Promoting self-served bookings is essential for several reasons that enhance both customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Here are the key benefits:
Convenience and time savings. Self-served bookings allow users to make bookings at their convenience, without the need to wait for assistance. This flexibility caters to the increasing demand for quick and easy solutions, as many customers prefer to manage their bookings independently to save time.
24/7 availability. Your users can access the app and make bookings anytime, regardless of business hours.
Increased efficiency. Self-served bookings streamline the booking process, freeing up your team to focus on more complex customer interactions. This efficiency can lead to improved service delivery and a better overall experience for customers, as routine tasks are handled automatically.
Valuable customer insights. Self-service systems generate data on customer preferences and behaviors, which can be analyzed to improve services and tailor marketing strategies. Understanding customer needs better can lead to enhanced offerings and increased customer retention.
How can I promote self-served bookings
To effectively promote self-served bookings in your app, consider implementing the following strategies:
1. Add app links to your marketing site
To allow your website users to conveniently book a room, prepare the booking link to your Rooms page and add a Book a Room call-out button on your site. Users will be directed to your app and can make room bookings independently. You can do the same for the desk bookings.
2. Provide promo codes redeemable via the app
Offer users promo codes for discounts on bookings that can only be redeemed through your app. This strategy encourages users to make bookings on their own to redeem the discount, while simultaneously accessing and familiarizing themselves with your app. By encouraging initial engagement with your app, you undoubtedly increase the likelihood of repeat bookings or purchases, as users will already have your app installed and understand how to use it.
3. Place QR codes around your space
Generate QR codes for your Rooms and Desks pages and place them at the reception, for example. Users can simply scan the QR code with their smartphone camera to be taken directly to the booking page. By making the booking process more convenient and accessible through QR codes, you can encourage more users to make bookings on their own. This can lead to an increase in overall bookings and revenue for your business.
4. Automate booking confirmation emails
Your app always sends users push notifications to remind them about their bookings but you can also use our free Zapier integration to send booking confirmation emails to enhance the customer experience. By sending personalized messages that recap booking details, you can reduce no-shows and keep customers informed, making them more likely to use self-service booking in the future.
5. Connect payment gateway
Ensure to have a payment gateway integrated with your app to allow customers to make online payments for their bookings in the app. Accept payments
6. Provide clear instructions and support
Consider creating a location guide on the Information page with some helpful information related to bookings. Make the Support page public so that users can reach out to you by creating a ticket if they require any assistance with their booking. This support can alleviate any concerns about using self-service options.
7. Enhance communication with your customers
Actively communicate with users to identify if they have a full understanding of the booking process and if the self-service experience meets customer expectations. You can create a post with a link to a survey or questionnaire on the Feed page or use chats to send messages to particular users.
