We’ve put together 11 top tips to consider when planning your design. They are all key elements to ensure the success of your site, and are something to discuss with your designer. 

1. Great user experience

A good website is one where users can easily find the information they are looking for. This means having a clear button to your booking page, information on your rooms and rates and any special offers you may have.

Your potential guests will have hundreds of hotel or restaurant options to choose from and if they can’t find what they need within a few seconds, they will simply go to a competitor’s website instead. For example – how easy is it to check availability on Eagle Brae’s website?

2. Responsive design

Not everyone is using your website on a Windows desktop or iPhone. There are many different screen sizes available, including Androids phones, tablets and laptops. Make sure your website can adapt to any screen your potential customer may be using.

3. High quality images

People look at images first on websites, so you need to make sure they are high quality in order to draw them in further. We can arrange for a professional photographer to make your hospitality business stand out online. For example, look at the stunning photography of the lodges at Loch Lomond Waterfront.

4. Compelling content

Before anyone spends money online, they like to ensure they are spending it wisely. You can help in this decision by providing quality content about your business, including pages about your rooms or food, and even blogs on daily life in your area. Adding a bit of personality to your writing can really help you engage with potential customers online, further encouraging them to book. For example, Mackays Hotel in Wick sits on the shortest street in the world, and they use this to engage guests. Do you have anything unique that can hook in an audience?

5. Online booking

Whilst some people do still prefer to book over the phone, online booking is preferred by many. This means customers can see all available dates and even change their dates themselves without needing to call. You are also able to get an overview of all availability for the coming months.

6. Encourage reviews

Ask previous customers to leave reviews. This can help future customers decide to book with you. You may decide to host reviews externally on your social media, like Kingsmills Hotel.

7. Interactive features

Virtual tours of rooms or a chat assistant can help people decide to book. This is because you are immediately engaging with them and building a connection. An excellent example of both of these features can be found at Ness Walk in Inverness.

8. Loading Speed

Fast loading times are crucial for retaining visitors and improving SEO rankings. If your site is too slow to load, then people will simply click away and look at the next hit on their Google search results. We can help you optimise your website pages.

9. Consistent Branding

Each page of your site should be consistent in branding and tone of voice. Pages should feel a part of the same family, just like here on our own website!

10. Accessibility

It’s vital to ensure your website is accessible to all potential customers, including those who use page readers. We can do this by making sure your site uses alt text and readable font sizes.

11. Security

Finally, when dealing with people’s payment details, it’s important to factor in site security to keep them safe. We can help you decide what is best for your needs.

By incorporating these elements you can ensure the best hospitality design for your website. If you’d like to discuss any of this further, or would like to work with us on your project, just get in touch!

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Define Your Needs and Goals

Before you even visit Google, jot down some of your objectives first. Work out what you want the end goal to look like. Is it a new website? A social media restart? Rebranding? Decide what your maximum budget is and when you need everything finished by. Do you have any specific requirements, for example multiple languages or video production? Have all this to hand so that when you talk to a design agency you can be clear in what you want from them at the outset.

Ask around

Hold it – don’t go Googling just yet! Even in this modern era, word of mouth is still one of the best ways you can find recommendations for design agencies – and the ones to avoid. Ask your LinkedIn networks and colleagues who they have used, and see if they would be a good fit for you.

Search online

Okay, now you can Google! But try to be specific with your terms. “UK design agencies” will spit back thousands of results. Narrow your focus. For example, POSH focuses on those in the hospitality industry in Scotland, so if you were looking for someone like us, you could Google “hospitality digital agency Scotland” and we might be right up your street!

Ask to see examples

Most agencies will have case studies or design examples on their websites. You should be able to see current and former clients – are they in the same sort of industry as you are? Don’t be afraid to ask for examples which are more tailored to the sort of work you require. It’s also good to see testimonials from previous clients where you can check the work is up to your standard. Here are some of our testimonials.

Always evaluating

Throughout this process, make sure you are happy with how it’s going. For example, are you speaking to a different person each time you call, or do you have a single point of contact? Are they responsive? Do you get a good vibe from those at the agency? If you can, try and meet those who will be working directly on your project. Often, the person trying to win your work will not be involved in the day-to-day creation of blogs or pages, so make sure you know who you will be collaborating with. 

Be upfront with budget

Always be clear on how much money you have in the budget right from the start. This will avoid disappointment later on, and can often lead to some creative thinking which can create truly original pieces of work. 

Start a trial project

If you have a large piece of work, you might be nervous starting it with a new company. What if it doesn’t work out? One solution is that you could always try a shorter project, perhaps a few blogs or social media posts. This will link you directly with the creative team and if all goes smoothly, it will put your mind at ease.

Take your time

Always take your time to consider your options, and don’t be rushed. Ultimately, your gut instinct is important here – who can you see yourself working with for the next few months?

These are a few ideas to help you choose your UK creative agency. Of course, seeing as you are on the POSH site, we must be doing something right! Why not drop us a line and we can have a chat about your needs? You can explore a list of our services here.

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General phrases

Front of House: These are staff members who deal directly with guests. They include those working at reception, taking orders in a restaurant and the concierge. Conversely, back of house staff include those with minimal or no customer contact. They could be office staff, maintenance workers and chefs. 

Covers: In the context of a restaurant, a cover is a single serving of a meal to one person. The more covers you have, the more people you will need to serve. 

Eco-tourism: Having a holiday in the most green and sustainable way possible. For example, cycling instead of driving, and using environmentally friendly toiletries.

Room Types

Single Room: A room for one person.

Double Room: A room with a double bed, typically for two people.

Family Room: Suitable usually for two adults and two children.

Suite: A larger and more luxurious room with a separate living and sleeping area.

Single surcharge or a single supplement: Are you travelling alone? Then you might also come across something called a single surcharge or a single supplement. This is when you a person stays in a room on their own but which can accommodate two or more people. The hotel may charge you an extra amount of money to do so.

Types of accommodation in the UK

Hotel: A large building with individual rooms and a central reception area. May or may not have dining facilities on-site.

B&B: Bed and Breakfast. Often family-run, these are usually converted houses which offer a room for the night and a cooked or continental breakfast in the morning on-site.

Self-catering: Usually an entire apartment, cabin or building with bedrooms, living area and kitchen. Guests are usually expected to cook for themselves although some five-star venues offer the the use of a chef for an additional cost. 

Hotel services

Turndown Service: This is an evening service to prepare the bedroom for sleep. When a guest is out for dinner, the turndown service is performed in their room. Upon return to their room, the lights are dimmed and the bedding is prepared so that guests can feel relaxed and homely and ready for sleep. 

En Suite: A bathroom which is connected directly to a bedroom. In some older bed and breakfasts, you may find that toilets are situated in a main hall and are shared with other guests although this is not common. 

These are just a few of the most common terms and hotel jargon you might come across. However do remember that those who work in hospitality tend to be friendly, so if you don’t understand something – just ask!

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