Updated: Nov 15, 2024 By: Marios
Lodging platforms have become vital tools for professionals and companies looking for streamlined accommodations for their business needs. Unlike traditional travel sites, corporate lodging platforms focus on professionalism and functionality to meet the demands of regular business travelers and companies that manage corporate bookings.
Well-designed platforms make the difference in helping users find the right accommodation quickly and efficiently.
Designing an effective corporate lodging platform requires more than aesthetic appeal. Web designers should prioritize several aspects that keep users engaged from their first click to their final reservation. Web designers should embrace the following design tips and best practices.
1. Prioritize User Experience
Business travelers value ease of use and efficiency. Creating a website that makes it easy for them to find and book accommodations without unnecessary obstacles is key to converting visits into reservations. Fortunately, designers can leverage several design elements to achieve this.
The first step is incorporating an intuitive menu structure, which is the foundation of seamless navigation. Website users should be able to locate the website's main sections easily. Descriptive labels for every section guide users. For instance, “corporate packages” communicate solutions for businesses seeking corporate travel accommodations. Similarly, “Rooms & Suites” indicates other available accommodation options.
Drop-down menus are useful for breaking down categories, especially for websites offering various room types, conference halls, and other amenities. This eliminates overcrowding, which often overwhelms users. A simple, clear menu structure reduces cognitive load and helps users find what they are looking for without difficulties.
Web designers should also consider adding breadcrumbs and internal links. These features app make it easy for users to keep track of their location while browsing, especially on multi-page sites with different lodging and package options. Visitors can use breadcrumbs to backtrack without relying on their browser’s back button. Strategically placed internal links also guide users through relevant pages. For instance, a “Meeting Spaces” link can direct users looking for these amenities.
Search and filtering options also improve user experience. Corporate travelers often know what they want. Having a powerful search and filtering system enhances usability. It allows users to filter options by specific criteria, such as room type or location within the hotel. Effective search functionality minimizes frustrations and supports a tailored browsing experience.
2. Embrace a Clean Aesthetic
Corporate lodging platforms should have a clean and professional aesthetic for various reasons. For starters, first impression and visual appeal heavily influence user perception. Business travelers and corporate clients perceive clutter-free sites to be reliable. Achieving a polished aesthetic goes beyond choosing attractive colors and fonts.
Design best practices like minimalism are very effective in achieving a professional website. Limiting design elements to only what’s necessary helps create a visually appealing interface that allows visitors to focus on the content that matters the most. Minimalism doesn’t mean stripping down the site. It means being strategic with space, layout, and color use.
A consistent color scheme enhances the platform’s professional appeal and reinforces brand identity. Neutral colors like blue and white are preferred in corporate settings. These colors convey calm and sophistication, creating an atmosphere of reliability and professionalism that suits business-oriented users. Similarly, limiting accent colors to CTAs like booking buttons and promotional banners makes these elements stand out without overwhelming viewers.
Typography is also important in creating a website with a clean aesthetic. The first aspect of typography is choosing fonts that are easy to read. Clean websites should also have two to three font styles to maintain a cohesive appearance. Slightly bold or large fonts for headings while standard font style for other sections.
3. Use High-Quality Visuals to Showcase Accommodations
High-quality visuals are crucial in the corporate lodging sector to showcase accommodation options. Clear pictures can easily communicate the hotel’s comfort, quality, and functionality. Business travelers prefer sites that have detailed and accurate representations of their spaces, so visuals play a crucial role in conveying these elements.
Quality pictures help potential clients understand what the property offers and create an emotional connection with them. Investing in professional photography is essential when building a corporate lodging site. Professionally captured pictures and videos can easily highlight the unique qualities of every room. Most business persons also want rooms with amenities like workspace setups and high-speed internet, so your pictures should capture these details.
Visuals should go beyond individual rooms. The pictures and videos should give visitors a comprehensive view of the hotel, including communal spaces, meeting areas, and recreational amenities. High-quality images of private lounges and conference rooms help users find value when booking your property. These additional spaces are as important as guest rooms.
Corporate lodging websites should also take advantage of recent technologies like video tours and 360-degree panoramas. These options are great ways to give users an immersive experience and give viewers a realistic sense of the space. Well-executed video tours can highlight various features app that appeal to corporate clients.
4. Simplify the Booking Process
A simple booking process is also crucial for corporate lodging platforms, directly affecting user experience and conversion rates. Corporate clients prioritize efficiency and security. Making the booking journey seamless encourages them to complete their reservations confidently.
Most websites lengthen the onboarding process with extensive steps and questions on sign-in forms. However, a lengthy booking process deters users from completing the process. To improve user experience, shorten the booking process by removing unnecessary steps. You should only ask for essential information.
Besides, the process can be broken down into manageable stages. Use a progress bar to show visitors their position in the booking journey. Such transparency helps visitors feel in control, especially if they can see they are a few steps from finalizing the booking. To simplify completion, all fields should be labeled with drop-down options and auto-fill features app.
Offering multiple payment options is also a convenience most users appreciate. Payment options in the corporate world vary significantly. Standard options like credit and debit cards provide flexibility and cater to a broader audience. However, your website should also be compatible with corporate accounts, and invoice options.
Note that security is essential for website users, especially when making payments. Secure payment gateways are crucial for booking platforms. Use trusted third-party gateways to establish trust. Most reliable service providers use advanced encryption and secure transaction protocols to protect customer data.
Lastly, the website should have clear cancellation and refund policies. Transparency is essential when making reservations or cancellations. Ideally, you should display these policies in the booking process before clients submit their final payment. Business travelers can make last-minute changes. A straightforward cancellation policy can help provide reassurance and flexibility.
5. Use Customer Testimonials and Social Proof
Incorporating customer testimonials and social proof into the platform effectively builds customer trust and influences potential clients. Business travelers and decision-makers rely on other people’s experiences to make informed choices, especially when looking for accommodation and meeting spaces.
Testimonials and other forms of social proof showcase the platform’s reliability and positive reputation, ultimately driving up engagement and conversions. Authentic testimonials from previous clients serve as a powerful endorsement for the platform. Testimonials highlight the specific aspects of the service, be it the comfort of the beds, cleanliness, or quality of food. For this, use testimonials from business travelers and corporate clients, as they directly relate to your target audience.
Customer reviews leave a strong impression. Highlight positive reviews on the website’s homepage or booking pages. Most clients check reviews before making booking decisions. These reviews could be from platforms like Yelp or submitted directly to the website.
Industry awards, certifications, and recognitions are also effective forms of social proof. Displaying service awards, affiliations with notable industry organizations, and other recognitions show potential clients that the platform is reputable. Affiliations with prominent organizations or booking sites further validate the platform’s quality as a standard of excellence.
6. Implement Clear Call-to-Action
Compelling CTAs are an important element in corporate lodging platforms. They are essential “signposts” that guide visitors towards taking desired actions like exploring accommodations or booking a stay. Well-crafted CTAs greatly enhance user experience and conversions. Best practices for CTAs include:
- They should be clear and direct: The CTA should convey its purpose clearly to avoid confusion. Avoid general CTAs like “Click Here” as they leave users uncertain about the next action. Instead, use “Book Your Stay” or “ View Room Details.”
- Use Contrasting Colors: site CTAs should be visible to capture the user’s attention. Writing them in contrasting colors differentiates the buttons from the surrounding content.
- Place CTAs strategically: Strategic placement creates a smooth and logical flow for users navigating the platform. Place them at the top, after introductory sections, or below product descriptions.
- Encourage urgency: Your CTAs should create a sense of urgency and motivate users to act quickly. Phrases like “Limited Availability” are very effective.
Compelling CTAs play an instrumental role in guiding user action. Well-designed CTAs encourage users to take specific action.
Conclusion
A professional corporate lodging platform should combine clean aesthetics, ease of navigation, and compelling CTAs. These websites should focus on responsive design and showcase corporate-specific amenities. Site owners should also prioritize the website’s accessibility and security to meet the demands of modern corporate clients.
