Breaking free from OTAs: Your guide to direct bookings
In this episode, Nihal Salah chats with Lisa Roads, the Holiday Property Coach, about branding, direct booking, and trust in the short-term rental industry. Lisa shares her expertise as a business consultant and growth strategist, emphasising the importance of having a direct booking strategy and not relying solely on online travel agents (OTAs) like Airbnb.
Lisa highlights the risks of depending on OTAs and the lack of control and ownership that comes with it. She discusses the key elements of a direct booking strategy, including being visible, building a reputation, and offering something unique to attract the right guests.
She also talks about the importance of understanding and catering to a specific niche market. The conversation covers the benefits of targeting a specific audience and tailoring the property and services to meet their needs.
Lisa explains how trust is a crucial factor in building relationships with guests and how that ties in with transparent communication and secure payment options.
Lisa shares practical steps for transitioning from OTAs to direct bookings, including conducting market research and effectively communicating the unique value proposition of the property.
The episode concludes by focusing on the importance of personalisation and providing exceptional experiences for guests, which can lead to increased bookings and guest loyalty.
Find out more about Lisa Roads here.
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