Why 64% of Our Bookings Are Direct – The Power of Non-OTA Distribution
In today’s competitive rental landscape, landlords face a pivotal choice when it comes to marketing their properties. With the prevalence of online travel agencies (OTAs) such as Airbnb and Booking.com, many property owners rely solely on these platforms to attract guests. However, at Keapr, we have seen a remarkable trend: 64% of our bookings come from direct sources, thanks largely to our diversified distribution network. In this blog, we will explore the power of non-OTA distribution, how it surpasses traditional channels, and why every landlord should consider this approach.
H2: Understanding Non-OTA Distribution
Non-OTA distribution refers to the strategies that allow landlords to reach potential guests outside of mainstream platforms. This includes a range of methods, from direct corporate relationships to leveraging contractor and insurance databases. While OTAs can provide exposure, they also come with fees and restrictions that can erode profit margins.
H3: The Benefits of Direct Bookings
1. Increased Profit Margins:
The immediate benefit of direct bookings is the reduced costs associated with OTA commissions. By bypassing these platforms, landlords keep a larger share of rental income, which can significantly boost overall profitability.
2. Greater Control:
Landlords have more control over their bookings when they engage directly with guests. This includes setting prices, establishing house rules, and managing the guest experience, enabling a tailored approach to rental management.
3. Enhanced Relationships:
Direct bookings foster stronger relationships with clients, particularly businesses seeking corporate stays. By developing a rapport with companies and contractors, landlords can establish a reliable source of repeat bookings, thus enhancing stability in income.
4. Diverse Guest Profiles:
Non-OTA channels attract a wider variety of guest profiles. Keapr’s focus on contractor accommodation and insurance relocations ensures that landlords are not only catering to holidaymakers but also to professional guests who typically book longer stays.
H2: Our Proven Distribution Strategy
At Keapr, our success can be attributed to our multifaceted distribution strategy that encompasses over 92 channels. This broad outreach enables us to cater to various market segments, ensuring optimal occupancy levels year-round.
H3: Contractor and Insurance Database Distribution
Through targeted distribution to contractor networks and insurance companies, we enable landlords to tap into lucrative markets. These guests usually require stays ranging from 30 to 90+ nights, which guarantees longer occupancy compared to the transient nature of holiday rentals.
H2: The Importance of Corporate Relationships
Another pillar of our strategy involves building direct relationships with corporations. Many companies seek temporary accommodations for their employees in the UK. By establishing connections with these businesses, we can secure long-stay bookings, ensuring that landlords enjoy consistent rental income.
H3: Unique Invoicing Options
Our ability to offer tailored invoicing options can further entice corporate clients. Many companies prefer invoicing over direct booking through OTAs, which means landlords can benefit from a streamlined and professional approach to payment that adds credibility to their offerings.
H2: Reducing Wear and Tear
Unlike weekend party guests often associated with traditional short-term rentals, contractor and corporate guests tend to be more respectful of property standards, leading to reduced wear and tear. This not only preserves the property value but also lowers the costs associated with frequent repairs and maintenance.
H3: Nationwide Coverage
Keapr’s reach extends across the UK, providing landlords with opportunities to diversify their property portfolio strategically. Whether you own a single flat in London or multiple houses in Manchester, our national presence allows you to connect with contractors and corporations that may require accommodation in various locations.
H2: Customer Testimonials
Having serviced numerous landlords and clients, the positive feedback we receive is a testament to our effective non-OTA distribution strategy. For instance, one landlord remarked, "Since partnering with Keapr, I’ve seen a significant increase in bookings. The steady income from long-stay guests is game-changing."
H2: Taking the Leap
As the rental landscape continues to evolve, landlords should assess their reliance on OTAs and explore alternative methods of distributing their properties. The benefits of direct bookings are clear: increased profits, less wear and tear on properties, and more cohesive relationships with guests.
H3: Getting Started with Keapr
Transitioning to a non-OTA distribution model isn’t as daunting as it may seem. At Keapr, we provide comprehensive support to landlords. Our expertise in corporate stays, contractor accommodation, and insurance relocations enables us to devise a custom strategy tailored to your property.
With our proven track record of keeping 64% of bookings outside OTAs, you can trust us to optimise your rental income while ensuring a seamless experience for your guests.
If you are a landlord looking for higher-quality, longer stays, speak to Keapr today.