Marketing your B&B: the Basics

Summary

To make a success of your B&B business, marketing is essential. VisitBritain research indicates that attracting guests is the key preoccupation of accommodation owners. In this section we explore how you can do this effectively.

• The first step is to identify your market - who will be your guests? As well as the obvious tourists, these might also include business travellers, contractors, and schools, colleges and universities.
• Having decided who you want to stay at your B&B, advertising and promotion is required to reach the market. This might include advertising in accommodation guides and brochures, or using business cards and a website to generate interest.
• After your first year in business, it is important to review how successful you have been, what's worked and what hasn't, so that you can plan for the following year.