Limiting the numbers of those who can access and use your website probably isn't a good idea. It's similar to having a shop on the High Street, but only those who are small enough to get through the door are allowed in.
Give your customers choice
Enticing new traffic and converting them into bookings is really important for your business. This is why your website needs to be good at attracting visits and then easy enough to navigate and use. Why would you put restrictions in place that could discourage a potential guest, forcing them to book elsewhere?
Accessible to all
If your website attracts visitors, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t then be able to successfully use your site and book a stay. But don’t just assume your website works for all devices. If it has not been made recently, it’s not likely to be compatibility for smaller screens such as tablets and mobile phones.
Take this webpage for instance, you can use any device to both access it and read the article. If you so wished you could then proceed to finding out more, and sign up. Similarly all SCRUMPY websites are designed with all devices in mind, allowing users to view and place bookings regardless of how they are accessed.
Why not try using your website on your phone: Does it load quickly? Can you read the text? Are menus clickable? Can you navigate easily? Are the photos large enough? Does your enquiry form work? Is the calendar readable?
Ultimately, can you do all of the above and proceed to book?
Open 24 hours
Giving your customers choice should also incorporate how they can do business with you. If you are only available by phone for example, you are limiting your opening hours to only those moments that you can take a call. Factor in that not everyone works a standard 9 - 5 job and not everyone will leave a voicemail, you’re putting up barriers to lots of potential custom.
That’s why offering online bookings, or at least displaying an availability calendar, is a must when accommodating for your clients around the clock.
You’ve also got to consider that most people won’t even go as far as composing an email or filling out an enquiry form if they cannot check dates. Would you take time looking into something, knowing that it may not be a viable option?
Methods of Payment
The visitor on your website is nearing the finish line, they’ve decided they want to proceed with a booking. But wait, you only accept cheque? This in itself isn’t necessarily a problem, yet there is an expectation to have more of a choice.
A lot has changed in terms of how we pay for products and services. The recent introduction of plastic notes and new coins show that even a constant like cash can change. Technology has also paid a big part, in particular to those who live busy lives, adding convenience and speed to transactions. Online banking is now used by a majority, as is
Contactless and Apple Pay.
Offering as many forms of payment for your guests should be an obvious choice. There isn’t a way of knowing in advance what their preference would be, so as a business who wants trade, the most apparent answer is to offer as much as possible.
Accommodate
A lot of thought has gone into every aspect of SCRUMPY. From the customer facing front end of our websites - that are laid out for easy navigation, with clear layouts and simple booking process; to our software that is accessible via an internet connection, which allows users of all abilities to manage and promote their businesses.
No matter how you work, our systems can be configured and tailored for you. Unlike some services on the market, we don’t force a one type fits all mantra into what we provide. As a matter of fact, we work with our businesses, not against them. SCRUMPY encourages a positive working relationship where we take onboard suggestions and will give additional options, not take them away.
If you are interested in giving your customers choice and want to find out more about what SCRUMPY can offer your business, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.