How I Got 3 Direct Booking Leads This Month
If you’re paying attention to the Short-Term-Rental landscape you know relying on the OTAs (Airbnb, Evolve, VRBO, Booking.com) is a dangerous game to play. The competition is increasing. Saturation is a real thing. But if you can embrace the shifting market instead of running from it, or worse, ignoring it - you will be just fine.
I actually welcome the changes going on in the industry. It will elevate the Hosts who are running their property like a business, not a hobby.
A boutique, curated, local, professional, approach will be key in 2025. Guests are savvier than ever and expect more of us these days. And that is A-OK. Our number one job is hospitality after all.
Are you wondering how you can take more control of your marketing?
Start with an email list of all past Guests that you’d like to welcome back. It can be time consuming and involves work, but it is really a no brainer.
This month, I leveraged email marketing and social media to generate 3 direct booking leads. Here’s how:
I sent an email to all of our pasts Guests with the subject line - “Cabin deal just for YOU!”. I let them know we value their business and in exchange would love to offer them special rates. I also shared updates we’ve made to the property and ask for their recommendations. This shows we care and are always working to improve their stay. We got a week-long direct booking from a trusted Guest almost immediately.
I posted a social media post to my FB/IG, my story, and local FB Groups with our Friends & Family 2025 Rates. I had a friend reach out about booking a weekend in May.
I shared a cool Instagram Reel that names NH as one of the top places in the US to visit during the Fall with the prompt “Our cabin is so peaceful in the Fall - book your getaway now!” I linked to our direct booking site and had someone email us to book a trip in September. I can see she viewed the post right before the email came in.
There are so many ways to advertise on your own. Sure, there is more leg work, but your Guests save money, and you make more money. While we are striving for a 5-star review, every time, booking off Airbnb and VRBO reduces the stress of getting a bad review (warranted or not) and having it completely tank your listing.
It allows you to stay in control of your business.
And this is not to say we don’t love Airbnb bookings. We absolutely do. The platform is a tool, but it shouldn’t be the ONLY one. Putting all your eggs in one basket leaves you zero leverage if something were to happen to Airbnb, your listing, your reviews etc.
If you want to chat more about marketing your property off the OTAs, I am an open book and always welcome a conversation.
You can email me HERE: LiveFreeLodgingCo@gmail.com
