The Digital Sportsman Blog

How Much Business Are You Missing Without a “Book Now” Button?

Written by Michelle Faul | Jan 22, 2026 2:28:46 PM

And Why You’ll Never See the Lost Requests.

If you don’t have a Book Now button, you are losing bookings every single week.
Not because your trips aren’t good, but because modern customers don’t wait.

Most captains never see these lost bookings. There’s no missed call, no email, no voicemail. The potential customer simply clicks away and books with someone else.

 Why “Call or Text Me” Is Quietly Costing You Business

Today’s booking behavior has changed:

  • Guests research at night, on weekends, or during work breaks
  • They compare multiple guides at once
  • They expect instant confirmation

If they can’t book immediately, they move on.

According to industry insights shared in Digital Sportsman’s Captain, We Need to Talk eBook, Millennials now account for 30–40% of guided outdoor bookings, with that number expected to rise to 45–50% by 2027.

This audience prefers booking online and values convenience over conversation.

 The Bookings You Never Know You Lost

Here’s the uncomfortable truth:
If someone visits your website or social profile and doesn’t see a Book Now option, you will never know they were interested.

No form fill. No inquiry. No follow-up opportunity.

Just lost revenue.

Quick Reality Check

Ask yourself:

  • How many people visit my site each month?
  • How many actually contact me?
  • How many probably leave without reaching out?

Even a small gap adds up fast.

Download the free eBook: Captain, We Need to Talk
Learn how booking behavior has changed and why captains who rely on calls and texts are losing business without realizing it.
Download Here!