Saturday 27 January 2007

How should I market my Bed and Breakfast or gîte so I get a quick ROI? (Part 1)

Here are five top tips for marketing your Bed and Breakfast or gîte to get a quick return on your investment:
  1. A picture really is worth a thousand words, take photos of your property on a bright, sunny day; compose your shots carefully and clear away clutter from room and garden beforehand. A few designer touches will pay dividends; a big bowl of fruit in the kitchen, flowers in the living room and wood in the fireplace will all handsomely repay the effort. If you offer a Bed and Breakfast don't be coy, you are your biggest asset - have some nice smiley photographs of yourselves to give that personal touch.
  2. Don't price yourself out of the market, study what your competitors are charging and undercut them until you have established yourself and have repeat bookings.
  3. Don't build your own website, put your property on a couple of 'directory' websites which already have thousands of hits per day. Look on Google and choose sites from the first two pages that are user-friendly, informative and will present your property attractively and with lots of photographs. The first photo you upload will normally be the principal photo - so make sure it's your best. Mention any 'added value' you can offer as hosts such as baby-sitting facilities, help with booking restaurants or organising activities.

Continued in next blog.....

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