Best Advertising

[PeterF]

I am currently looking for self catering property in Devon/Cornwall, I would appreciate any advice on best form of advertising, is it best to use an agent or own web site, or both ?

Also are individual properties more profitable or a complex ?

[474wendyb]

In my personal experience I would aim to run it yourself with your own website. I have had a holiday house for two years now and in the first year used a brochure company. I was disappointed with the bookings and since taking over bookings now find we are taking bookings even in some of the quieter periods.

Of course you have to put in the work - making sure the web site is SE friendly, provide the potential customer with useful info especially about the accommodation and facilities, contact and booking info etc. I usually spend at least 30 mins per day on my site updating and improving. Also make sure you build up lots of reciprocal links with other related companies.

I do also advertise online and I have found Let's Stay really tremendous. It was recommded to me by a fellow self catering owner and it has brought it a lot of bookings at a reasonable price. I'm on Let's Stay Peaks and Let's Stay UK.

So if you have the time and the drive I would definitely do it yourself. You get to deal direct with your customers you can find out from them what they did/didn't like and if done with their consent can keep their details and send them info about changes to your site or any special offers.

Good Luck!o:)

[Libra]

Hi Peter

I set up a website for my holiday rental before realising that several sites will do it for you as part of your listing. It is much easier and probably cheaper just to list on holiday rental sites