Booking engine, best-rate guarantee, photos, Google listings and WhatsApp: a practical plan for riads that want more direct reservations.
Booking platforms often take a significant commission on each reservation. For a riad or boutique hotel in Marrakech, Fes or Essaouira, moving even a share of bookings to your own website has a direct impact on profit. Here is how a riad website wins direct bookings.
A booking engine on every page
Guests should be able to check availability and book in a few clicks, on mobile, without leaving your site. Display the booking widget at the top of the homepage and on every room page.
Give guests a reason to book direct
- Best-rate guarantee compared with platforms.
- Free airport transfer or welcome dinner for direct bookings.
- Flexible cancellation.
- Direct contact on WhatsApp before and during the stay.
Photos and storytelling
Your patio, rooftop and rooms sell the experience. Invest in professional photos, describe the neighbourhood and the history of the house, and present your team. Optimise every image (WebP, lazy loading) so the site stays fast.
Google listings and reviews
A complete Google Business Profile, linked to your website and booking engine, puts your riad in front of travellers searching on Google Maps. Encourage happy guests to leave reviews; read our guide to getting more Google reviews.
Retargeting past guests
Collect guest emails (with consent) and send a short message before high season with a returning-guest offer. Past guests are your cheapest bookings.
We design riad and guesthouse websites with direct booking in mind: see our website design service and Google Business Profile service. Have a project in mind? Message us on WhatsApp at +212 604 762 053 for a free quote within 24 hours.
