Whether you’re thinking about trading in the legal pad for an online reservations system or looking to upgrade your current system, the whole process can feel pretty overwhelming. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be!
When choosing the right system for your business, there are three key factors that you should consider. 
 

Whether you’re thinking about trading in the legal pad for an online reservations system or looking to upgrade your current system, the whole process can feel pretty overwhelming. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be!

When choosing the right system for your business, there are three key factors that you should consider. 

Make sure the system integrates with your website

It’s imperative to find a system that seamlessly integrates with your website, as it provides a better user experience for your staff and guests, which will result in happier stays and increased revenue, says Brad Illich, founder and CEO of NewBook, one of ARVC’s elite partners.  

“The goal is to make your website a one-stop-shop for your guests,” Illich says. “You want your guests to be able to find everything they need at their fingertips, from your property information, photos and the ability to make a reservation without needing to leave your website.”

Part of a complete integration is making sure you complement your website. Look for a system that offers a “white label” feature, meaning you can customize the colors to reflect your branding. This way, it’s easy for guests to recognize your brand and your website will have a consistent look and feel.

Provide visuals

First impressions count. Photos play a 60 percent role in a campers’ decision when they are reserving accommodations, so it’s important to ensure you’ve got clear professional images and/or videos with detailed descriptions of each site.

“It’s handy to know whether a site has power and the proximity to the park’s amenities,” Illich says. 

A common concern amongst RV park and campground owners, especially if you’re trading in your legal pad, is, “How can I guarantee the reservation system won’t double book a camper or put them in a site that doesn’t fit their RV?”

For starters, an online reservation system is always going to be more reliable, but you need to choose the right system with the right tools for the job. Some reservation engines offer the ability for guests to input their RV size, so only the applicable sites will appear when making a reservation. 

 “This type of feature will ultimately save you time and gives both your staff and guests peace of mind,” Illich says.

Make sure to keep it social

If your business isn’t on Facebook, you’re missing out on reservations. You can incorporate your online reservations system with Facebook so potential campers can view rates and special offers, check availability and even make a reservation without needing to leave Facebook. 

Illich says incorporating strategic marketing techniques makes social media features even more valuable.

“Creating exclusive Facebook specials will entice campers to make a reservation with you and you can update your existing rates, so there’s no need to duplicate categories and rates,” he says. 

Facebook integrations can also make the user experience even better by pre-populating fields so your guests can skip a step and focus on their reservation details. 

“It speeds up the reservation checkout process, creating an effortless end-user experience,” Illich says. “The beauty of Facebook is that when you have happy campers, they’ll share it with their friends too!”

Ready to get started with a reservation system that offers these features and much more? Then it’s time to give NewBook a try with a FREE DEMO or by calling one of their friendly salespeople at (310) 855-3773