Brand Identity

The Design Gap That’s Costing VRMCs Bookings (And How to Fix It)

The design gap is one of the most common (and expensive) problems facing VRMCs today. Even with stunning properties, many brands lose bookings because their digital presence isn’t aligned with the quality of the experience they offer. This article explores how subtle design inconsistencies weaken guest trust, what guests subconsciously look for, and how VRMCs can close the design gap to turn interest into confidence — and confidence into bookings.

Words
Diana Donaldson
Published
December 15, 2025

Guests aren’t comparing your VRMC to other rentals. They’re comparing you to the best hotels and resorts they’ve ever stayed in. The modern traveler expects effortless experiences, polished design, and immediate trust — and they expect it before they’ve even clicked “book now.”


The problem is that many VRMCs unintentionally create a disconnect between the quality of their properties and the quality of their branding.

And that disconnect costs bookings.

Let’s break down what the design gap really is — and what you can do to fix it.

Presentation Shapes Perception (Instantly)

Your digital presence is your property’s first impression.
Guests decide within seconds whether they trust you — and that decision comes almost entirely from how your brand looks and feels.
If your listing is visually inconsistent, your website feels outdated, or your branding lacks cohesion, guests interpret that as lack of care. Even if your properties are exceptional, poor brand design lowers perceived value.

Strong design doesn’t just impress guests.
It tells them:
We pay attention. We’re intentional. You’re safe with us.

What’s a Rich Text element?

What’s a Rich Text element?

What’s a Rich Text element?

What’s a Rich Text element?
What’s a Rich Text element?

The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

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The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

Inconsistent Visuals Create Silent Doubt

The design gap is rarely loud — it’s subtle. It shows up in things like:

  • A website that looks like an outdated template
  • Subpar photography and lack of video
  • Different tones and styles across listings
  • Confusing or generic visuals that don’t capture the experience

Individually, these seem minor.
Together, they create subconscious friction.
If the digital experience feels messy, guests assume the stay might be too.

When everything looks and feels aligned, guests relax. Consistency signals professionalism — and professionalism builds trust.

Poor UX Breaks the Emotional Flow

Visual design is only half the story. User experience carries the other half.
A clunky booking flow, unclear navigation, or confusing information layout disrupts the emotional journey from curiosity → confidence → booking.

Guests should never have to work to understand your offering.
If they do, they leave.

A smooth, intuitive UX communicates that you respect their time and understand their expectations. It becomes part of the luxury experience — long before they ever arrive.

Fixing the Design Gap Starts with Alignment

Closing the design gap doesn’t require a full rebrand — it requires alignment.
Start by asking:

  • Does our visual identity match the level of our guest experience?
  • Do our listings, website, emails, and social channels look like the same brand?
  • Are images styled and edited consistently?
  • Does our tone of voice actually sound like us?
  • Is our UX clear, simple, and emotionally supportive?

When everything works together, your brand becomes magnetic.
Guests don’t have to be convinced — they simply feel confident choosing you.

Strong Design Doesn’t Just Look Better — It Books Better

The design gap is a silent revenue killer.
But the moment your visuals, voice, and digital experience align with the quality of your property, everything changes. Guests trust faster. They explore deeper. And they book with confidence.

Because in the VRMC world, great design isn’t decoration.
It’s conversion.

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Whether you’re looking for a creative team to lead your branding project or highly-skilled designers to level up your product design, we can help.

connect with us to start your project AT Hello@beindigo.com

Be Indigo helps forward-thinking companies resonate with their ideal customers at every touchpoint. Balancing elegant form and seamless function, we distill larger-than-life ideas into premium, comprehensive design solutions.

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