If you’re a hotel owner or manager, you understand how crucial it is to generate sufficient revenue to keep your business running smoothly. Direct hotel bookings are an excellent way to save money and receive better service. Independent hotels can reap numerous benefits from encouraging guests to book directly with them. It helps reduce costs, increase profits, and build strong relationships with guests, allowing for a more personalized experience and greater loyalty to the hotel’s brand.
However, it can be challenging for hotels to compete with online travel agencies (OTAs) and other hotel booking sites in search engine rankings, as most people tend to book hotels through third-party websites. This trend has not only made it increasingly difficult for hotels to maintain a steady stream of website traffic but can also result in a loss of revenue and reduced control over guest experience. As such, hotel owners and managers must adopt effective strategies to improve their online visibility, increase direct hotel bookings, and build a loyal customer base.
Gamification has gained significant traction recently as an effective marketing strategy for hotels and the hospitality industry. Gamification involves incorporating game elements into non-game contexts to increase engagement and motivation. Gamified Customer Relationship Management (CRM) strategies can be a game-changer for modern hotels looking to improve guest loyalty, increase revenue, and enhance the overall guest experience. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most effective gamified CRM strategies for hotels that will help them boost their direct bookings, keeping their business competitive in the modern landscape.
Why Is It Important to Increase Direct Hotel Bookings?
1. Better Profit Margins: When guests book directly through a hotel’s website, the hotel avoids paying commission fees to third-party booking channels. This leads to higher profit margins.
2. Stronger Guest Relationships: Direct bookings facilitate a direct connection between the hotel and its guests. This allows for a more personalized and intimate relationship with guests, increasing guest satisfaction and loyalty.
3. Control Over Branding: Booking hotel accommodations through the hotel’s website gives hotels greater control over their branding and messaging. It ensures that guests have a consistent and positive experience with the hotel from booking to checkout.
4. Better Data Collection: Direct hotel bookings allow hotels to collect valuable data on their guests, including preferences and booking behavior. This data can be used to improve marketing efforts and tailor future experiences to guest needs.
5. Increased Flexibility: Direct bookings allow hotels to offer unique packages, promotions, and discounts unavailable through third-party booking channels. This allows hotels to be more competitive in the market and attract more guests.
Top 5 Ways to Boost Direct Hotel Bookings With a Gamified CRM Strategy
1. Loyalty Programs:
A gamified CRM strategy can help hotels create loyalty programs incentivizing guests to book directly. For example, guests can earn points for each booking they make, which can be redeemed for discounts, upgrades, or other rewards. BeeLiked’s gamified rewards platform enables you to establish a motivational bond with your audience while also boosting brand loyalty. BeeLiked offers various promotion types ideal for collecting valuable data to inform your marketing strategies for engaging, retaining, and monetizing your loyal customer base.
2. Interactive Booking Process
Transforming the booking process into an interactive and visually appealing experience can make a significant impact. Consider integrating a virtual spin-the-wheel game where guests can try their luck to win discounts or perks. This offers a unique and memorable booking experience, increasing the likelihood of guests choosing your hotel over competitors. Use a professional color scheme and design for your virtual wheel to align with your hotel’s branding. BeeLiked offers fully customizable interactive promotions solutions that allow you to maintain your hotel’s branding.
3. Personalization:
By using data from a gamified CRM system, hotels can personalize their marketing and communication efforts to each guest’s preferences and past behavior. This can lead to a more engaging and effective customer experience that drives direct bookings.
You can incorporate a click-to-reveal game that unveils personalized offers based on guests’ preferences and booking history. Be sure to tailor promotions to specific demographics or occasions, ensuring a more targeted approach. This demonstrates your hotel’s attention to individual guest needs. Take advantage of BeeLiked’s design studio where their expert team will create your campaign exactly how you want it, including crafting a unique message that aligns with your hotel’s brand and conveys the exclusivity of your offers.
4. Social Media Challenges and Contests:
Establish a strong social media presence by organizing challenges and contests related to bookings at your hotel. Encourage your guests to share their booking experiences, photos, or reviews on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Meta, using a specific hashtag. Recognize and reward participants with prizes like complimentary stays, spa treatments, or restaurant vouchers. This will amplify your online presence and create a community of engaged customers who are more likely to book directly in the future.
5. Exclusive Access and Early Bird Offers
Create a sense of exclusivity by offering special access or early bird offers to customers who book directly through your website. Introduce limited-time promotions or exclusive packages that are only available to those who engage with your gamified CRM system. Exclusive deals can drive immediate bookings and encourage guests to book directly on your website to secure an offer they can’t find anywhere else.
You can implement a virtual pop-the-balloon game on your hotel’s website where guests pop a balloon to reveal exclusive discounts, such as percentage-off deals, complimentary room upgrades, or special packages. Creating a fun element to the booking process will make your hotel memorable and generate word-of-mouth referrals.
Boost Your Direct Hotel Bookings With BeeLiked!
If you’re eager to elevate the number of people directly booking hotel accommodation on your website, BeeLiked is the solution you’ve been searching for! Our platform offers ready-to-use gamified promotions designed to engage your audience and gather valuable insights. With a user-friendly interface and robust functionality, marketers can effortlessly tailor and launch promotions according to their goals. Whether you prefer a classic spin-the-wheel or a modern click-to-reveal, we have the perfect promotion to align with your business goals. Get started with BeeLiked today!
