A guide to website design and development for resort startups

1. Why is a well-designed website an essential tool for any resort business?

Having a website is an essential tool for any resort business, as it serves as the face of the business to potential customers. A well-designed website will ensure that visitors to the resort have a positive self-image of the business. It allows potential customers to easily access information about the services offered by the resort, such as the accommodation, menus, and activities. Furthermore, it enables potential customers to easily book reservations or enquiries online, saving both time and money. A well-designed website also helps the resort to stand out from the competition, by showcasing its own unique personality and brand. In addition, it is now becoming increasingly important for resorts to have an active presence on social media, as this can help drive further website traffic and engagement. Finally, a well-designed website is also essential for SEO, or search engine optimization, as it helps ensure that potential customers can easily find the resort through searches online.

2. Key Elements to consider when creating a resort website

1. Engaging Visuals

High-quality imagery and videos should be an integral part of the design of a resort website. They create an immediate spark and engagement with the viewer, giving them a sense of the resort in a way a text description never could. Rich media is key for conveying the full experience of staying at the resort.

2. Intuitive Navigation

Navigation should be easy and intuitive. The customer should always be able to quickly and easily find what they’re looking for, from rooms and services to events and activities. A useful search bar will make it easier for visitors to find what they need. Intelligent categorization will also help the customer through their journey. Call-to-action (CTA) buttons should also be present, such as a “Reserve Now” button.

3. Highlighted Offerings

Social proof can make or break a resort website. Verified reviews and customer ratings are a must. Lobby businesses and respected figures to give positive feedback. Use highlight the best offerings with aesthetically pleasing icons, colored blocks, or other creative elements. Feature the most important amenities that might attract potential customers. Consider leveraging high-quality visuals from all angles of the resort.

4. Responsive Design

Approximately 70% of all traffic to resort websites comes from mobile phones. For this reason, it is essential that the website is designed responsively. This means that it will dynamically adjust to the size of the device and display optimally, regardless of if it is a laptop, smartphone, or tablet. A fluid, optimized design will improve the user experience, leading to conversions and a boost in revenue.

3. What pages should a resort business website include?

Homepage

The homepage should be an introductive experience for visitors, and should include a brief overview of the services the business offers. This might include some stunning visuals of the resort, attractions, or beaches, as well as a clear presentation of the price plans, packages, and amenities that are offered.

Accommodation page

A good accommodation page will outline the various types of lodging available and provide detailed information about them. This might include photographs and virtual tours of the rooms, as well as descriptions of the beds and other facilities available. The details should be presented in an easy to navigate manner, with clear prices and the ability to book a room online.

Tours and activities page

Resorts often offer various activities and tours for guests to enjoy. This page should provide detailed information about each possible tour or activity, such as its duration, what guests will see or do, and any necessary reservations or involvement. It should also provide an opportunity to book directly through the website.

Dining page

Many resorts offer multiple restaurants within the premises, and visitors may want to know what is offered and when. This page should provide a complete overview of all the dining options, with photographs of the restaurants and descriptions of their menus. Again, it should also give an opportunity for visitors to book an experience directly through the website.

4. Common Mistakes to avoid during website development for resort startups

1. Poor Navigation

Inadequate navigation can turn away potential customers and reduce the number of sales. Visitors should be able to easily use the website with intuitive guidance. A visitor should never be left confused or clueless when it comes to navigating the website.

2. Unattractive Design

Website design for resort startups should be attractive and inviting. Eye-catching elements help in drawing attention and retaining the visitor’s interest. Poor design choices can hurt the user experience and reduce the effectiveness of a website.

3. Overlooking Important Pages

When creating a website for a resort startup, certain pages such as contact, privacy policy, terms & conditions etc. should not be overlooked. These pages should contain essential information and be made easily accessible.

4. Unresponsive Design

Unresponsive design can cause a major issue as it limits the website’s reach. A website should work seamlessly on all devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Not designing for multiple devices reduces the potential of the website.

5. How to promote a resort business website

1. Have a SEO strategy

Search engine optimization (SEO) is an effective way to promote your resort business website. Focus on optimizing your website's content, structure, HTML coding and other elements to make it more visible to search engine rankings and users. Also, creating regular content such as blog posts or articles with relevant keywords and phrases can help improve your rankings.

2. Leverage social media

Make use of the wide reach of social media; create accounts and pages on different platform to market your resort business website. Post relevant content such as images, videos, reviews, packages, etc, that engages people and encourages them to visit your website. Increasing followers is great for increasing visibility and building trust.

3. Invest in paid advertising

Paid advertising is another way to get more eyes to view your resort business website. Google Adwords and Facebook ads are two of the most popular options, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Research platforms to figure out which is best for your business goals and budget.

4. Email campaigns

Email campaigns are a great way to directly target potential resort customers. Collect emails from your website, your current customers, or through an email opt-in form on social media. Then craft eye-catching emails with attractive content and offers and send them out to your list of contacts and subscribers.

5. Utilize online review sites

Online review sites such as TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Google My Business allow customers to review their experience with a business or service. Encourage your customers to review you on these sites, as positive reviews can increase your website's visibility.

Website Content Ideas for resort Businesses

 

Advertising your resort

Provide tips and advice to resort owners on the most effective ways to advertise their resort business, including search engine optimization, online advertising, social media, and direct marketing techniques.

Trip Planning Tips

Offer helpful advice on how to plan a vacation or business trip, including budgeting, travel planning, finding the best locations and airfares, obtaining passports, and booking accommodation.

Guest Reviews

Encourage past and present guests to review their experiences with your resort, to give potential guests an indication of what they can expect.

Destination Guides

Provide information on destination attractions, city guides, local events, and nearby restaurants and bars. Include tips on where to shop, and what to do in the area.

Blog & News

Create a blog section where you can post updates about new offers, recommendations, upcoming events, and local news stories.

Photo Galleries

Curated galleries of photos from past guests, and from your staff and guests. Use Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook hashtags to allow guests to share their experiences at your resort.

Case Studies of Successful resort Business Websites

Example #1:

www.delawarenorth.com –Delaware North Companies is a hospitality and recreation services corporation that operates resorts, hotels, and gaming venues in both the United States and Australia. Their website is successful because it is well laid out, has clear navigation, and it also showcases their resorts and services in an aesthetically pleasing way. The website allows users to book rooms, view events, and find out other useful information about their services.

Example #2:

www.fourseasons.com –Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is a global luxury hotel chain that is known for its hospitality and customer service. Their website is successful because it is intuitive to navigate, it has a modern look and feel, and it clearly showcases their hotels and other services. Additionally, the website also allows visitors to look at their current promotions and to book a stay.

Example #3:

www.iloveinns.com –ILoveInns is a boutique hotel and resort booking site that specializes in romantic and family getaways. Their website is successful because of its clean and simple design, its ease of use, and its engaging copy that invites visitors to explore the offerings. Furthermore, the website also provides visitors with the ability to choose among various options for their upcoming trips.

Example #4:

www.koanui.com –Koanui is a resort booking site that specializes in providing travelers with an immersive luxury experience in Hawaii. The website is successful because it is well laid out, it has a great user experience, and it showcases the resorts in an attractive aesthetic. Additionally, the website also allows visitors to book rooms, find out about events, and explore the various attractions offered by each resort.

Example #5:

www.kaanapaliresorts.com –Kaanapali Resorts is a luxury resort chain that provides travelers with an elegant and traditional Hawaiian experience. Their website is successful because it has a sophisticated look and feel, it is well laid out and easy to navigate, and it showcases their resorts in an appealing way. Additionally, the website also allows visitors to book rooms, view

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQ: Why do I need a professionally designed website for my resort business?

A professionally designed website for your resort business can establish your online presence, attract potential customers, and build credibility. At Avvale, we specialize in creating tailored websites that help businesses like yours stand out and succeed in the digital landscape.

FAQ: How long does it take to design and develop a resort website?

The timeline for designing and developing a resort website can vary based on your specific requirements. At Avvale, we work closely with our clients to create a customized project plan, ensuring timely delivery without compromising quality.

FAQ: Can you help with content creation for my resort website?

Absolutely! Avvale offers comprehensive services that include content creation tailored to your resort business. From engaging copywriting to compelling visuals, we ensure your website communicates your unique brand effectively.

FAQ: Will my resort website be mobile-friendly and optimized for search engines?

Yes, Avvale places a strong emphasis on mobile responsiveness and SEO optimization. We ensure that your resort website is accessible on all devices and ranks well on search engines, increasing your online visibility.

FAQ: What is the cost of designing and developing a resort website with Avvale?

The cost of a resort website varies based on factors like complexity, features, and customization. Avvale offers competitive pricing, and we can provide you with a personalized quote after discussing your specific needs.

FAQ: How do I maintain and update my resort website after it's launched?

Avvale offers ongoing maintenance and support services to keep your resort website up to date and secure. We make it easy for you to make content updates and provide assistance whenever you need it.

FAQ: Can I see examples of resort websites Avvale has designed?

Certainly! Visit our portfolio page to see some of the stunning resort websites we've created for our clients. We take pride in showcasing our successful projects as a testament to our expertise.

FAQ: How can I get started with Avvale's resort website design services?

Getting started with Avvale is easy! Simply reach out to us through our contact page or request a consultation. We'll schedule a meeting to discuss your needs and provide you with a customized plan for your resort website project.

FAQ: Do you offer e-commerce solutions for resort websites?

Yes, Avvale can integrate e-commerce functionality into your resort website, allowing you to sell products or services online. We'll ensure a secure and user-friendly shopping experience for your customers.

FAQ: What sets Avvale apart from other web design agencies for resort businesses?

Avvale stands out thanks to our deep understanding of resort industries, our commitment to client satisfaction, and our creative and technical expertise. We take a personalized approach to each project, ensuring your website reflects your brand and goals perfectly.