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 (Paxsoft.net) -- Online Reservation system from Paxsoft Online Travel. Find Out If your travel Website is Ready for 2009 Everyone knows the economy stinks. They're sick of talking about it. So let's talk about something else that stinks - lodging websites.
Many online travel companies, even businesses in general, have websites that stink according to website development company Paxsoft. Vacation rental websites that are outdated and don't use the latest technology to keep up with consumer expectations or ecommerce trends, or proper Search engine optimisation, can make the difference between a business' success and failure, especially in today's weak economy, where businesses are crying for a shrinking number of travelers' dollars.
Although only traditional travel agencies are down, and the industry as a whole is reporting declines, 70% of consumers completed their travel booking online in 2008, and more consumers are searching for and booking their travel online. eMarketer is predicting that online travel bookings in 2009 will grow by 10.5% to reach 116.1 billion, primarily as a result of a dramatic shift from the traditional offline to internet online reservation.
Knowing this, online travel managers need to understand that their online business starts and ends with their website. Their site has to become the first and last point of contact with the travel consumer. In today's travel environment, it's vital to have a website that is as dynamic, well-organized, functional and unique as each resort or location. Online travel managers, including those from campgrounds to vacation rental companies to 5-star hotels, can no longer rely on static, inefficient sites to generate business.
'Websites that are inefficient and not geared to maximizing revenues, cross-sell opportunities or increasing online visibility are literally killing their business.' Some websites are so bad, they actually chase customers away. Here's an example: pop-ups. Don't you love them? Didn't think so. Then why is it that so many booking engines appear as a pop-up completely separate from the rest of the site? Other examples include sites that don't have enticing images of destinations or quick availability search in the top area of the home page - right where consumers' eyeballs are hovering. Travel websites have just a few seconds to make an impression - use them well.'
Websites need to be user-friendly, search engine-friendly, well thought out and relevant in order to boost conversion rates, improve search engine rankings, and most importantly, website revenues. They need to really speak to vacationers and address their travel and lifestyle needs. Site features like property search and mapping, and seamless online booking tools become keys to online success and increased revenues. Without them, most customers will give up the search and go somewhere else. It is also vital to have a site that is easily found online. What is the point, otherwise?
So how do you know if your travel site is a killer website or business killer?
Is your site ready for Internet at all? send us an e-mail at:
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Make sure your site is at top preformance - if it does, that could be a very costly mistake in 2009.
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