Marketing Help, Please

[KatesCottage161]

As some of you know, I am a new B&B in southwestern Ohio. I opened for business April 1, but so far have had very few inquiry calls and only one confirmed booking coming up in June. My rates are competitive with other B&Bs in the area, I have a good website, I belong to the local chamber of commerce and am on their website, I'm on the visitors and convention bureau website, Trip Advisor, and I have a business Facebook page where I post what is going on in the area. I have a pile of nice rack cards that I have distributed locally and I have recently donated a complimentary weekend stay to our local PBS station's fundraising auction. I am wondering if any of you could offer suggestions as to how to better get my name out there and get my phone ringing. We live in an area that is packed with things to do and there is a large amusement park nearby. Maybe after school is out for the summer things will pick up more. Any suggestions of things that have worked well for you in the past?

 

[KatesCottage161]

I started to post the web address in my original message, then thought against it. I don't mind sharing it at all. It is www.thesinclairhousebnb.com I am less than 10 miles from Kings Island Amusement Park.

 

[Breakfast Diva]

Where is your website ranking on google searches for your areas keyword searches? When you do a google search, make sure you are NOT signed into your google account and you have cleared your cache, otherwise you won't get a true search result.
Like Joey mentioned, we need to know your website before we can help. e-mail some of us (just click on our screen name) so we can know who you are.

 

[TheBeachHouse]

Tell all your friends, reach out to everyone. Talk to the restaurants and visiters' centers.
Send a press release to the local newspapers. Get your name in the tourist guides.
Get an account with bo oking dot com. We get probably half our bookings from them. When someone goes to them first and searches your city, you will be on the list. They charge commission, so if they don't send you guests, they don't get paid.
Every time you say goodbye to a guest, ask for a review on TA or google. I'm hearing that people are staying with us becuase they are reading the TA reviews.

 

[KatesCottage161]

Where is your website ranking on google searches for your areas keyword searches? When you do a google search, make sure you are NOT signed into your google account and you have cleared your cache, otherwise you won't get a true search result.
Like Joey mentioned, we need to know your website before we can help. e-mail some of us (just click on our screen name) so we can know who you are..

I see that I don't come up on a Google search for Warren Co., Ohio. I don't know exactly how to fix that. I have submitted an entire list of keywords to my website provider and have prodded them to be sure that I am linked to all the major search engines. They have assured me that I am.

 

[Kay Nein]

You just started 7 weeks ago. Honestly, I don't think you'll see traffic pick up until you get some great reviews under your belt. Lately, all my reservations are saying that they looked at our TA reviews before deciding. Make sure you ask every person that stays with you to help you build your business by leaving a TA review.
You are currently #1 on TA for B&Bs in your area! You need to shout that to the world. That's something to be proud of and everyone needs to know. No need to disclaim that you only have one review. Can you put a sign/banner on your website that says that? Also, mention that on your FB page - maybe change your "About" info so what people read when they hover over your name is the line reading "Rated #1 B&B in Waynesville, OH"
You have one fantastic TA review from 3 weeks ago - no management response though. Make sure you do that, especially since you are starting out and it's your first one. Show them that you appreciate their review and show others that you are responsive.
Your website is beautiful. I don't see any issues there. I'm wondering if the possibility of having a Potter's Field on the property isn't a turn-off for some (wouldn't bother me).
We did ALOT of schmoozing of the local businesses, attractions and the Chamber of Commerce when we first started out. We would walk around downtown every weekend popping into stores, saying HI, buying little things. Everyone knows us now and we get alot of referrals from them. We take plates of cookies to the Chamber of Commerce ladies and regularly update them on our availability on busy weekends. Network, Network, Network. Join the local business association, join and become active at the Chamber (get on a committee).
Give it some time, do the right things and it will come. We had no repeat business from POs, but we are starting our Third year and our occupancy is finally off the charts!
GOOD LUCK!

 

[Kay Nein]

Tell all your friends, reach out to everyone. Talk to the restaurants and visiters' centers.
Send a press release to the local newspapers. Get your name in the tourist guides.
Get an account with bo oking dot com. We get probably half our bookings from them. When someone goes to them first and searches your city, you will be on the list. They charge commission, so if they don't send you guests, they don't get paid.
Every time you say goodbye to a guest, ask for a review on TA or google. I'm hearing that people are staying with us becuase they are reading the TA reviews..

I'm hearing that same thing about TA. They will find us through an organic internet search and then go directly to TA to read what others have said. It's become a huge free marketing tool for us!

 

[KatesCottage161]

Tell all your friends, reach out to everyone. Talk to the restaurants and visiters' centers.
Send a press release to the local newspapers. Get your name in the tourist guides.
Get an account with bo oking dot com. We get probably half our bookings from them. When someone goes to them first and searches your city, you will be on the list. They charge commission, so if they don't send you guests, they don't get paid.
Every time you say goodbye to a guest, ask for a review on TA or google. I'm hearing that people are staying with us becuase they are reading the TA reviews..

Thanks for your suggestions. Of course I have told all my friends - and strangers, too. I have not tried the tourist guides, but wouldn't that be part of the visitors and convention bureau? Not sure how to find those. Could my chamber help me with that? I've not done booking.com. I will certainly look into that. A friend mentioned Google Ad Words, where you pay by the click. Has anyone tried that sucessfully?

 

[Kay Nein]

Tell all your friends, reach out to everyone. Talk to the restaurants and visiters' centers.
Send a press release to the local newspapers. Get your name in the tourist guides.
Get an account with bo oking dot com. We get probably half our bookings from them. When someone goes to them first and searches your city, you will be on the list. They charge commission, so if they don't send you guests, they don't get paid.
Every time you say goodbye to a guest, ask for a review on TA or google. I'm hearing that people are staying with us becuase they are reading the TA reviews..

Thanks for your suggestions. Of course I have told all my friends - and strangers, too. I have not tried the tourist guides, but wouldn't that be part of the visitors and convention bureau? Not sure how to find those. Could my chamber help me with that? I've not done booking.com. I will certainly look into that. A friend mentioned Google Ad Words, where you pay by the click. Has anyone tried that sucessfully?
.

Google Ad Words can be crazy expensive! Yes, your chamber is there to help you grow your business. Ask them for advice.
Some of our Tourist Guides are privately published, funded by advertising and free to the public. They were good referral source sin the beginning, but we're not getting anything from them anymore. Not sure why.
Do you have Google Analytics on your website? You should - you need to know where the traffic is coming from, what key words they are using and what their activity is once on your site. it's free, but your web designer has to add the coding to every page on your site. It's worth the effort.

 

[KatesCottage161]

You just started 7 weeks ago. Honestly, I don't think you'll see traffic pick up until you get some great reviews under your belt. Lately, all my reservations are saying that they looked at our TA reviews before deciding. Make sure you ask every person that stays with you to help you build your business by leaving a TA review.
You are currently #1 on TA for B&Bs in your area! You need to shout that to the world. That's something to be proud of and everyone needs to know. No need to disclaim that you only have one review. Can you put a sign/banner on your website that says that? Also, mention that on your FB page - maybe change your "About" info so what people read when they hover over your name is the line reading "Rated #1 B&B in Waynesville, OH"
You have one fantastic TA review from 3 weeks ago - no management response though. Make sure you do that, especially since you are starting out and it's your first one. Show them that you appreciate their review and show others that you are responsive.
Your website is beautiful. I don't see any issues there. I'm wondering if the possibility of having a Potter's Field on the property isn't a turn-off for some (wouldn't bother me).
We did ALOT of schmoozing of the local businesses, attractions and the Chamber of Commerce when we first started out. We would walk around downtown every weekend popping into stores, saying HI, buying little things. Everyone knows us now and we get alot of referrals from them. We take plates of cookies to the Chamber of Commerce ladies and regularly update them on our availability on busy weekends. Network, Network, Network. Join the local business association, join and become active at the Chamber (get on a committee).
Give it some time, do the right things and it will come. We had no repeat business from POs, but we are starting our Third year and our occupancy is finally off the charts!
GOOD LUCK!.

GREAT ADVICE! Thank you so much for your help! I wondered if I was just "too new" and to be more patient. Our weather here has been really awful this spring too. Very rainy and cool. The rating I got on TA was from my friend who stayed here, but I see what you mean about responding to the comment. No one else knows that it was a friend. I thought the Potter's Field was an interesting feature but I suppose it could turn some off. It's not on my personal land, but somewhere in the vicinity. I will definately try to get that TA rating on both FB and my website. Thanks.

 

[TheBeachHouse]

Tell all your friends, reach out to everyone. Talk to the restaurants and visiters' centers.
Send a press release to the local newspapers. Get your name in the tourist guides.
Get an account with bo oking dot com. We get probably half our bookings from them. When someone goes to them first and searches your city, you will be on the list. They charge commission, so if they don't send you guests, they don't get paid.
Every time you say goodbye to a guest, ask for a review on TA or google. I'm hearing that people are staying with us becuase they are reading the TA reviews..

Thanks for your suggestions. Of course I have told all my friends - and strangers, too. I have not tried the tourist guides, but wouldn't that be part of the visitors and convention bureau? Not sure how to find those. Could my chamber help me with that? I've not done booking.com. I will certainly look into that. A friend mentioned Google Ad Words, where you pay by the click. Has anyone tried that sucessfully?
.

Thanks for your suggestions. Of course I have told all my friends - and strangers, too. I have not tried the tourist guides, but wouldn't that be part of the visitors and convention bureau? Not sure how to find those. Could my chamber help me with that? I've not done booking.com. I will certainly look into that. A friend mentioned Google Ad Words, where you pay by the click. Has anyone tried that sucessfully?

We are members of the COC, but until we paid for it, our name was not added to the list of accomadations in the area. Look at the tourist books and contact the publishers to get your name added.

 

[Breakfast Diva]

Where is your website ranking on google searches for your areas keyword searches? When you do a google search, make sure you are NOT signed into your google account and you have cleared your cache, otherwise you won't get a true search result.
Like Joey mentioned, we need to know your website before we can help. e-mail some of us (just click on our screen name) so we can know who you are..

I see that I don't come up on a Google search for Warren Co., Ohio. I don't know exactly how to fix that. I have submitted an entire list of keywords to my website provider and have prodded them to be sure that I am linked to all the major search engines. They have assured me that I am.
.

It's probably that your website is not built with adequate SEO (search engine optimization). It's the information ON/IN your website that helps increase your organic listings. You may be linked to all major search engines, but if those search engines don't see the important information on your website, then you'll be left in the dust.
Again, can't help until I/we know what your website is.

 

[Kay Nein]

Where is your website ranking on google searches for your areas keyword searches? When you do a google search, make sure you are NOT signed into your google account and you have cleared your cache, otherwise you won't get a true search result.
Like Joey mentioned, we need to know your website before we can help. e-mail some of us (just click on our screen name) so we can know who you are..

I see that I don't come up on a Google search for Warren Co., Ohio. I don't know exactly how to fix that. I have submitted an entire list of keywords to my website provider and have prodded them to be sure that I am linked to all the major search engines. They have assured me that I am.
.

It's probably that your website is not built with adequate SEO (search engine optimization). It's the information ON/IN your website that helps increase your organic listings. You may be linked to all major search engines, but if those search engines don't see the important information on your website, then you'll be left in the dust.
Again, can't help until I/we know what your website is.
.

She's already posted the website address.

 

[Breakfast Diva]

Where is your website ranking on google searches for your areas keyword searches? When you do a google search, make sure you are NOT signed into your google account and you have cleared your cache, otherwise you won't get a true search result.
Like Joey mentioned, we need to know your website before we can help. e-mail some of us (just click on our screen name) so we can know who you are..

I see that I don't come up on a Google search for Warren Co., Ohio. I don't know exactly how to fix that. I have submitted an entire list of keywords to my website provider and have prodded them to be sure that I am linked to all the major search engines. They have assured me that I am.
.

It's probably that your website is not built with adequate SEO (search engine optimization). It's the information ON/IN your website that helps increase your organic listings. You may be linked to all major search engines, but if those search engines don't see the important information on your website, then you'll be left in the dust.
Again, can't help until I/we know what your website is.
.

She's already posted the website address.
.

She's already posted the website address.

oops, missed it...sorry. I'll take a look too.

 

[happykeeper]

You just started 7 weeks ago. Honestly, I don't think you'll see traffic pick up until you get some great reviews under your belt. Lately, all my reservations are saying that they looked at our TA reviews before deciding. Make sure you ask every person that stays with you to help you build your business by leaving a TA review.
You are currently #1 on TA for B&Bs in your area! You need to shout that to the world. That's something to be proud of and everyone needs to know. No need to disclaim that you only have one review. Can you put a sign/banner on your website that says that? Also, mention that on your FB page - maybe change your "About" info so what people read when they hover over your name is the line reading "Rated #1 B&B in Waynesville, OH"
You have one fantastic TA review from 3 weeks ago - no management response though. Make sure you do that, especially since you are starting out and it's your first one. Show them that you appreciate their review and show others that you are responsive.
Your website is beautiful. I don't see any issues there. I'm wondering if the possibility of having a Potter's Field on the property isn't a turn-off for some (wouldn't bother me).
We did ALOT of schmoozing of the local businesses, attractions and the Chamber of Commerce when we first started out. We would walk around downtown every weekend popping into stores, saying HI, buying little things. Everyone knows us now and we get alot of referrals from them. We take plates of cookies to the Chamber of Commerce ladies and regularly update them on our availability on busy weekends. Network, Network, Network. Join the local business association, join and become active at the Chamber (get on a committee).
Give it some time, do the right things and it will come. We had no repeat business from POs, but we are starting our Third year and our occupancy is finally off the charts!
GOOD LUCK!.

GREAT ADVICE! Thank you so much for your help! I wondered if I was just "too new" and to be more patient. Our weather here has been really awful this spring too. Very rainy and cool. The rating I got on TA was from my friend who stayed here, but I see what you mean about responding to the comment. No one else knows that it was a friend. I thought the Potter's Field was an interesting feature but I suppose it could turn some off. It's not on my personal land, but somewhere in the vicinity. I will definately try to get that TA rating on both FB and my website. Thanks.
.

A word of caution about what you say on a public forum about reviews

 

[Breakfast Diva]

I see that you don't have a google+ business page. Here is a link to a youtube video that will help you create first your personal page, then your business page. This is VERY important to google and costs nothing.
I would suggest you start a blog. Once you have your G+ set up, create a free google blog. Once you get it going, have your webmaster make the url of the blog: blog.nameofyourinn.com When set up this way, google weighs each page of your blog as if it's a page of your website. The more information on your website, the more weight google with give it.
It looks like google maps has no idea who you are. Hopefully once you create your G+ business page it will get you onto google maps.

 

[happykeeper]

Some things I got...
Website seems clean and easy to follow
MORE AND BETTER PICS... it made such a difference when we have upgraded our pics.. it is an ongoing effort.
Consider changing ABOUT US to something like HISTORY
Separate the room descriptions and add more photos on that page.
SEO to get on the front page of organic search for Waynesville Ohio Bed and Breakfast or whatever key word is the most relevant to the market you attract.
By the way... The Chamber website is AWFUL.. if you have any sway there, use it. It loaded so slow like something from the last century.
By the way 2.... Your house and the approach to it look lovely. What about a few more pics in the rotation to pull them in to that

 

[gillumhouse]

Make the title pages on your site say more than Rooms at_________ House. I am out there so go to my site www.gillumhouse.com and look at the names on the tabs above the web address - the Page Names. These names pull in searches. I am B & B in West Virginia, etc - each one - including the rooms - has a different title. Put a BOOK NOW in the menu titles. I looked at it quickly - as a potential guest will and almost missed your Book Now/Availability button. These are MY quickie thoughts. Will look deeper later - up to my ears for the next few days.
The others will give better advice on web site - I happen to be the techie numbnutz of the crowd.

 

[KatesCottage161]

Where is your website ranking on google searches for your areas keyword searches? When you do a google search, make sure you are NOT signed into your google account and you have cleared your cache, otherwise you won't get a true search result.
Like Joey mentioned, we need to know your website before we can help. e-mail some of us (just click on our screen name) so we can know who you are..

I see that I don't come up on a Google search for Warren Co., Ohio. I don't know exactly how to fix that. I have submitted an entire list of keywords to my website provider and have prodded them to be sure that I am linked to all the major search engines. They have assured me that I am.
.

It's probably that your website is not built with adequate SEO (search engine optimization). It's the information ON/IN your website that helps increase your organic listings. You may be linked to all major search engines, but if those search engines don't see the important information on your website, then you'll be left in the dust.
Again, can't help until I/we know what your website is.
.

Website is: www.thesinclairhousebnb.com

 

[KatesCottage161]

Make the title pages on your site say more than Rooms at_________ House. I am out there so go to my site www.gillumhouse.com and look at the names on the tabs above the web address - the Page Names. These names pull in searches. I am B & B in West Virginia, etc - each one - including the rooms - has a different title. Put a BOOK NOW in the menu titles. I looked at it quickly - as a potential guest will and almost missed your Book Now/Availability button. These are MY quickie thoughts. Will look deeper later - up to my ears for the next few days.
The others will give better advice on web site - I happen to be the techie numbnutz of the crowd..

I'm not sure how much liberty I have at changing the look of my website. The design company I use is based in Utah. I bought a package deal and this is the format they use for the design I chose. I do have the ability to go in and make adjustments to the text and I can request that they add/change photos, but as for the overall design of the site, I think I have to leave things the way they are. Thank you for your suggestions, however, and I will look into the possiblility of making some changes.