Bed and breakfast email marketing is a way for innkeepers to encourage return visits from guests. By collecting guest emails during their stay, innkeepers can send newsletters, promotions, and updates about their property to keep guests engaged and remind them of their previous positive experiences.
Bed and Breakfast Email Marketing Benefits
Bed and breakfast inns can benefit greatly from email marketing campaigns. The following includes some of the benefits with specific examples:
Increased Bookings from Bed and Breakfast Email Marketing
Email marketing is a cost-effective way to reach out to potential guests and encourage them to book a stay. For B&B inns, it can be an effective way to promote specials, discounts, and packages that can lead to more bookings.
Example: A B&B inn can send an email promoting a weekend getaway package that includes a two-night stay, breakfast, and a spa treatment at a discounted rate. The email can be sent to subscribers who have previously booked a stay or expressed interest in the inn’s offerings.
Increased Engagement from Bed and Breakfast Email Marketing
Email marketing can be a powerful tool for building relationships with guests and potential guests. By regularly sending out newsletters, updates, and promotions, B&B inns can keep their brand top of mind and engage with their audience.
Example: A B&B inn can send a monthly newsletter featuring stories about the inn, updates about local events and attractions, and photos of recent guests enjoying their stay. The newsletter can also include links to the inn’s social media pages, blog, and website.
Increased Revenue from Bed and Breakfast Email Marketing
Email marketing can also help increase revenue for B&B inns by promoting upsells, add-ons, and gift certificates. According to Campaign Monitor, the average return on a $1 investment is $44.
Example: A B&B inn can send an email promoting gift certificates for a romantic getaway or family vacation. The email can include a special discount for subscribers who purchase a gift certificate within a certain timeframe.
Targeted Marketing from Bed and Breakfast Email Marketing
Email marketing allows B&B inns to target specific segments of their audience with personalized messages. This can be especially effective for promoting seasonal specials and packages.
Example: A B&B inn can send an email promoting a fall foliage tour package to subscribers who have expressed an interest in outdoor activities or previously booked a fall stay.
Overall Benefits from Bed and Breakfast Email Marketing
Thus, email marketing can be a powerful tool for B&B inns to increase bookings, engagement, revenue, and customer loyalty. By using targeted messaging, personalized content, and strategic promotions, B&B inns can create effective email campaigns that resonate with their audience.
7 Types of Shareworthy Email Content
In addition, bed and breakfast inns can share various types of email content to encourage guests to visit, whether for the first time or as returning guests.
Bed and Breakfast Email Marketing with Promotions and Special Offers
Inns can offer exclusive promotions and special offers to guests who sign up for their email list. For example, a B&B can offer a discount on their room rates or a complimentary spa treatment for guests who book a certain number of nights or refer friends to the inn.
Bed and breakfast inns often offer promotions and special offers to attract new guests and keep their regular customers coming back. Here are a few examples:
“Stay 3 Nights, Get The 4th Night Free”
This promotion is common that many bed and breakfast inns offer. Guests who book a three-night stay at the regular rate will receive a fourth night for free. This offer encourages guests to stay longer and enjoy all the amenities that the bed and breakfast has to offer.
“Romantic Getaway Package”
This package is designed for couples who want to enjoy a romantic weekend away. It often includes things like a bottle of champagne, chocolates, flowers, and a candlelit dinner. Some bed and breakfast inns also offer a couples massage or other special touches to make the stay extra special.
“Midweek Special”
This package is designed for couples who want to enjoy a romantic weekend away. It often includes things like a bottle of champagne, chocolates, flowers, and a candlelit dinner. Some bed and breakfast inns also offer a couples massage or other special touches to make the stay extra special.
“Last Minute Deal”
Sometimes, bed and breakfast inns will offer last-minute deals to fill empty rooms. These deals may be available only a few days in advance, and may offer a significant discount off the regular rate.
“Seasonal Special”
Bed and breakfast inns may offer special promotions based on the season. For example, a bed and breakfast near a ski resort may offer a winter special that includes discounted lift tickets or a summer special that includes free bike rentals.
Promotions and Special Offers
Overall, bed and breakfast inns offer a wide range of promotions and special offers to entice guests to stay with them. These promotions often vary based on the time of year, the occupancy rate, and the interests of the guests.
Bed and Breakfast Email Marketing with Seasonal Events and Packages
Inns can share information about seasonal events and packages that guests may be interested in, such as holiday celebrations or outdoor activities. For example, a B&B could offer a winter package that includes snowshoeing and hot cocoa, or a spring package that includes a guided wildflower hike and a picnic lunch.
Bed and breakfast inns often offer seasonal events and packages to attract guests and create a unique experience for them. Here are some examples:
Fall Foliage Package
During the autumn season, bed and breakfast inns located in areas with beautiful fall foliage can offer a package that includes guided tours of the surrounding area to see the changing colors of the leaves. This package can also include local food and drink tastings, and a cozy room with a fireplace to warm up after a day of exploring.
Winter Wonderland Package
In areas with snowy winters, bed and breakfast inns can offer a package that includes outdoor activities like skiing or snowshoeing, followed by a hot drink and a warm meal. This package can also include a spa treatment to help guests unwind and relax after a day of outdoor activities.
Spring Blooms Package
During the spring, bed and breakfast inns located near botanical gardens or other areas known for their blooming flowers can offer guided tours of the gardens, local wine and cheese tastings, and a bike rental to explore the surrounding area.
Summer Adventure Package
In areas with warm summers, bed and breakfast inns can offer a package that includes outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, or fishing, followed by a picnic lunch or barbecue. This package can also include a wine tasting or a visit to a local brewery.
Holiday Package
Bed and breakfast inns can offer holiday packages during special occasions like Christmas or Valentine’s Day. This package can include decorations in the room, a special holiday meal, and activities like a sleigh ride or a romantic evening by the fire.
Seasonal & Holiday Events & Packages
In summary, bed and breakfast inns can offer various seasonal events and packages to attract guests and provide them with a unique and memorable experience. These packages can include guided tours, local food and drink tastings, outdoor activities, spa treatments, and holiday-themed events.
Bed and Breakfast Email Marketing with Local Attractions and Activities
Inns can also highlight nearby attractions and activities that guests can enjoy during their stay. For instance, a B&B located in a wine region can suggest winery tours, while an inn in a mountainous area can recommend hiking trails and skiing destinations.
Bed and breakfast inns are often located in charming, picturesque settings, which provide a perfect base for exploring the local area. Here are some examples of local attractions and activities that bed and breakfast inns can promote:
Historical Sites
Many bed and breakfast inns are located in areas with a rich historical past, and they can offer tours and information about local historical sites. This could include museums, battlefields, or historic homes.
Outdoor Activities
Many bed and breakfast inns are located in beautiful natural scenery, and they can offer information about hiking trails, bike paths, or scenic drives. Guests may also be interested in outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, or skiing.
Cultural Events
Bed and breakfast inns can provide guests with information about local cultural events, like concerts, art shows, or theater productions. They may also recommend local restaurants or wineries that showcase the area’s culinary and cultural offerings.
Shopping and Dining
Many bed and breakfast inns are located in areas with unique shopping and dining opportunities. They can offer information about local farmers’ markets, artisan shops, and boutiques. They may also recommend local restaurants that serve fresh, locally sourced food.
Tours and Excursions
Bed and breakfast inns can offer guests guided tours of the local area, including scenic drives, winery tours, or historical site visits. They may also arrange excursions to nearby attractions, like theme parks, zoos, amusement parks, and botanical gardens.
Local Attractions and Activities
Overall, bed and breakfast inns can offer their guests a wealth of local attractions and activities to explore. By promoting these activities, they can help guests make the most of their stay and create a memorable experience.
Bed and Breakfast Email Marketing with Recipes and Cooking Tips
Bed and breakfast inns can share various recipes and cooking tips with their guests to enhance their experience and provide a memorable stay. Here are some examples and details of recipes and cooking tips that bed and breakfast inns can share:
Breakfast Recipes
Bed and breakfast inns are known for their delicious and hearty breakfasts. Sharing recipes for popular breakfast items, such as pancakes, waffles, omelets, and breakfast casseroles, can be a great way to provide guests with a taste of the inn’s signature dishes. Inns can also share recipes for muffins, scones, and other baked goods that guests can enjoy throughout their stay.
Local Cuisine
If the inn is located in a region with a distinctive cuisine, sharing recipes for local dishes can be a great way to introduce guests to the area’s culinary traditions. For example, an inn in New Orleans might share a recipe for gumbo or jambalaya, while an inn in Maine might share a recipe for lobster bisque.
Cooking Tips
In addition to sharing recipes, bed and breakfast inns can also provide cooking tips to help guests improve their culinary skills. Tips on how to properly chop vegetables, cook meat to the correct temperature, or make a perfect roux can be useful to guests who want to learn more about cooking.
Special Diets
Many guests have dietary restrictions or preferences, such as gluten-free or vegan diets. Sharing recipes and cooking tips that cater to these special diets can help guests feel welcome and accommodated.
Snacks and Treats
Bed and breakfast inns can also share recipes for snacks and treats that guests can enjoy throughout the day. Recipes for homemade granola, trail mix, and cookies can be a nice touch and give guests a taste of the inn’s hospitality.
Sharing recipes and cooking tips with guests can be a great way for bed and breakfast inns to create a memorable experience and provide value to their guests.
Bed and Breakfast Email Marketing with Guest Testimonials
Sharing guest testimonials can help build trust and credibility with potential guests. Inns can include positive reviews and comments from previous guests, particularly highlighting their experiences and satisfaction during their stay.
Bed and breakfast guest testimonials are reviews and feedback provided by previous guests of a bed and breakfast establishment. These testimonials typically provide details of the guests’ experiences while staying at the bed and breakfast, including information about accommodations, food, and customer service.
Some examples of bed and breakfast guest testimonials might include comments about the cleanliness of the rooms, the quality of the breakfast, the friendly staff, and the atmosphere of the establishment. Guests might also provide specific details about their stay, such as how comfortable the bed was, whether the room was well-appointed, and whether they enjoyed any extra amenities like a pool or a spa.
Bed and breakfast guest testimonials are so effective because they provide social proof for prospective guests. When a potential guest reads a positive review from someone who has stayed at a bed and breakfast, they are more likely to trust that establishment and book a stay themselves. Testimonials can also help establish a bed and breakfast’s reputation and build trust with potential guests unfamiliar with the establishment.
In addition to providing social proof, bed and breakfast guest testimonials can also be helpful for the bed and breakfast owner or manager. By reading feedback from previous guests, they can identify areas where they need to improve and make changes to ensure that future guests have an even better experience. This feedback loop can help continually improve the quality of the bed and breakfast, and ensure that guests are happy with their stay.
Bed and Breakfast Email Marketing with Property Updates and Renovations
Bed and breakfast owners and innkeepers should share updates and renovations with their guests, as it can help them understand the property’s current condition, enhance their experience, and potentially attract new guests.
Here are some examples and details of B&B property updates and renovations that owners and innkeepers should share with guests:
Room Upgrades
Any changes to the guest rooms, such as new bedding, mattresses, or decor, can significantly improve the guest experience. Updating furniture, fixtures, or bathroom amenities can also enhance guest comfort and satisfaction.
Common Areas
Renovations to common areas, such as the dining room, living room, or outdoor spaces like gardens, patios, or pools, can create a more inviting atmosphere for guests to relax and enjoy their stay. Share any new seating arrangements, decor, or added amenities with guests to promote usage and enjoyment.
Environmental Upgrades
B&B owners who make changes to improve sustainability, such as energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, or recycling programs, should let their guests know. Such upgrades will not only help reduce the carbon footprint but also appeal to guests who are environmentally conscious.
Technology Improvements
Nowadays, guests expect high-speed internet, smart TVs, and other tech-savvy amenities during their stay. If B&B owners upgrade their technology, they should let their guests know about it. A fast and reliable internet connection can help guests stay connected, and updated entertainment options will keep them engaged.
Sharing updates and renovations with guests can also be beneficial for B&B owners.
It shows guests that the owners care about their comfort and satisfaction, which can lead to positive online reviews and word-of-mouth referrals. Guests may also be more likely to return to the property or recommend it to friends and family if they feel the owners value their opinions and feedback.
Property Updates and Renovations
In conclusion, B&B owners and innkeepers should share any property updates and renovations with their guests, as it can enhance the guest experience, attract new guests, and potentially benefit the property’s reputation.
Bed and Breakfast Email Marketing with Personalized Messages
Finally, inns can send personalized messages to guests, such as birthday or anniversary greetings. This can create a sense of connection and loyalty, particularly if the inn offers special perks or discounts to guests celebrating special occasions.
Personalized messages are a great way for bed and breakfast owners and innkeepers to connect with their guests and make their stay more memorable. Here are a few examples of personalized messages and why they are beneficial:
Welcome Message
A personalized welcome message sent before the guest arrives sets the tone for their stay. It lets the guest know that they are valued and that their host is looking forward to their arrival. A welcome message can include details about the room, local attractions, and any special events happening during the guest’s stay.
Check-In Message
A personalized message sent shortly after the guest has checked in can help them feel welcomed and comfortable. The message can include information about the inn, recommendations for local restaurants or activities, and any additional details the guest may need to know.
Birthday or Anniversary Message
If a guest is celebrating a special occasion, a personalized message from the innkeeper can make their stay even more special. A note or card wishing them a happy birthday or anniversary, along with a small gift, such as a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates, shows that the innkeeper has taken the time to make their stay memorable.
Thank You Message
After the guest has checked out, a personalized thank you message can leave a lasting impression. A message thanking the guest for their stay, and perhaps mentioning something specific that the innkeeper enjoyed about their visit, can make the guest feel appreciated and encourage them to return in the future.
Special Requests Message
If a guest has made a special request, such as a dietary restriction or need for extra pillows, a personalized message confirming the request has been noted and will be accommodated can put the guest at ease and make them feel taken care of.
Personalized Messages
Thus, personalized messages are beneficial because they make the guest feel valued and appreciated, and create a more personal connection between the guest and the innkeeper. By taking the time to craft personalized messages, innkeepers can help create a memorable and enjoyable stay for their guests, which can lead to positive reviews, repeat business, and referrals.
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B&B Consulting, led by Licensed Realtor and Broker, Rob Sales, focuses on hospitality real estate in the states of North Carolina and Georgia. Rob, along with his wife Jane, was a successful B&B owner and innkeeper.
With decades of experience, Rob Sales combines his love as well as insights from both the hospitality and real estate industries. This benefits his clients are those who are seeking to buy or sell inns. He also works with investors and other realtors. Connect with Rob Sales over on LinkedIn.