How to turn visits into bookings: express diagnosis
Identify website mistakes that block conversions and apply quick fixes to boost direct bookings for your STR
Maya Torres
Customer Support Lead
Getting traffic is not enough
To convert visits into bookings, your website must work as a clear, fast, and persuasive tool. This article offers an express diagnosis to spot common mistakes and fix them without redesigning everything from scratch.
It’s especially aimed at independent STR and vacation rentals that want to grow direct bookings without relying solely on OTAs.
According to the conversion-centered design approach, every element of a website should guide visitors toward a specific action: the booking.
Why your website matters so much
Your website is often the first real impression potential guests get. If it creates confusion or friction, they’ll likely book somewhere else. A well-optimized digital experience can be the difference between a lost booking and an instant conversion.
More than 70% of users abandon a site if it’s slow or unclear on how to book.
A well-designed booking flow reduces cognitive load: fewer doubts, fewer clicks, more bookings.
Common website mistakes that hurt your bookings
1. The site doesn’t address what guests need
Many websites focus on the rental itself, not the guest experience. UX best practices suggest content should align with guest goals and motivations.
How to improve it:
Show who your STR is ideal for (families, couples, remote workers).
Include authentic testimonials and images.
Use empathetic language focused on concrete benefits.
📚 Framework: Jobs to Be Done (JTBD) helps align website content with the real reasons guests book.
2. The design is not mobile-friendly
Most searches and bookings happen on mobile. If navigation is difficult, you’re losing conversions.
How to improve it:
Test on multiple devices.
Use Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to detect slowdowns.
Optimize images, simplify layouts, and reduce pop-ups.
📊 Fact: Google estimates 53% of users leave a mobile site if it takes more than 3 seconds to load.
3. The booking button is not clear
It sounds basic, but it’s one of the top reasons for low conversion.
Checklist:
Is it visible without scrolling?
Does it stand out with a bold color?
Does it go straight to your booking engine?
Pro tip: Place it in the menu and at both the top and bottom of each page.
UX Insight: Heatmaps show that users scan pages in an “F” or “Z” pattern. Strategic button placement is critical.
4. The copy is too generic
Phrases like “live a unique experience” no longer connect. Guests want clarity and authenticity.
How to improve it:
Replace clichés with real guest quotes.
Highlight benefits that matter (Wi-Fi speed, location, family-friendly setup).
Reflect the spirit of your STR’s identity.
A clear and authentic voice builds trust and differentiates you in a saturated market.
Real case: Nico’s website update
Nico managed a hostel in Cusco with strong occupancy but low direct bookings. By making small changes more visible booking button, sharper texts, and authentic photos his direct bookings grew by 22% in just two months.
“It wasn’t magic. I just made the site respond better to what my guests were looking for.”
How it connects with other business areas
Improving your website copy is powerful, but it must be part of a broader strategy. Without consistent guest communication or an efficient booking engine, changes won’t have full impact.
Related actions:
Refine your communication strategy.
Use ready-to-send WhatsApp and email templates.
Eliminate service bottlenecks with automation and AI.
Final tips to improve your conversion rate
You don’t need a full redesign small tweaks can create big results:
Use Hotjar or Google Analytics to analyze guest navigation.
Track clicks and conversion rates, then test incremental improvements.
Remove friction points: hidden buttons, unclear copy, unnecessary steps.
Add trust elements: security badges, cancellation policies, and guarantees.
How can Aloha help?
With Aloha, you can:
Centralize bookings from your website, WhatsApp, and OTAs.
Personalize guest communication to reinforce trust.
Track analytics and identify conversion bottlenecks.
