We did some data deep diving and were somewhat shocked to see that handfuls of hosts weren’t using the Outdoorsy host app to manage bookings. And then there’s another group of hosts who only use the app and leave their desktop dashboard behind.
We’re not mad at you if this is you, but the data told us some startling statistics that we felt were too big not to mention. Let’s check it out:
The Bottom Line: Use Both to Boost Bookings
Hosts who used both the Outdoorsy app and the desktop version of the host dashboard saw dramatic benefits with this dual-pronged approach.
First, bookings are confirmed at a 50% higher rate for hosts using both than those using only one or the other. That’s a big difference!
On top of that, hosts using both the app and desktop were 50% less likely to see a booking request expire. That’s good for you, good for us, and good for our guests.
Why Does This Boost Bookings?
There are a few reasons we see for this:
–Notification quantity — The host app is good at pinging you when you’re out and about and the desktop app sticks booking requests right on your account homepage. The combination of notifications hitting in both places is potent for getting guests booked fast.
–Messaging balance — The host app is great for providing quick replies to your guests that help them with immediate questions. Our message template feature also works in the app and makes it super easy to drop in pre-written message replies.
The desktop app gives you a bigger picture for seeing all the requests that are showing on your calendar and which ones you may need to attend to. This is especially helpful if you have confirmed guests asking for things like trip recommendations. In that case, it can be nice to have the desktop app open for any research you might want to do or recommendations you copy into messages.
–Response time — Hosts with better response times get more bookings, period. We’re not saying you need to be on your phone every second, but guests can see ahead of booking your RV whether or not you average more than 24 hours to respond. When you’re using two different tools to keep an eye on booking requests, it’s only natural that your response time would be better than those who don’t.
Outdoorsy’s Host App and Dashboard Work in Tandem
While it’s technically possible to do just about everything you need for your RV rental business either on the app or in your dashboard, we designed them to complement each other. That’s probably why we see hosts who use both get a 50% better result in their bookings.
If you aren’t already using both, give it a try this season. We’re sure it won’t disappoint.
