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Replay link.

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