OTA profile optimization: strategies every hotelier needs

Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) such as Booking.com, Expedia, and Airbnb have become an essential distribution channel for hotels of all sizes. While OTAs provide global visibility, they also come with high commission fees and strong competition. This makes it crucial for hoteliers to have a well-optimized OTA profile to maximize visibility, attract the right guests, and increase conversion rates.

However, the OTA game is not just about filling out a profile—it’s about building a strategy. The way your property is presented in OTAs directly impacts your ranking, guest trust, and overall profitability. At the same time, forward-thinking hoteliers are leveraging tools like Chekin to turn OTA bookings into opportunities for direct relationships, loyalty, and upselling.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to optimize your OTA profile, the key strategies to stand out, and how Chekin helps hoteliers go beyond OTAs by transforming every booking into a long-term relationship.

Why your OTA profile matters

Guests browsing OTAs often face dozens of similar listings. A polished, accurate, and appealing profile can be the difference between being ignored or being chosen. OTAs also use ranking algorithms that reward complete, active, and engaging profiles with higher visibility.

Benefits of an optimized profile include:

• Higher conversion rates.
• Improved visibility in OTA search results.
• Better guest trust and reputation.
• More opportunities for upselling and repeat bookings.

OTA profile optimization: Best practices

Complete and accurate information

Your OTA profile should include detailed descriptions, updated amenities, and professional photos. Clarity and accuracy reduce guest complaints and increase trust.

Highlight your unique value

Instead of generic descriptions, focus on what makes your property different: location, design, services, or experiences. Storytelling can set you apart from competitors.

Maintain updated availability and rates

Inconsistent information frustrates guests and reduces ranking in OTA algorithms. Using a channel manager can help keep everything updated in real time.

Collect and respond to reviews

Positive reviews boost your ranking and build credibility. Always respond—whether the feedback is good or bad—to show you care about guest experience.

Optimize pricing strategies

Flexibility is key. Many OTAs reward properties with dynamic rates and competitive pricing, which can improve your visibility in search results.

More about: How to Define and Maximize Your Hotel Value Proposition

Turning OTA guests into direct customers with Chekin

Capture guest data legally

One of the main challenges with OTA bookings is limited guest information. With Chekin’s instant check-in and CRM tools, hoteliers can collect verified guest data (email, phone, preferences) at the moment of arrival—fully compliant with regulations.

Build loyalty programs

Once the guest data is secured, hotels can invite OTA guests into direct loyalty programs (e.g., “Book direct next time and enjoy 10% off”). With stored guest profiles in Chekin, repeat bookings become simple and frictionless.

Upsell and cross-sell opportunities

OTA commissions reduce margins, but Chekin helps hotels earn back revenue by offering extras such as early check-in, late check-out, transfers, tours, and more. These can be promoted directly through the guest portal before, during, and after the stay.

Strengthen your brand identity

While OTAs often mask your hotel’s brand, Chekin provides white-label guest portals where the hotel’s logo, communication, and offers are front and center. Guests recognize the property, not just the OTA, which strengthens long-term brand recognition.

Conclusion

An optimized OTA profile is no longer optional—it’s a fundamental part of hotel sales strategy. By ensuring accurate content, professional images, flexible pricing, and proactive review management, hotels can boost visibility and bookings within OTAs.

Yet the real opportunity lies beyond the OTA: transforming one-time guests into loyal, repeat customers. With Chekin, hoteliers gain control over guest data, create loyalty programs, enable upselling, and reinforce their brand identity.

In a competitive market where OTAs dominate, the combination of smart OTA profile optimization and Chekin’s digital tools allows hotels not only to attract more guests but also to retain them—building profitability and independence in the long run.

Discover how Chekin can help you automate check-in, stay compliant, protect your property, and boost revenue—saving 87% of your time and earning more from every booking.

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