The camping season is in full swing, and as a campground owner or manager, you’ve probably noticed some gaps in your campground website’s customer experience. You’re not alone! Many campgrounds struggle with a non-mobile-friendly website, lack of online booking, or frequently field calls from customers asking questions not answered on their site. But don’t panic! With a few strategic changes, you can pivot and improve your online presence before it’s too late in the season to retain those campers. We’ll help you when you are thinking about these 5 ways to enhance your campgrounds customer experience online and fill the gaps to ensure a successful early season, and keep those campers coming back.
1. Optimize for Mobile Devices
In today’s digital era, a mobile-friendly website is no longer optional. Campers rely on their smartphones and tablets to research and book camping trips, so ensuring your website is easily accessible and navigable on mobile devices is crucial. Start by checking how your website appears on various devices and making necessary adjustments, such as optimizing images, simplifying navigation menus, and incorporating a responsive design. Especially with the rise in digital nomads during the pandemic, there are many people who are solely reliant on their mobile devices for all things and do not even have access to desktop. Don’t miss out on this critical audience.
2. Implement Online Booking
Offering online booking is a game-changer for campgrounds, as it streamlines the reservation process and allows customers to book their stay anytime, anywhere. By integrating an online booking system into your website, you can significantly reduce the number of phone calls and emails you receive while providing a convenient, user-friendly experience for your customers. Many campsites are still reliant on messages that say “contact our campground”, “email us”, “call for bookings” and that makes it really difficult to navigate for the customer, especially choosing sites, understanding what sites offer, etc. So, while some booking systems are expensive, others are more affordable. We write about that in our post here.
3. Update and Expand Website Content
Address the questions and concerns that customers frequently call about by updating your website with comprehensive, easy-to-find information. This may include detailed campground maps, a list of amenities and activities, local attractions, and clear policies and guidelines. Regularly updating your website’s content not only helps answer customers’ questions but also improves your search engine ranking, making it easier for campers to find you online. You could also include a space dedicated to Frequently Asked Questions, or FAQ’s. For instance, quick links to site maps, if there is Wifi, and what the cancellation policy is.
4. Solicit and Respond to Feedback
Actively seeking and addressing customer feedback can make a world of difference in improving your online presence. Encourage campers to leave reviews on your website or third-party platforms, and respond to their concerns promptly and professionally. By doing so, you demonstrate that you value their input and are committed to enhancing their experience at your campground. Make sure to check out our posts about this in depth here and here.
5. Partner with Experts
Sometimes, the best way to ensure your campground’s success is to partner with professionals who specialize in campground marketing. That’s where Martrek Digital comes in. As a leading campground marketing agency, Martrek Digital can help you transform your website, improve your SEO, and more – ultimately ensuring more people book their stays and enjoy a positive experience at your campground.
Filling the gaps in your campground’s online customer experience and in person experience is essential to retaining campers and ensuring a successful season. By taking the steps outlined above, you can pivot, keep your customers happy, and make improvements before it’s too late. And remember, Martrek Digital is always here to help you optimize your website and enhance your campground’s online presence. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive digital marketing services tailored specifically for campgrounds.
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