How to create a strong B&B Brand Strategy
Does your B&B feel like just another place to stay?
Having trouble standing out among all the same-looking places?
Want to know how to make your small cozy spot the one everyone’s talking about?
Let’s jump into B&B branding and turn your comfy hideaway into a stay people won’t forget.
The importance of a strong B&B brand strategy
You might think branding’s for big hotel chains, but that’s not true. Your B&B’s brand is its character, what it promises guests. It’s the thing that sets you apart from the Airbnb nearby or the fancy hotel in the next town. A good brand can:
- Pull in more guests
- Let you charge more
- Get guests to come back
- Help you market better and easier
Figuring Out What Makes Your B&B Special
What’s unique about your B&B? Maybe it’s those pancakes your grandma taught you to make?
Or the awesome view from your front porch?
Your ability to remember every guest’s name and favorite tea? That’s your unique selling point – the core of your brand. To discover your USP, think about:
- What do guests praise in reviews?
- What’s the one thing you excel at more than others?
- What’s the backstory of your B&B?
Figuring Out Your Target Guest
Who do you want to stay at your place? Young folks seeking thrills?
Older couples checking out the countryside? People on work trips wanting a cozy spot?
Knowing who you’re aiming for shapes every part of your brand. Make a picture of your ideal guest:
- How old they are, what they do, what they like
- How they travel and what they prefer
- What bugs them and what they want
Creating Your B&B’s Brand Identity
Your B&B’s brand identity shows who you are and emotionally. It has these parts:
- The name you picked for your B&B
- Your logo design
- Colors you use
- Font choices
- How you style your pictures
These should match what makes you special and catch the eye of the guests you want.
Crafting Your Brand’s Personality
How does your B&B talk to guests? Is it cozy and welcoming?
Classy and refined? Weird and exciting?
Your brand’s voice needs to stay the same everywhere:
- Words on your website
- Things you post on social media
- Emails you send out
- How you talk to people face-to-face
Making a Stay People Remember
Your brand’s not just about how it looks – it’s about how it feels. Every time a guest interacts with your B&B should strengthen your brand. Think about:
- How people check in
- What’s in the rooms
- How you serve breakfast
- Tips you give about the area
How can you make each of these “you”?
Using Social Media to Build Your B&B Brand
Social media’s a great way to show off your B&B’s personality. Pick platforms where your ideal guests hang out. Post stuff that shows what your brand’s all about:
- Sneak peeks behind the scenes
- Cool local spots
- Stories from guests
- Special deals for different seasons
Talk to your followers to create a community around your brand.
How Storytelling Helps Brand Your B&B
People dig a good tale. What’s yours?
Your B&B might be an old house with a juicy history. Or maybe you quit your office gig to chase your dream of hosting folks. Weave your story into your brand:
- Put it on your website
- Chat about it with guests over breakfast
- Use it in your ads
A gripping story makes your B&B stick in people’s minds and feel more real.
Keep Things the Same in B&B Branding
Your brand should look the same everywhere:
- Website
- Social media
- Stuff you print
- What guests see when they stay
Keeping things the same builds trust and makes you easy to spot. Make a guide for your brand so everyone on your team gets it and can show it off right.
Measuring Your B&B Brand’s Success
How can you tell if your brand efforts are working? Check out:
- How many bookings you get
- What you charge per night on average
- What guests say about you
- How much people interact with you on social media
- How often guests come back
Take a look at these numbers often and tweak your brand plan to match.
Common B&B Branding Mistakes to Steer Clear Of
- Copying other B&Bs instead of doing your own thing
- Not paying attention to your online image
- Sending mixed messages about your brand
- Not listening to what guests tell you
- Staying the same when guests want something new
Tools for B&B Branding
Here’s a table of useful tools to help with your B&B branding efforts:
| Tool | Purpose | Free/Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Canva | Graphic design | Free/Paid |
| Hootsuite | Social media management | Paid |
| Mailchimp | Email marketing | Free/Paid |
| Google Analytics | Website analytics | Free |
| Grammarly | Writing assistance | Free/Paid |
Common Questions About B&B Branding
Q: How much money should I set aside for B&B branding?
A: It’s different for everyone, but you should start with 5-10% of what you make each year.
Q: How often do I need to change my B&B’s brand?
A: Take a look at it every year, but make big changes every 3-5 years.
Q: Can I do B&B branding myself or should I hire a professional?
A: You can begin on your own, but think about getting expert help to design your logo and plan your brand strategy.
Final Tips
Making a brand that sticks in people’s minds for your B&B isn’t about flashy logos or clever taglines.
It’s about being real staying the same, and keeping your word. It’s about making a stay that guests want to come back to – and tell their buddies about.
Keep in mind, your B&B isn’t just a place to crash.
It’s a spot to visit, something to do, a second home. Your brand should show that.
So, what tale will your B&B brand share?
