How to pay less commission for campsite bookings
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Whilst a perfect year might mean an annual occupancy of 100%, 75% is a realistic target, and many are content with 50%. Reaching these goals often means relying on online travel agencies (OTAs) like Airbnb, Pitchup, and Booking.com – convenient but costly, with commissions eating into your profits. So, how do you pay less commission for campsite bookings without sacrificing occupancy? The answer lies in direct bookings…
Why direct bookings matter
- Zero commission: Let’s point out the obvious, you should never, ever, have to pay commission for your direct bookings. Direct bookings are those taken on your own website, or added to a calendar over the phone or email.
- Greater profitability: Reducing your reliance on OTAs is an absolute MUST if you operate your camping or glamping business with the aim to make a profit.
- Building a brand: Once a guest stays with you, you can refer them to book with you again over your own website. This is YOUR brand, how you identify yourself, and it looks much more professional then sending them to book via an OTA again.
- Marketing: Using a booking system such as Outdore to take your direct bookings will keep an accessible record of historic guests, enabling you to better understand your customers and help with future marketing efforts.
Did you know you can get a free website with Outdore? It’s ready to take online bookings without any technical knowledge required. Don’t worry about hosting fees, or maintenance headaches – all the information gets updated from your Outdore listing.
How can I take direct bookings for my campsite?
There are many ways to take direct bookings for your camping or glamping business, often through what’s known as a property management system (PMS). While numerous options exist, few specialise in the camping and glamping sector.
The onboarding and ongoing management of a generic PMS can feel like fitting a round peg in a square hole, with quirks that apply more to hotels or furnished holiday lets.
In contrast, a PMS dedicated to camping and glamping, like Outdore, has a seamless onboarding and management experience because it’s all relevant for campsites and glampsites. Not only that, but the guest booking experience is also 100% tailored specifically for camping and glamping.
Once onboard with a PMS, you will integrate the PMS’s booking functionality to your website. With Outdore, it’s as straight forward as adding a link into an eye-catching “Book online” button that you want to make obvious for your website traffic. You can also embed availability widgets with a bit more technical knowledge, but we can help with that.
If you can’t bear the thought of building a website, Outdore can provide one free of charge! Other PMSs will usually have a website builder which comes with an added monthly fee.
Speaking of pricing, why not see how Outdore compares to other PMSs out there. With a PMS, you typically pay a monthly fee instead of commission on each booking. In Outdore’s case, you could even use our PMS at no cost to you. By offsetting what would have been OTA bookings with direct bookings, you will immediately pay less commission for your campsite bookings.
Strategies for growing direct bookings
Ranking on page 1 of Google search through search engine optimisation can be time-consuming, expensive, competitive, with no guaranteed results. Instead, effective alternatives involve Google Business Profile, local directories, and social media marketing. Diversifying efforts into email marketing and forming partnerships can provide a more well-rounded and immediate approach to attract customers beyond the limitations of SEO.
- Ensure your website is visually appealing, informative, and easy to navigate. Make your online booking call to actions stand out!
- Google Business Profile, is a free and effective boost in online presence by showing your business on Google Maps. By optimising the profile with information, engaging visuals, and positive reviews, businesses can attract potential customers searching for local camp or glamp sites.
- Leverage Social Media: create engaging social media content that showcases your amenities, facilities, and surrounding attractions. Use social media ads to target potential guests in your area.
- Partner with local businesses to cross-promote each other’s offerings. Participate in local events and festivals to raise awareness about your site.
- Consider providing discounts or exclusive perks for repeat guests.
- Go the extra mile to ensure your guests have a positive experience. Personalise their interactions, address any concerns promptly, and seek feedback for continuous improvement through Outdore’s auto email or SMS feature.
Conclusion: how to pay less commission for campsite bookings
The key to paying less commission for campsite bookings lies in reducing your reliance on OTAs. During peak seasons, focus on direct marketing efforts to attract guests, minimising the need for OTA bookings. Additionally, reach out to your local Tourist Office to explore directories for nearby campsites and glampsites, which can further boost your visibility and attract more direct bookings.
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively grow direct bookings, reduce reliance on OTAs, and minimise commission. Remember, building a strong direct booking presence is an investment in the long-term success of your camping or glamping business.
