The competitive travel industry requires your leads to convert into bookings. During peak season this may be easy for your business, but during the off-season potential customers are typically searching for a unique experience, quieter destination or a great deal. Keep reading to see our recommendations to convert more leads into bookings, especially during the off-season.
1. Offer Seasonal Promotions and Discounts
If you’re finding that your off-season bookings are low, offering some amazing promotions and discounts is the easiest way to increase your booking. Strategic pricing allows your business to attract budget-conscious travelers while increasing your off-season bookings. During the quieter months travelers are typically looking for deals. Here are some strategies we suggest trying:
- Early Bird Discounts : Discount off-season bookings that are booked over 6 months in advance. Secure your bookings ahead of time and increase your demand.
- Package Deals : Partner with other local businesses to create package deals that include transportation, activities, meals and accommodations. Not only does this provide value to your potential clients, but they are more likely to book when less effort is needed on their part.
- Loyalty Program : Create reward system for repeat customers by providing them with special discounts or perks for the off season. Bonus: Encouraging customer loyalty makes it more likely for repeat bookings and word of mouth referrals.
2. Provide New Off-Season Offerings
Ensure that potential customers are aware of the unique experiences and benefits that you provide for off-season travelers. Begin tailoring your offerings for the off-season by providing potential customers with a reason to book with you. Make sure to show off what makes your destination unique, especially when bookings have decreased.
- Provide Information About Local Events : If most of your clientele is traveling to reach your business, they may not know why they should come. Promote local events and festivals that occur during the off season to show off local cultural experiences.
- Serenity and Relaxation: Focus on the peacefulness and calmness of your surroundings when fewer tourists are present. Show your potential clients that the off-season is the best way to enjoy a destination without the crowds present during peak season.
- Exclusive Experiences: Provide your guests with guidance on how to book the best local workshops, activities and tours that are not available during peak season. Promote the exclusivity that is only present during the off-season.
3. Improve your Website and Booking System
Providing your potential customers with a seamless, user optimized booking experience is essential to converting travel leads while showing your professionalism to customers. Once your website is optimized for user experience, you can remove booking barriers and start increasing your bookings. Be sure your website is optimized for conversions by including :
- Mobile Friendly Website : Be sure that your website is responsive and user friendly on mobile devices. Many travelers do not travel with computers so a mobile optimized site is required.
- Call to Action : Use strong and clear CTA’s on your website to encourage visitors to book. Including phrases like “Book Today” or “Learn More About Off-Season Deals” will encourage quicker bookings.
- Fast Booking Process : Provide your customers with a streamlined booking process that limits the steps required to book. Quick and easy booking processes are more likely to convert.
4. Retarget Leads and Improve Email Marketing
Start retargeting lost leads and increasing your email marketing efforts in order to re-engage potential customers who have been interested in your products in the past. We suggest encouraging people to book by :
- Retarget Your Ads : Reach out to potential customers who have visited your website in the past but have yet to book. Use these emails to inform customers of your new off-season promotions.
- Email Campaigns : Target your new leads with email campaigns that promote your off-season booking benefits and offers. Create personalized emails based on what your customers have booked in the past to increase engagement rates.
5. Testimonials
It is essential to build trust with your potential clients in order to turn leads into booking. Be sure to provide a variety of testimonials in order to demonstrate credibility and improve conversion rates. We suggesting providing:
- Customer Reviews : Feature the reviews and testimonials of happy customers on your social media and website to show others who appreciated your services. Authentic feedback can reassure potential customers about your services.
- Customer Videos : Ask happy customers to share their experiences in a photo or video format that can be posted on social media. Repost these happy customers on your own channels to foster your community of travelers.
Start the process of converting travel leads into off-season booking now by offering promotions, improving marketing techniques and providing unique experiences to your guests. After implementing these five steps, sit back and watch your booking rates increase, and start maximizing revenue all year long. Start taking advantage of the off-season now and watch your business grow.
