Bed and Breakfast Marketing: 10 Ideas to Make You Pop

Your bed and breakfast looks great, but the rooms are empty.

Are these things bugging you? Your website looks good, but nobody’s making reservations. You think you might be overlooking something.

Is your marketing the problem?

Let’s check out some awesome ways to market bed and breakfasts that’ll make you stand out and get more bookings.

1. Make Your Website Better for Bookings

Your website is like your store’s front window.

If it’s slow, messy, or tough to use, people who might stay will leave.

Make it quick. Keep it easy.

You gotta make it work on phones. Everyone uses them these days.

Use pictures that look good.

Show off what makes your B&B unique – it could be your homemade breakfast or that warm fireplace in the shared space.

Remember to boost your local SEO. Use phrases like “top B&B in [your city]” all over your website.

Make it simple to book. If it’s easy more folks will finish the process.

2. Use Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)

Booking.com, Airbnb Expedia. Put your B&B on these sites. They reach tons of people.

Sure, they take a piece, but they bring guests to you.

Set prices that can compete.

Answer reviews .

Good feedback leads to more bookings.

Bad reviews can still draw in guests if you handle them right.

3. Get Good at Social Media

Social media isn’t just for the big guys.

Use Instagram to show off your B&B’s appeal.

Facebook to stay in touch with old guests and bring in new ones.

Post pictures, what guests say about you, and stuff happening nearby.

Talk with your followers.

Reply to comments and messages fast.

Use hashtags that fit your place and business.

4. Make Use of Email Marketing

Email marketing still works. Get emails from your guests.

Make your emails personal – use guests’ names and write about things they like. Split your list based on past stays or what people prefer to aim your campaigns better.

Send out emails with special deals nearby happenings, and news about your B&B. Show guests you care. Give discounts to people who come back.

5. Google My Business Rocks

Grab your Google My Business listing.

It costs nothing.

Complete every part.

Put in pictures, answer reviews, keep things current. Ask happy guests to write reviews. More good reviews help you show up higher when people search nearby.

6. Team Up with Nearby Shops

Partner with local eateries, tour guides, stores.

Get to know them.

Offer combo deals.

Like a weekend stay plus a local wine trip, for instance.

They’ll talk up your B&B, and you’ll do the same for them.

It works out for everyone.

7. Content Rules

Get a blog going.

Talk about cool spots nearby, stuff happening, and advice for visitors.

Use words like “B&B in [Your Location]” and “top bed and breakfast [Your Location]”.

Good stuff you write helps your SEO and pulls in natural traffic.

8. Use Google Ads

Natural reach is awesome, but paid reach gets results quicker.

Run Google Ads for words like “top B&B in [Your Location]”.

Pick how much to spend and watch your return on investment.

Try different ad text and pages people land on.

9. Give Special Experiences

People don’t just book a room, they book an adventure.

Host cooking classes, nature walks, or wine sampling events.

Showcase these activities in your ads.

Special experiences make you stand out from other places.

10. Collect and Apply Info

Use tools like Google Analytics to check your website visitors.

Find out where people come from and what they look at.

Even better if you have a bunch of reviews use sentiment analysis to track what you’re doing great and what you can improve on.

Use this info to adjust your marketing plans.

Give guests what they’re after.

FAQ

Q: How do I get more reviews?
A: Just ask. After they leave, send a thank-you email and ask for a review. Make it simple by adding direct links to your review pages.

Q: Should I use influencers?
A: It depends. Micro-influencers (folks with smaller super-engaged followings) can work well and won’t break the bank. Their followers are more likely to care about where you’re located.

Q: What’s the best way to get emails?
A: Give people a little something, like a discount on their next visit or a free guide about the area. Put a simple sign-up box on your website.

Q: How often should I post on social media?
A: Try for at least 3-4 times a week, but stick to it. Find a plan you can keep up with.

Q: Is it worth putting money into paid ads?
A: It might be for specific campaigns. Begin with a small budget, try out different platforms, and keep a close eye on your return on investment.

Q: How can I go up against bigger hotels?
A: Put the spotlight on your special charm and personalized care. Show off the cozy local experience that a B&B has to offer.

Tools and Resources

Here’s a quick table of tools that can help you implement these strategies:

Let’s Wrap This Up

These aren’t just suggestions, they’re things you can do right now.

Begin with baby steps.

Choose one or two plans and put them to work.

Keep an eye on how they perform.

Tweak and make them better.

Running a B&B is tough, but good marketing can help you fill those rooms.

Don’t overcomplicate things.

Stay on target.

And keep getting better all the time.