Tips to Secure More Direct Bookings: A Workshop for Self-Catering Owners

Want more guests to book directly through your website — and not get lost along the way?

Join us for this free online workshop with Sophie from SoPhat Studio, a New Forest-based design expert who works closely with tourism businesses just like yours.

This session is aimed at self-catering accommodation providers who want to improve the look, feel and function of their online presence. Whether your site is DIY or professionally built, you'll leave with clear, actionable tips to help reduce bounce rate and boost direct bookings.

What you'll learn:
✔ How to improve the user journey so visitors stay longer — and book
✔ What the ‘squint test’ is (and why it matters for accessibility)
✔ How live booking features can increase conversion
✔ Real examples of good design (and common mistakes to avoid)

There’ll also be time for questions and discussion.

About your host:
Sophie is the Design Director of SoPhat Studio, an independent graphic design studio based in the New Forest. Her work spans websites, social media, posters and more — with a strong focus on the travel and tourism sector. Sophie supports a number of Go New Forest members and understands the specific challenges of tourism marketing in our area.

Who’s it for?
This session is ideal for self-catering businesses of any size, whether you're just getting started or looking to sharpen up your existing site.

Cover photo of a New Forest Escapes Property

The New Forest is a community interest company committed to marketing the New Forest as a destination and growing the visitor economy. We own the number 1 destination website, thenewforest.co.uk which receives over 4.5 million visitors a year. We have an email database of 66,000 and 170 businesses in the New Forest are part of our community. If you would like to join us and promote your business through our marketing channels, get in touch with our Membership Manager, Nic@gonewforest.com.