It's an important topic that I devote a full chapter to in my book, Running a Bed & Breakfast For Dummies. It's also a popular topic at various conference workshops. Did you know that the chances of securing repeat reservations and referrals start even before you speak to or meet your guests? The likelihood that you will have returning guests begin with your website and the initial contact that you have with the guest, whether that be over the phone or in person. First impressions always count!
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Lookout Point Lakeside Inn, Hot Springs, AR |
You might be surprised to learn that many repeat guests and referrals don't find your inn by visiting your website directly. Instead, they find your inn by visiting an online search guide like BnBFinder.com, or on review sites such as TripAdvisor. We know this because two common questions we receive are about inns that don't list with us. First, guests want to know what is wrong with an inn when they don't see it listed on our site, not knowing that you choose to list with us and not the other way around. Second, guests want to verify if an inn is still in business because they can't find it on BnBFinder.
In the past, we have been contacted by members of the media inquiring about inns they believed were out of business, since they were not listed on BnBFinder. Of course, we know it's impossible to be listed everywhere, but it is worth listing in search guides that will bring you guests, guest referrals and media exposure. So, devote a little time to getting your R's in order - your business needs and deserves them!

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