A repeat guest is gold. No Booking commission, they already know your apartment, no surprises, and better reviews. Here are 5 strategies.
1. Personalised message after check-out
The day after departure, send a short message: "Thank you for staying with us! I hope we see you again. Next time — book directly and get 10% off." Include a link to your website. This is the simplest and most effective step.
2. Business card in the apartment
Leave a professional business card in a visible spot — near the coffee or on the bedside table. On the card: apartment name, website, QR code linking to your site. The guest puts it in their wallet and uses it next year.
3. Seasonal message — "We're back!"
3 months before your main season, send a short message to all former guests: "We're planning the season and would love to host you again! Here's a link for direct booking with 10% off for returning guests." Use WhatsApp or email — whatever you used for communication.
4. Offer a better price than Booking
Booking takes 15-25% commission. Offer returning guests 10% less than your Booking price — you both get a better deal. They save, you earn more.
Example: you charge €100/night on Booking. Booking takes €18. You get €82. Offer the guest €90/night directly — they save €10, you get €90 instead of €82. Everyone wins.
5. Remember the details
When the guest returns — put their favourite coffee in the welcome pack. Mention in your message: "I remember you love the beaches on the north side — they opened a new beach bar this year you might enjoy." Personalisation turns a transaction into a relationship.
Why this matters — the numbers
The average host has 5-15% returning guests. The best — 30-40%. The difference? 30% returning guests on an apartment earning €15,000/year means €4,500 WITHOUT Booking commission. That's €675-1,125 saved on commission. Every year.
Your own website is the foundation for direct repeat bookings. Aparto — build it in 5 minutes.
