Maximising Revenue: How to Increase Bookings at Your Glamping Site

As the glamping industry continues to grow, so does the competition. I've worked with numerous glamping sites to help them stand out in a competitive market. To ensure your site attracts a steady stream of guests, it’s crucial to adopt effective marketing strategies and smart pricing models. In this post, I’ll share how you can maximise revenue and increase bookings at your glamping site by leveraging innovative marketing tactics and optimal pricing strategies.

Marketing Strategies

1. Leverage Social Media

Social media platforms are powerful tools for reaching potential guests. As a bare minimum, we think that your site should have an Instagram/Facebook and maybe a Tik Tok. If you are more tech savvy, investing in creating a Youtube channel will return big dividends, however this will take a long time to implement. Here's how we think you can effectively use social media to increase revenue:

Marketing Strategies

Visual Appeal: Share high-quality photos and videos showcasing the unique features of your glamping site. Highlight the luxury, comfort, and natural beauty your site offers.
Engagement: Regularly engage with your audience by responding to comments, messages, and reviews. Create interactive content like polls, Q&A sessions, and live tours.
Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with travel influencers to reach a broader audience. Influencers can provide authentic reviews and share their experiences with their followers, driving interest in your site.

2. Optimise Your Website

Your website is often the first point of contact for potential guests. Ensure it’s user friendly and optimised for conversions. A key tip here is to have all the information a customer may want as easy to find as possible. Clear pages for each query. Basically make your website as simple as possible.

Mobile-Friendly Design: Ensure your website is mobile responsive, as many travellers use their phones to book trips.
Easy Booking Process: Simplify the booking process with clear calls to action, minimal form fields, and secure payment options. Try and make booking happen in as few click as possible.
SEO: Optimise your website for search engines by using relevant keywords, creating valuable content, and ensuring fast loading times.

3. Content Marketing

Creating valuable content can attract and engage potential guests. There are 2 types or content marketing, organic and paid. Paid is running adverts - on Facebook or Instagram for example. Organic is unpaid and relies on the natural reach of your following. Instagram posts are an example of organic. Building an organic following and seeing returns from content marketing should be seen as an investment as it takes a lot of time to produce and longer to rank to see results.

Blog Posts: Write informative blog posts about glamping tips, local attractions, and unique experiences your site offers.
Guest Stories: Share testimonials and stories from past guests to build trust and provide social proof.
Email Newsletters: Send regular newsletters featuring updates, special offers, and insider tips to keep your audience engaged and informed.

4. Offer Special Packages and Deals

Attract more bookings by offering special deals and packages. We find that customers generally prefer discounts, however this isn't best for profitability. In order to increase profitability you need to be adding services on to the full price. A quick example of this would be to add free bike hire to direct glamping bookings made in September. You have to work out the numbers for this, but it is a good example of adding extra bits leads to more income.

Seasonal Discounts: Provide discounts during off-peak seasons to attract more guests. Glamping is typically quiet in the winter, so reducing prices for winter could be a valid option.
Bundled Packages: Create packages that include additional services such as guided tours, spa treatments, or dining experiences. An option for a glampsite could be to include wood fired hot tubs. Hot tubs provide an extra service that guests are more than happy to pay for. They are especially popular in the winter.

5. Leverage Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)

Partnering with OTAs can increase your site's visibility. The main issue with OTAs is their high booking commissions, so be aware of this when calculating your prices. Also, OTAs generally say that you should be the same price as booking direct. However, it is very hard for them to police, especially if you add extra benefits for direct booking. Think of the OTAs as marketing for your glampsite, it is then down to you to try and get them to book direct next stay.

Listing Optimisation: Ensure your listings on platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Glamping Hub are complete with high-quality images, detailed descriptions, and accurate availability.
Competitive Pricing: Keep your pricing competitive on these platforms while highlighting unique features that set your site apart.

Pricing Models

1. Dynamic Pricing

Implement a dynamic pricing model to adjust rates based on demand.

Peak vs. Off-Peak Pricing: Increase rates during peak seasons and holidays when demand is high, and offer lower rates during off-peak times to attract more guests.
Special Events Pricing: Adjust prices for local events, festivals, or holidays that drive higher demand.

2. Length of Stay Discounts

Encourage longer stays by offering discounts for extended bookings.

Weekly Rates: Offer a reduced rate for guests who book a week-long stay.
Monthly Rates: Provide significant discounts for guests staying a month or longer, which can ensure higher occupancy and steady revenue.

3. Early Bird and Last-Minute Deals

Attract both planners and spontaneous travellers with targeted deals.

Early Bird Discounts: Offer a discount for guests who book well in advance.
Last-Minute Deals: Provide special rates for last-minute bookings to fill any remaining availability.

4. Tiered Pricing

Create a tiered pricing model based on accommodation types and additional services:

Accommodation Tiers: Charge different rates for various types of accommodations (e.g., standard tents vs. luxury yurts).
Add-On Services: Offer optional add-ons such as private tours, gourmet meals, or spa treatments for an additional fee.

Conclusion

By implementing these marketing strategies and pricing models, you can significantly increase bookings and maximise revenue at your glamping site. Focus on creating a memorable and unique experience for your guests, leveraging digital marketing channels, and optimising your pricing strategies to stay competitive and attract a diverse range of travellers. With these tactics, your glamping site will not only stand out but thrive in the growing industry.

Embrace these strategies today and watch your bookings soar, ensuring your glamping site becomes a sought-after destination for luxury outdoor experiences.

If you would like to talk us at Ammonite Hospitality about implementing some of the points mentioned above, please send us a message at hello@ammonitehotspitality.com or click here to fill out the form.