Why 64% of Our Bookings Are Direct – The Power of Non-OTA Distribution
In the world of short-term rentals, landlords face increasingly competitive challenges as they strive to maximise their occupancy rates and revenues. At Keapr, we believe that the future of property rental lies significantly beyond traditional online travel agencies (OTAs) like Airbnb and Booking.com. In fact, as our data shows, 64% of our bookings come from direct sources, demonstrating the immense potential of non-OTA distribution channels.
H2: Understanding Non-OTA Distribution
Non-OTA distribution refers to any booking made outside the traditional online platforms that many landlords rely on. At Keapr, we take pride in leveraging a diverse array of channels to generate reservations for our landlords. This includes direct corporate relationships, contractor accommodation, and a specialised database that encompasses insurance relocation stays, ensuring that property listings remain occupied throughout the year.
H2: The Benefits of Direct Bookings for Landlords
Direct bookings offer several key advantages for landlords when compared to traditional OTA platforms:
Reduced Fees: OTAs typically charge landlords up to 15-20% in fees, which can significantly impact profit margins. Direct bookings bypass these platforms, meaning more earnings for property owners.
Quality over Quantity: Direct bookings attract higher-quality guests, such as corporate contractors and insurance clients. These guests tend to stay longer—averaging between 30 and 90+ nights—compared to typical weekend travellers.
Stable Income: By securing longer stays, landlords experience reduced void periods. This stability is particularly beneficial in fluctuating rental markets, providing a more consistent income stream.
Invoicing Flexibility: Many corporate clients appreciate the convenience of invoicing options, streamlining the payment process while providing confidence in the reliability of their accommodation.
H2: Building Lasting Relationships
At Keapr, our focus is on fostering direct relationships with corporate clients and contractors across various industries. Our dedicated team has developed partnerships with businesses that require long-term accommodation for their workforce. By establishing these connections, we create a robust pipeline of bookings that are not reliant on volatile travel demand.
H3: Our Extensive Database
One of the standout features of our direct booking strategy is our comprehensive database that caters to specific accommodation needs. This includes:
Contractor accommodation providers: We maintain relationships with contractors in construction, engineering, and IT sectors, where the need for stable, long-term lodging is paramount.
Insurance relocation support: Our team works closely with insurance companies to facilitate temporary housing for displaced tenants, significantly reducing the stress of finding suitable accommodation.
Corporate stays: By engaging with companies that require workforce solutions, we ensure our landlords receive high-quality bookings from responsible tenants.
H2: Managing the Risks
Quality matters when it comes to tenant selection. With a focus on securing corporate and insurance bookings through direct channels, landlords can minimise risks associated with weekend party guests or transient holidaymakers. Our experience suggests that long-term guests not only lead to reduced wear and tear on properties, but they also ensure a better overall experience for property owners.
H3: Less Wear and Tear
Properties occupying on a short-term basis often suffer from higher wear and tear due to the frequent turnover of guests. In contrast, long-stay tenants, particularly those from corporate or contractor backgrounds, treat their accommodation as a home, ensuring that the property is kept in better condition.
H2: The Reach of Non-OTA Distribution
At Keapr, we offer nationwide coverage, which means our landlords can benefit from our non-OTA distribution model regardless of their property’s location. With over 92 distribution channels available to us, we can reach potential tenants in every corner of the UK.
H3: Tailoring Strategies for Each Property
We understand that every property has its unique appeal, and thus we tailor our marketing strategies accordingly. This approach ensures that we maximise visibility among the right audience, whether it’s marketing luxury accommodations to corporate clients or family-friendly spaces to insurance clients.
H2: How Keapr Facilitates Direct Bookings
Our process for facilitating direct bookings involves several strategic measures:
Proactive Outreach: Our team actively engages with businesses and contractors in various sectors to identify their accommodation needs, generating leads that can be converted into bookings.
Bespoke Marketing Campaigns: We run targeted marketing campaigns that highlight the unique features of each property, ensuring landlords get the attention they deserve.
Comprehensive Online Presence: While we focus on direct bookings, we still maintain a relevant online presence to capture any opportunities that arise from OTAs without solely relying on them.
H3: Engaging with Corporate Clients
Our commitment to developing relationships with corporate clients is evident in our direct outreach efforts, tailored communications, and the creation of long-term partnerships. By introducing our landlords to this network, we provide them access to consistent bookings with reliable tenants.
H2: The Future of Direct Bookings
As the landscape of short-term rentals evolves, the power of direct bookings continues to grow. Landlords who leverage this approach stand to benefit from increased occupancy, more reliable revenues, and an overall enhanced experience in property management.
The trend towards non-OTA distribution is expected to strengthen in the coming years, as more landlords recognise the strong value proposition of engaging directly with tenants. At Keapr, our expertise positions us to navigate these changes effectively.
If you are a landlord looking for higher-quality, longer stays, speak to Keapr today. [Link to: Keapr Services Page]