Promoting the Industry

Marti Mayne Our goal is to generate great publicity for BedandBreakfast.com members specifically, and for the B&B industry as a whole. In this issue we cover: Recent media coverage Upcoming publicity Post specials to maximize publicity

BedandBreakfast.com stories reached more than 16.2 million readers and viewers in May and June. If this coverage were purchased as advertising, it would have a value of $15,500. Some recent articles:

Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards: The Awards press release was picked up by Lovetripper with more than 500,000 page views a month and American Woman Road and Travel reprinted the entire release with links to each the winners, as did About.com. Frommers.com mentioned that St. Augustine's Casa de la Paz's was voted the most romantic inn.

Tanks Alot! Among others, the Associated Press (AP) picked up the story, which appeared in newspapers nationwide, including the Chicago Sun Times. Readers were referred to BedandBreakfast.com, and the Cornerstone Inn in Philadelphia and the Pond Mt. Lodge in Eureka Springs were specifically recommended. The Dallas News picked up the story, as did BestFares.com.

Upcoming publicity

Many "tanks" to those who responded to our last request for fall publicity leads. We've sent Great B&Bs to Sleep With A Ghost and September Is For Seniors to the media, and are getting some great responses. We love to get your story ideas for press releases that can help us promote the B&B industry as a whole; please email your ideas to Marti.Mayne@BedandBreakfast.com.

Publicity Leads Posted on Message Boards: You can get the inside track on writers doing B&B-related articles via BedandBreakfast.com publicity leads. Access these leads by clicking through from your home base, or from our Message Boards. Sign up to receive new postings by email, and the publicity leads will be delivered right to your email box.

Post specials to maximize publicity

Top reasons to post your packages in BedandBreakfast.com's specials section:

• The media loves specials: Writers need stories, and that's just what our themed specials provide.
• Allow ample time: Many magazines work up to a year in advance. As soon as possible, post your specials so writers working for long-lead publications can find them, whether they are looking for Christmas stories in July, or June wedding pieces in December.
• Searching for specials: Studies show that reporters on assignment use search engines as a key research tool. Search engine optimization means that specials and hot deals on BedandBreakfast.com are likely to rank highly on free search results.
• Ensure coverage: Although stringent space limitations don't permit us to include every special in every release, readers are always directed to the BedandBreakfast.com specials page for the full range of options.
• Consumers love specials: Affordable travel is the buzz word of the day. The Specials section is among the top-visited sections of BedandBreakfast.com.
• Specials drive traffic: Specials can be searched by theme and by state/province, allowing double the chance for your special to be discovered. For best results, post your specials both on BedandBreakfast.com and on your own website.
• Theme specials add interest: We encourage you to create packages around the themed specials listed below, and to watch for future suggestions:
• B&B Cooking Schools
• Corporate Retreats
• Craft Workshops & Getaways
• Family Fun
• Family Reunions
• Food Glorious Food
• Free Gas promotions
• Girlfriends Getaways
• Holiday Specials
• Military Rate for active duty
• Murder Mysteries'
• Outdoor Workshops
• Romance Specials
• Sports Specials
• Seniors are Special
• Traveling with Pets

• Log in to your home base with your property ID and password, then select "Specials" under "Free Member Benefits."
• Click "Add a new special," then select a theme special from the drop-down menu under "summary," and combine a promotional rate with whatever tempting treats or special event tickets your guests might enjoy--it's up to you.
• To see the specials that have already been posted by your fellow innkeepers, visit our Specials page and click the drop down box marked "Select Special."

This Month's Sponsor

Online Trade Show

Click to visit our newest vendor members:

• Big Kahuna Hawaiian Coffee Co.
• Northwest B&B Inn Consulting
• Yellow Brick Road Newsletter
• B&B Team Realtors
• Innkeeping Specialists
• Innstyle Supplies & Linens
• New England Inn Brokers
• North Carolina Inn Brokers
• RusticDecorating.com Signs

More vendor info...

Gift Certificates

Woolverton Inn, Stockton, NJ

BedandBreakfast.com Gift Certificates have changed to an electronic format. Funds for redeemed certificates will be transferred directly into your bank account within four business days! No more certificates to mail! Don't miss out! To join the over 3000 participating inns, just log in to your home base with your property ID and password, or click here for more information.

Traffic statistics

Log in with your property ID and password for details on the number of page impressions and click-throughs your B&B has received as a result of all BedandBreakfast.com online marketing, including property listings, Featured Property, and Inn of the Month advertising. More information

Member Information

To update your entry, post specials, and renew your membership, please log in with your property ID and password. Can't remember your password? Click here, then enter your property ID and we'll email it to you. Don't like your password? Once you're logged in to Home Base, just click "Membership," select "change password" (#7 in dropdown menu), and choose another that's easier to remember. More information

Referral Program

Save hundreds of dollars in membership costs with the BedandBreakfast.com Member Referral Program. Log In here with your password & property ID for details.

Inns for Sale

"We advertised our B&B in your Inns for Sale section in January, and started getting inquires a week later. In February, a couple came from Florida to visit us in Cat Spring, Texas. We made a deal, and they begin officially on April the 5th as the new owners. What you are doing really works." Sunny and John Snyder. Email us today and we'll put you on our special offer mailing list. Read more

Innkeepers Information Center

Need more info? You’ll find lots of educational articles on our site for your convenience.

•  Resource Library
•  Member Checklist