The key to running a successful B&B is it being found, here are some things to do to ensure that potential guests find you
Get a website
You cannot expect people to want to stay at your B&B if they have no idea what it looks like, where it is situated, or what there is to do nearby. Therefore, invest in a website answering all these questions with your contact details clear to spot. Websites are pricey and complex things but, instead of getting it independently made, you can save money and time by using a specialised website builder with numerous B&B website templates to choose from, such as Guestify.
Remember, it is not just about having an appealing website, it is about getting it found a good website designer will be able to advise you on SEO. In using a tool such as Guestify, you can rest-assured that with all those other B&B websites on there, it will rank high on Google. An appealing and informative website can set you apart from competitors in even the most popular tourist areas such as Blackpool, Great Yarmouth, Llandudno, Newquay, Windemere and Weymouth.
Stands out from the competitors
So you've got the website, and Google's finding it, now you need to make sure it's better than your competitors'. Make sure you have lots of high quality pictures of your bedrooms, breakfast area and property in general on the website. A bonus is to include visitor reviews. A good way to build up visitor recommendations is to start a guest book and ask the guests for permission to put their feedback on your website. Content is key so if you can write some information about what to do in the area using keywords and place names not only will your website be more likely to be found on the search engines, but potential guests will be more interested in staying at your B&B when they know there is lots of great things to do nearby. A website is also a great place to advertise special offers and tempt visitors off-peak.
Get in the directories
Of course some directories are a waste of time and charge ridiculous amounts of money for limited Google visibility and therefore limited enquiries, but there are many good ones out there including local business directories and national business directories such as Right BnB covering the whole country. Right BnB offers a free registration and limited enquiries to all bed and breakfasts, it only charges customers for unlimited enquiries. If you are not sure how good a B&B directory site is, see how many other B&B's it has on there, whether it looks safe and easy to use, whether it is visually appealing and whether it ranks high on Google you can do this by searching for popular keywords such as Bed and breakfast in Newquay If it does not tick all these boxes it is probably not going to get found or used by your potential guests and therefore your money is perhaps better invested elsewhere.
Google Adwords
No need to wait for Google to find your site! It is possible to advertise your website directly on Google meaning your website will come up under Sponsored links. You can set daily budgets and only pay for clicks to your site. Find out more.
Business cards and brochures
Get some brochures made and distribute them in other local tourist businesses, such as pubs and restaurants about your B&B so they can recommend it to customers. Always have business cards in your wallet and give them to friends and family who can recommend you.
Word of mouth
It can also be a wise move to come to an agreement with another B&B in your area that you'll refer guests to them when you're fully booked providing they do the same. Plus remember to treat your guests well even the most irritating! by giving them a warm welcome and as much information as you can on things to do and places to eat in the area. Other little touches such as biscuits as well as tea and coffee in the bedrooms, internet access and champagne for honeymooners can ensure they recommend you to their friends, family and colleagues.
Reviews
Sites like TripAdviser.com are great if you're great! Getting good reviews on TripAdvisor will mean ranking nearer the top of the list. TripAdvisor gets millions of visitors each month and can prove a valuable advertising tool and best of all, it's free. Make sure you have some of your guest's recommendations on your own website as this is just as important and easily done. Don't be afraid to ask guests that you have got on particularly well with or gone out of your way for to write you a review on TripAdviser.com as you'd be surprised how many are happy to.