Booking.com and Expedia have been using scarcity and urgency tactics for years to boost their conversion rates. They know the power of creating a sense of urgency—it’s part of their success formula. But what if you could do the same thing on your own website, without relying on OTAs? Here’s how you can beat them at their own game.
1️⃣ Limited Availability Messages
“Only 1 room left at this price!”
“Book in the next 10 minutes to secure this rate!”
These messages tap into the fear of missing out (FOMO), creating urgency in potential guests to book now before the opportunity slips away. This simple tactic can drive faster decisions and increase your chances of converting visitors into paying guests.
2️⃣ High Demand Indicators
“Booked 23 times today”
“15 others are viewing this room right now.”
Showing real-time demand can make a huge difference in how guests perceive your property. When potential guests see that others are already booking, it creates a psychological effect—just like a busy restaurant with a queue outside. They think, “It must be good if it’s that popular,” and they’re more likely to secure their spot.
3️⃣ Active Interest Notifications
“143 others are looking at this room”
This is all about social proof. People are naturally influenced by the actions of others, and this type of notification taps into that behaviour. The idea that others are considering the same room creates urgency—guests are more likely to book now to avoid losing out.
By incorporating these tactics into your website, you can level the playing field with OTAs. With technology like The Hotels Network, Rate Parity, and User Guest, you can implement these strategies easily and cost-effectively, making your direct booking channel just as competitive as the big players.
Ready to put these tactics to work for your hotel?
Book a demo with us today and see how The Hotel Growth Formula can help you drive more revenue directly from your website.
