Join me as I share my experience on creating a memorable welcome basket for your B&B guests. With over 17 years of experience running my own B&B and training hundreds of B&B owners since 2006, I provide practical tips and ideas to enhance your guest experience, ensuring they become loyal and repeat customers.

• My background and experience in the B&B industry.
• Transition from in-person to online training.

• Importance of making guests feel special.
• How welcome baskets can enhance guest experience and encourage repeat visits.

• Homemade treats like lemon drizzle cake and shortbread.
• Local produce and goodies.
• Options for guests with dietary restrictions.
• Examples of non-food items: toiletries, postcards, and local guides.

• Adjusting offerings based on guest type and stay duration.
• Considering your budget and pricing.

• Importance of guest feedback.
• Regularly updating the basket contents to keep them fresh and appealing.

• Creating special incentives for email subscribers and repeat guests.
• Examples of added benefits: early check-in, late check-out, and special treats.

• Balancing free items with optional purchasable extras.
• Encouraging guests to buy additional items without detracting from the overall experience.

• Out of Eden
• Blog post on "How to Cater for Guests with Special Dietary Requirements"
• Lemon drizzle cake and shortbread recipes on the blog
• Blog post on "Choosing the Right Toiletries for Your B&B"
• Blog post on "What to Put in Your Guest Welcome Basket"
• Blog post on "Do you Need a Licence to Sell Alcohol to Guests"

Visit Bed and Breakfast Academy for more blog posts, podcasts, and courses.

Check out the mini workshop for those considering starting a B&B.

Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or Apple to stay updated with new episodes.

Enjoy the episode and happy hosting!

Welcome to the B&B Academy podcast.

I'm Karen, the founder and owner of Bed and Breakfast Academy, helping aspiring and existing B&B owners to create a B&B lifestyle you'll love living with guests who become loyal fans and keep returning.

Visit the Bed and Breakfast Academy Website for more information about the Online Course and Mini Workshop.

In this episode, which is #9 in the Taking Control of your B&B Marketing 2024 series, I delve into the significance of understanding your ideal bed and breakfast (B&B) guests to simplify marketing efforts. I emphasise the need for clarity in defining your ideal guest profile, enabling tailored marketing strategies and enhancing guest satisfaction.

I share insights on how guest demographics and preferences can evolve over time, influenced by factors such as changing trends and external events like the COVID-19 pandemic. By focusing on a few key guest profiles, B&B owners can streamline marketing efforts and create a more personalised guest experience.

I also highlight the significance of staying informed about discrimination laws and adapting marketing messages accordingly. Overall, the episode provides practical tips for B&B owners to attract and retain loyal guests while optimising marketing strategies.

Other blog posts mentioned in this episode:

• Marketing Tip #6 - 6 Reasons to Write a blog for your bed and breakfast
• Marketing Tip #7 How does Pinterest work and why you need it for your B&B
• Marketing Tip #8 3 Reasons why email marketing is important for your B&B
• You can find out more about protected characteristics on the Equality and Human Rights Commission website here in the UK >> Protected Characteristics.
• Thinking of running a dog friendly B&B? Check out this blog post here >> A practical guide to running a dog friendly B&B
• Your Smile File - Take control of your B&B Marketing in 2024
• Your FAQ File - How to use frequently asked questions for effective B&B Marketing
• And those negative reviews - Using negative reviews to market your B&B

Welcome to the B&B Academy podcast.

I'm Karen, the founder and owner of Bed and Breakfast Academy, helping aspiring and existing B&B owners to create a B&B lifestyle you'll love living with guests who become loyal fans and keep returning.

In today's episode, I share practical steps to take control of your B&B marketing in 2024. Learn more about how you can make more effective use of your website to get more direct bookings.

Visit the Bed and Breakfast Academy Website for more information about the Online Course and Mini Workshop.

Read the corresponding blog post

In this latest podcast episode,I delve into the art of turning negative reviews into positive marketing opportunities for your B&B.

Discover how to respond tactfully and professionally to criticism, even when it seems unfair.

From acknowledging guest feedback to highlighting your B&B's unique attributes, learn valuable strategies to enhance your online reputation and attract more guests.

Join me as I explore the power of constructive communication and the importance of maintaining a positive image in the competitive hospitality industry.