5 Simple Tactics to Drive Early Season Bookings

Compass Sneak Peek

In this month’s Compass Sneak Peek, we showcase three different ways you can capture early bird bookings and increase revenue for the year. To uncover all strategies and read the full article, you will have to head over to Compass, our exclusive client knowledge base.

Early bird bookers can help you jump start your season as well as build momentum for the months to come. Follow these tips to build pre-season excitement for your tours and activities.

Why Promote Early Bird Bookings?

Whether your seasonal business is about to open for the summer or you’re coming up on the peak of your annual bookings, promoting early bird bookings is a great way to create buzz around your business and secure bookings ahead of time.

This strategy also works well for seasonal or one-off events like fall festivals, Christmas train rides, or special activities that you anticipate will sell out quickly.

Here are some ideas to successfully drive bookings ahead of your season

Offer an Early Bird Discount or Incentive

You want to reward early bookers for being on top of their booking game. The best way to do this is with a discount or incentive. You can offer a reduced tour rate, a free add-on like lunch or transportation, or a two-for-one offer.

As you think about how you’re going to market your tours and activities to early season bookers, reduced rates or freebies make your message more powerful. A discount gives customers the extra incentive they need to make that early booking and get your season rolling.

Offer a Last Chance Extension

If you choose to provide a discount or incentive, consider offering a last chance extension of your discount to catch any customers who might have missed it.

Extending the promotion unexpectedly might nudge those customers in the right direction with one last chance to book.

Post a Countdown

Get customers excited by posting a countdown clock on your website and social media that shares the start of your event or season.

A countdown is just one example of how to use your website real estate wisely! Banners across the top of your site are a great way to announce that tickets are on sale soon, which creates that presale buzz.

If getting more early season bookings is a goal of yours this year, use these strategies to start your season with a bang. Remember: To read the additional tips in this article, you’ll have to go to Compass!