This article is a guest post written by Userguest

The journey to a memorable stay at your hotel starts long before guests walk through your doors. The secret sauce? Pre-arrival communication. It's your golden opportunity to set the stage for an unforgettable experience and, let's not forget, boost your revenue! 

One of the best ways to engage with your guests before they arrive is through your website. By offering targeted deals and ensuring a top-notch user experience, you can heighten anticipation and encourage guests to splurge a little more. Here's how to make the most of it.

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1. Personalised offers and promotions

Knowing your guests is the key to offering deals they'll love. Use past stay data and booking info to create personalised offers. A family looking for a fun getaway might jump at a bundle with theme park tickets, while a couple might be swayed by a romantic dinner package. The more relevant the offer, the more likely they are to go for it.

Keep things fresh with dynamic content that adapts to who's browsing. If a guest often checks out spa services, make sure spa deals are front and centre. This kind of personalised touch not only keeps your website interesting but also makes guests feel seen.

Timing is everything. Send out enticing offers, like discounted room upgrades, a few days before check-in. Guests are already excited about their upcoming trip, so it's the perfect moment to tempt them with an enhanced experience.

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2. Creating a smooth user experience

A clean, easy-to-navigate website is a must. Ensure your site is simple to use, with a well-organised menu and clear calls-to-action (CTAs). Guests should be able to find special offers and booking options without any hassle.

With so many people browsing on their phones, your website must be mobile-friendly. Make sure everything—from images to booking forms—looks great and loads fast on mobile devices. A smooth mobile experience is key to keeping potential bookings from slipping through the cracks.

A fast and secure booking process is a no-brainer. Keep it simple, minimise the steps, and offer multiple payment options. Be transparent about costs, so guests know exactly what they're paying for, avoiding any unpleasant surprises.

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3. Engaging content and visuals

High-quality photos and videos can make a huge difference. Show off your property's best features, from cosy rooms to mouth-watering dishes and relaxing spa treatments. Visuals help guests imagine their stay, making them more likely to book.

Don't underestimate the power of words. Use engaging descriptions to bring your offerings to life. Highlight the unique aspects of your services—like gourmet meals in your restaurant or the serene setting of your spa.

Showcase guest reviews and testimonials, especially those praising specific offers or services. Genuine feedback builds trust and can persuade undecided guests to book that extra service or upgrade.

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4. Clear communication of value

Be upfront about what's included in your offers. Break down all the perks—like free breakfast with a room upgrade or complimentary shuttle service with a spa package. Clear communication helps guests feel confident in their purchase.

What makes your property special? Whether it's a prime location, exclusive experiences, or top-notch service, make sure these unique selling points are front and centre. This not only justifies any premium pricing but also sets you apart from the competition.

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5. Ongoing engagement

Keep the excitement building with pre-arrival emails. Remind guests of their upcoming stay and introduce them to additional services they might enjoy. A little reminder of what's in store can go a long way.

Once guests book, keep them engaged. Send a pre-arrival survey to understand their preferences and suggest relevant offers. A gentle nudge about any exclusive deals they might have missed can also work wonders.

How Userguest can help you shine

Implementing these strategies is easier said than done. That's where Userguest comes in! This tool is a game-changer for hotels, offering a range of features designed to streamline pre-arrival processes and boost revenue.

Userguest takes the hassle out of personalisation by delivering tailored offers to each website visitor. Whether it's a couple's spa day or a family adventure package, Userguest ensures the right offer reaches the right guest at the right time.

Userguest seamlessly integrates with your existing systems, offering a smooth transition and easy setup. Plus, with its powerful analytics, you'll gain insights into which offers are working and where there's room for improvement.

That’s not all. Userguest’s email capture notification integrates flawlessly with Mailchimp and ensures that you collect valuable emails for your pre and post-arrival communications.

From pre-arrival on-site messaging and social proof notifications to email integration, Userguest helps you keep the conversation going with your guests, ensuring they feel special and well-informed from booking to check-in.