Why 64% of Our Bookings Are Direct – The Power of Non-OTA Distribution
In the increasingly competitive landscape of the short-term rental market, many landlords are discovering the immense value of diversifying their booking sources beyond traditional Online Travel Agents (OTAs) like Airbnb and Booking.com. At Keapr, we find that 64% of our bookings come from direct channels, highlighting the substantial benefits of non-OTA distribution. In this blog, we will explore the reasons behind this shift and the advantages it brings to landlords.
H2: Understanding Non-OTA Distribution
Non-OTA distribution refers to any method of securing bookings that does not rely on platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com. This encompasses direct bookings facilitated through a property management company, corporate relationships, and various distribution channels tailored to specific markets such as insurance relocations and contractor accommodations.
Why has non-OTA distribution gained momentum? There are several factors at play:
H3: The Appeal of Direct Bookings
1. **Higher Profit Margins**: When bookings are made directly, landlords avoid commission fees typically charged by OTAs. This can lead to considerably higher profit margins per booking.
2. **Greater Control**: A direct relationship with guests allows landlords to maintain control over pricing, terms, and conditions. This ensures that they can tailor their offerings to better meet guest needs.
3. **Create Lasting Relationships**: Direct bookings often foster a longer-term relationship between landlords and guests. This can lead to repeat stays, increased loyalty, and referrals.
H3: Leveraging 92+ Distribution Channels
At Keapr, we utilise over 92 distribution channels to reach a diverse audience. Our strong focus on contractor and insurance database distribution alone unlocks a steady stream of bookings that many landlords may overlook.
Key benefits include:
– **Access to niche markets**: Our databases of contractors and insurance placements ensure bookings are secured from sectors with specific accommodation needs.
– **Longer Stays**: Our average booking length ranges from 30 to 90 nights. This is in stark contrast to typical short-term holiday lets, which often yield lower overall profits due to higher turnover and maintenance issues.
– **Targeted marketing**: We tailor our marketing strategies to match the requirements and preferences of corporate clients, making it easier to fill vacancies with quality tenants.
H2: The Power of Corporate Relationships
One of the main reasons Keapr’s direct bookings are so prevalent is our established relationships with businesses across various sectors. Corporations often seek reliable accommodations for their employees and prefer to work with companies they can trust, rather than navigating the unpredictable nature of OTAs.
The advantages of direct corporate relationships are:
– **Invoicing Options**: Corporate clients often prefer the simplicity of direct invoicing, which can lead to faster payments and less admin hassle for landlords.
– **Reduced Wear and Tear**: Unlike weekend party guests, corporate guests tend to treat properties with more respect, resulting in less wear and tear. This ultimately saves landlords costs on maintenance and repairs.
– **Enhanced Security**: Long-term corporate tenants mean less frequent turnover, reducing the risks associated with short-term rentals, such as vacancy periods and property damage.
H2: The Importance of Quality over Quantity
When it comes to short-term rentals, many landlords focus on maximising occupancy rates. However, at Keapr, we believe that quality should take precedence over quantity. The type of guests we attract via direct bookings generally align with this philosophy:
– **Professionalism**: Direct corporate guests are typically professionals who bring stability and consistency, unlike the unpredictability of holiday lets.
– **Higher Standards**: Our corporate and contractor clients often have specific requirements, driving landlords to maintain higher standards of service and property upkeep, ultimately benefiting all parties.
– **Retention Rate**: As mentioned, bookings averaging 30 to 90 nights contribute to a secure income stream and reduce the number of void periods landlords face.
H2: Strategies to Increase Direct Bookings
If you’re a landlord seeking to tap into the potential of non-OTA distribution, consider the following strategies:
1. **Partner with a Management Company**: Collaborating with a professional property management company, like Keapr, can dramatically improve your visibility across various databases and distribution channels.
2. **Create a Strong Online Presence**: Having a dedicated website and leveraging social media effectively can help attract potential guests directly.
3. **Promote Corporate Relationships**: Actively reach out to companies in your locality or industries that frequently require temporary accommodation and offer tailored packages to meet their needs.
4. **Utilise Reviews and Testimonials**: Build trust with potential guests by showcasing positive reviews and testimonials from previous tenants, particularly corporate clients.
H2: Nationwide Coverage with Local Touch
Keapr prides itself on providing nationwide coverage, allowing landlords to benefit from our insights and expertise regardless of location. Our local agents possess a deep understanding of regional markets, allowing for tailored strategies that cater specifically to the nuances of their areas.
We provide landlords with an opportunity to maximise their property’s potential through intelligent distribution, creating seamless pathways to connect directly with quality tenants.
In conclusion, the challenge for landlords today is to adapt in a rapidly evolving market. With 64% of our bookings secured through non-OTA distribution, the effectiveness of focusing on direct channels is clear.
If you are a landlord looking for higher-quality, longer stays, speak to Keapr today.