Earn free press for your bed and breakfast! It’s a simple way to boost visibility, attract more guests, and build your reputation—all without spending money on ads. Moreover, positive media coverage can turn your B&B into a must-visit destination, thus helping you stand out. But how do you grab the attention of journalists and bloggers?
The secret is a well-prepared press kit. A press kit is a collection of key details and visuals about your B&B that makes it easy for the media to cover your story. For instance, it should feature high-quality photos, videos, your inn’s history, and guest reviews. With a professional press kit, your chances of being featured in newspapers, magazines, and online sites increase—earning you free press.
Think of the press kit as a one-stop resource for journalists. Thus, include eye-catching photos, your inn’s story, and what makes your B&B special.
An organized press kit is crucial. In addition, it makes a reporter’s job easier. Of course, the easier you make their job, the more likely they are to write about your inn. In the next section, we’ll break down what to include in your press kit, and how each part can help your B&B shine in the spotlight.
Highlighting Your B&B’s Unique Features to Earn Free Press
Amenities
One of the best ways to make your bed and breakfast stand out is by offering great amenities. For instance, these features make your guests’ stay more comfortable, enjoyable, and memorable. Thus, including them in your press kit is essential, because it shows both guests and the media what makes your B&B unique.
First, start by listing everything your B&B offers. For example, this could be cozy fireplaces, soft bedding, private hot tubs, or a beautiful garden. Moreover, don’t forget the small touches guests love, like a coffee station, free Wi-Fi, or board games in the common area. In addition, if you offer gourmet breakfasts with local ingredients, be sure to highlight that.
These perks don’t just impress guests—they catch the eye of journalists looking for unique spots to feature. Thus, when your press kit clearly showcases your amenities, it makes it easier for the media to write about your B&B. For example, a writer might include your inn in a list of the coziest winter getaways or best spots with scenic views.
By showcasing your amenities, you’ll attract more guests and increase your chances of media coverage. As you know, in the competitive hospitality industry, every detail matters. Thus, make sure your press kit highlights what makes your B&B stand out from the rest.
Awards and Recognitions
Awards and recognitions are powerful tools to boost your bed and breakfast’s reputation. As a result, they act like endorsements, showing that guests and industry experts value your B&B. Thus, including them in your press kit is crucial, because they quickly build trust and make your inn stand out to journalists.
When a B&B wins an award—whether for outstanding service, hospitality, or a unique feature like gourmet breakfasts—it sends a clear message. It tells potential guests and the media that your inn is among the best. Awards from respected organizations, travel magazines, or review sites set your B&B apart from the competition. Thus, featuring these awards in your press kit shows journalists that your B&B is worth covering, which can help you earn free press.
Beyond credibility, awards give journalists a compelling reason to write about your inn. For example, reporters often seek the “best of the best,” and an award-winning B&B is a story worth telling. For instance, you can pitch articles that highlight what makes your inn special, such as eco-friendly practices, historic charm, or exceptional guest experiences.
If your B&B won “Best Romantic Getaway,” it could lead to features in travel blogs, lifestyle magazines, or local news. Thus, awards give the media a clear reason to spotlight your B&B, increasing your chances of free press and attracting more guests seeking a top-rated experience.
Current Promotions and Special Packages
Creative promotions and special packages attract media attention and guests. As a result, these offers give guests unique experiences and provide journalists with newsworthy content. Thus, adding current promotions to your press kit boosts your B&B’s visibility.
Seasonal packages tied to holidays or events create excitement and interest. For example, a “Fall Foliage Getaway” might include a scenic tour and hot apple cider. Moreover, during the holidays, a “Christmas at the Inn” package could feature festive décor and treats. Thus, these packages appeal to guests and give journalists great stories.
Special packages can showcase your B&B’s unique features. For example, a “Gourmet Weekend” could include cooking classes and a local dinner. Moreover, a “Romantic Getaway” might offer champagne, chocolates, and a private dinner.
Thus, updating your press kit with promotions keeps your B&B fresh and relevant. Journalists always seek new content, and these packages provide great features. Moreover, this can help you earn free press and grow your business.
Use Visual and Interactive Media to Earn Free Press
High-Resolution Photos
In the digital age, visuals matter more than ever. Thus, high-quality photos are key to a strong press kit. Specifically, these photos create the first impression of your bed and breakfast, showcasing its charm to journalists and guests.
High-resolution images are essential for ready-to-use media content. Thus, they should feature cozy rooms, inviting areas, beautiful gardens, and delicious breakfasts. Moreover, the goal is to visually tell your inn’s unique story.
Journalists work with tight deadlines and need high-quality images fast. Thus, adding professional photos boosts the chances of media coverage. Therefore, these images help your B&B stand out in a crowded market.
Ensure your photos are clear and well-organized. For instance, capture sunlit breakfasts, cozy reading spots, and crisp linens. Thus, beautiful photos make your press kit a powerful tool for free press. Furthermore, this showcases your B&B in the best possible way.
B&B Videos Can Earn Free Press
Videos are a powerful way to bring your bed and breakfast to life. First, they showcase the unique atmosphere and experiences your property offers. Moreover, while photos capture moments, videos provide a more immersive experience. Viewers can see, hear, and feel what it’s like to stay at your inn. Thus, including high-quality videos in your press kit engages both journalists and potential guests.
Videos highlight the warmth and charm of your B&B in ways photos can’t. For instance, a video tour can guide viewers through your inviting rooms and peaceful spaces. For example, you can also use videos to feature special events, like weddings or cooking classes. Thus, these visual stories help journalists quickly understand what makes your B&B unique.
Many journalists and bloggers now seek multimedia content for their stories and social media. Videos easily enhance their articles, thus giving readers a richer experience. Therefore, a well-made video can also act as a virtual tour, showing potential guests your property before they book.
To make the most of your videos, ensure they are professionally shot with clear sound and good lighting. Moreover, short videos work best, capturing the essence of your B&B in just a few minutes. Thus, including these videos in your press kit boosts your chances for free press and attracts more guests.
Map of the Area and Nearby Attractions
A well-designed map does more than guide guests—it showcases your bed and breakfast. In particular, it highlights your B&B as the perfect starting point for exploring the local area. Thus, including a map in your press kit adds useful info and boosts your inn’s appeal.
Place branding shows what makes your location unique. For instance, a map with nearby attractions like parks, shops, or restaurants gives guests clear activity options. Thus, when journalists see your B&B near these spots, it enhances their stories.
A map also helps the media understand your B&B’s location benefits. For example, if your inn is close to trails, shops, or landmarks, it attracts guests looking for experiences, not just a place to stay. Moreover, journalists writing travel pieces are more likely to feature your B&B when they see its proximity to local activities.
Thus, a map positions your B&B as the gateway to regional highlights. Whether guests want outdoor adventures or great food, your inn becomes the ideal base. Therefore, including a map in your press kit boosts your chances of free press, highlighting your B&B and its surroundings.
Telling Your B&B’s Story to Earn Free Press
Storytelling is a powerful way to get media attention and make your B&B stand out. Moreover, journalists love unique stories that resonate with their readers, and your inn’s history can provide that.
Sharing your inn’s story—whether it’s the building’s history, your journey as an innkeeper, or special guest experiences—captures attention. In addition, these stories add character, making your B&B memorable. Thus, in a crowded market, personal stories can set your inn apart. Moreover, this also gives journalists a compelling reason to feature your B&B in articles, blogs, and travel guides.
The Human Element: Information About the Innkeepers/Owners
One of the most interesting aspects of any bed and breakfast is its owners. For instance, journalists and readers love personal stories. Thus, sharing your journey as an innkeeper attracts media attention. Therefore, by telling your story, you build a deeper connection with your audience, thus making your B&B feel more relatable and memorable.
When sharing, focus on what makes you unique. First, start with your background—how did you enter hospitality? Then answer, Why did you open a bed and breakfast? Maybe you left a corporate job to follow a dream or restored a family home into a B&B. Thus, including these personal details add depth to your story.
Also, share your hobbies and passions. Whether you’re a gourmet cook, a gardener, or an art lover, these touches make your B&B special. For example, if pets or family members help run the inn, mention them. These details add warmth and personality to your story.
By highlighting the human side of your B&B, you create a compelling narrative. This increases your chances to earn free media, and it attracts guests who appreciate a personal touch.
Historical Context: History of Your B&B
The history of your bed and breakfast is a great way to create stories that stand out to guests and journalists. For instance, a well-told history adds character, turning your B&B from a place to stay into a destination with a story. Thus, for writers focused on heritage and travel, these stories can help you earn free press.
Start by sharing the origins of your property. For instance, was your B&B once a historic home, farmhouse, or old inn that has hosted guests for years? Mention any important events or famous people connected to the property. For example, if a local historical figure lived there or if your inn played a role in a major event, these details add interest.
Show how your inn’s history shapes its charm today. Maybe you’ve kept original features or decorated with antiques from that time. Moreover, these touches add authenticity and create a unique experience for guests.
For travel and heritage writers, a B&B with a rich past offers great material. Including your property’s history in your press kit gives writers a story that appeals to fans of historical travel or architecture. Thus, highlighting your inn’s history can help set it apart. Moreover, you increase its chances of being featured in travel guides and historical publications.
Building and Maintaining Credibility to Earn Free Press
Building a strong reputation is key to attracting media and earning free press. First, your press kit plays a major role by showcasing your B&B’s best features. Moreover, a well-made press kit highlights what makes your inn special and builds trust with journalists.
In this section, we’ll explore how to present your B&B as a trusted destination. Include guest reviews, past media coverage, and an authentic story about your inn. Therefore, these elements strengthen your reputation and increase your chances to earn free press.
Leveraging Social Proof to Earn Free Press
Feature Online Guest Reviews
Online guest reviews are a powerful way to build trust and credibility for your B&B. Positive reviews from real guests add authenticity to your press kit, boosting confidence in your inn. Thus, when potential guests and journalists see great reviews, they view your B&B more favorably.
Including a few top reviews in your press kit highlights guest satisfaction. Choose reviews that showcase cozy rooms, tasty breakfasts, or excellent service. Therefore, these examples help journalists write compelling stories about your B&B.
Also, add links to full profiles on sites like TripAdvisor or Yelp. This allows journalists to read more feedback and see your high ratings. Thus, sharing these links shows transparency and proves your credibility.
Using guest reviews creates strong social proof and boosts your reputation. This attracts more guests and increases your chances of earning free press, as journalists prefer B&Bs with a proven track record.
Share Previous Press Coverage to Earn Free Press
Showcasing past press coverage builds trust with journalists and boosts your B&B’s credibility. If well-known publications have featured your inn, it signals to others that your B&B is newsworthy. Thus, including these features in your press kit highlights your inn’s appeal and makes it look trustworthy.
Start by adding a “Featured In” section to your press kit or website. Display logos or headlines from publications that covered your B&B. This visual endorsement shows that respected sources recognize your property. Moreover, journalists are more likely to cover a B&B that has already gained positive media attention.
Past press coverage can also help pitch new stories. Thus, mention previous features when contacting journalists to show your inn has been recognized. In addition, you can use these mentions to suggest new story angles, like renovations or updates. For example, if your B&B was praised for historic charm, pitch a follow-up on improvements that maintain comfort and charm.
By leveraging past media features, you boost your B&B’s reputation and inspire new stories. Thus, this helps maintain a strong media presence and increases your chances to earn free press, bringing more visibility and guests.
Engaging with the Media and Public
Use Social Media Content to Earn Free Press
In today’s digital world, social media is key to boosting press outreach and trust. For instance, platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest showcase your B&B’s best features and connect with guests. Thus, by posting high-quality content often, you attract both guests and journalists.
Social media isn’t just for promotion—it tells your B&B’s story in real time. For example, sharing room photos, guest videos, and local event posts builds a visual connection. Thus, this content keeps followers engaged and gives journalists material for writing about your inn.
Encourage journalists to follow your social media, which keeps you on their radar. For instance, tag outlets and use relevant hashtags to increase visibility. In addition, invite journalists to follow for updates, special offers, and behind-the-scenes content. Thus, this keeps them engaged and makes featuring your inn easier.
Consistently, engaging social media boosts press outreach and builds credibility. Thus, when journalists see your active, well-loved presence, they view your B&B as desirable. Therefore, this leads to more free press and more guests booking stays.
Write Your B&B Blog Content to Attract Free Press
Your bed and breakfast’s blog is more than just updates—it’s a resource for journalists. For example, they can find story ideas, expert insights, and unique content. Thus, by regularly posting valuable content, you make your B&B a go-to source for media.
A well-maintained blog gives journalists material for compelling stories. For instance, write about local events, attractions, or your town’s history to offer content that fits travel features. Thus, sharing your knowledge and love for the area not only attracts guests, but catches journalists’ attention.
Your blog also highlights what makes your B&B unique. For example, posts about behind-the-scenes activities or romantic getaway tips add personality to your brand. Thus, journalists seeking fresh ideas often look for insider views, making your blog a great tool for earning press.
Ensure your blog is easy to navigate and visually appealing. Organized categories help journalists quickly find relevant information. Moreover, by consistently posting quality content, your blog becomes a trusted resource, boosting credibility and increasing press opportunities.
Media Resources To Earn Free Press
We have featured the top media from three states (North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia), including magazines, newspapers, radio stations, and television stations. These are the three states that B&B Consulting’s Realtor Rob Sales is licensed to help buyers and sellers with properties.
North Carolina Media Resources to Earn Free Press (in Alphabetical Order)
North Carolina Magazines to Earn Free Press
Business North Carolina (Magazine) | This magazine reaches business professionals and could help attract business travelers or corporate retreat bookings at a bed and breakfast. | businessnc.com
INDY Week (Magazine) | Covers lifestyle, culture, and travel in the Triangle area (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill), ideal for reaching a diverse and urban audience. | indyweek.com
Our State Magazine (Magazine) | This publication celebrates North Carolina’s culture, history, and travel destinations. It is perfect for attracting tourists looking for unique local experiences. | ourstate.com
North Carolina Newspapers to Earn Free Press
Asheville Citizen-Times (Newspaper) | Asheville is a major tourist destination in North Carolina, especially for those interested in mountain getaways. Moreover, being featured here could attract visitors to a bed and breakfast in or around Asheville. | citizen-times.com
Carolina Public Press (Newspaper) | Focuses on in-depth local and regional news, providing the opportunity to feature a bed and breakfast as a unique stay in its coverage area. | carolinapublicpress.org
Charlotte Observer (Newspaper) | As North Carolina’s largest newspaper, a feature here would give the bed and breakfast significant visibility, especially to those in the Charlotte area. | charlotteobserver.com
Fayetteville Observer (Newspaper) | The largest newspaper in southeastern North Carolina, it reaches a wide audience interested in travel accommodations in that region. | fayobserver.com
Port City Daily (Newspaper) | A key source for news in the coastal region, it is an excellent choice for bed and breakfasts near Wilmington or other coastal towns. | portcitydaily.com
Raleigh News & Observer (Newspaper) | One of North Carolina’s largest newspapers, ideal for reaching a broad and engaged readership, particularly for inns near the Raleigh area. | newsobserver.com
North Carolina Radio Stations to Earn Free Press
Blue Ridge Public Radio (Radio Station) | Covers the scenic Blue Ridge region and often highlights travel and tourism stories, making it ideal for inns near the Blue Ridge Mountains. | bpr.org
North Carolina Public Radio – WUNC (Radio Station) | Broadcasts across the state, focusing on news, culture, and human interest stories. Its broad reach makes it ideal for promoting travel-related businesses like bed and breakfasts. | wunc.org
WFAE 90.7 Charlotte’s NPR News Source (Radio Station) | Serves the Charlotte metro area, covering news, culture, and local events. Featuring a bed and breakfast here could attract both local and visiting guests. | wfae.org
North Carolina Television Stations to Earn Free Press
Spectrum News 1 North Carolina (Television Station) | A statewide cable news network that provides 24/7 coverage of news, weather, and local events. It’s a great platform for promoting bed and breakfasts to a wide North Carolina audience. | spectrumlocalnews.com/nc
WRAL-TV (Television Station) | Based in Raleigh, WRAL is one of the top news stations in North Carolina. It covers local news, weather, and events, making it ideal for promoting businesses such as bed and breakfasts. | wral.com
WSOC-TV (Television Station) | A popular television station in Charlotte, covering local news, events, and human interest stories. Featuring a bed and breakfast here would reach a large audience in the Charlotte area and beyond. | wsoctv.com
South Carolina Media Resources to Earn Free Press (in Alphabetical Order)
South Carolina Magazines to Earn Free Press
Charleston Magazine (Magazine) | Focused on Charleston’s lifestyle, culture, and travel, this magazine reaches a high-end audience interested in unique accommodations like bed and breakfasts. | charlestonmag.com
Columbia Metropolitan Magazine (Magazine) | This lifestyle magazine focuses on the greater Columbia area, offering features on local businesses, travel, and accommodations, perfect for promoting a bed and breakfast in central South Carolina. | columbiametro.com
South Carolina Living (Magazine) | This magazine highlights South Carolina’s people, places, and businesses, with a strong focus on local tourism, making it ideal for promoting a bed and breakfast. | scliving.coop
South Carolina Newspapers to Earn Free Press
The Post and Courier (Newspaper) | The largest newspaper in South Carolina, based in Charleston. It offers extensive coverage of local news, tourism, and business, which would be beneficial for attracting guests to a bed and breakfast in the state. | postandcourier.com
The State (Newspaper) | Based in Columbia, this newspaper covers statewide news and is widely read across South Carolina, offering significant visibility for a bed and breakfast. | thestate.com
Myrtle Beach Sun News (Newspaper) | As a primary source of news for the Myrtle Beach area, this newspaper could help attract tourists looking for unique stays along the coast. | myrtlebeachonline.com
South Carolina Radio Stations to Earn Free Press
South Carolina Public Radio (Radio Station) | Provides statewide coverage with news and features, including stories on travel and tourism, making it a good outlet for promoting a bed and breakfast. | southcarolinapublicradio.org
WSCI 89.3 FM Charleston (Radio Station) | Part of South Carolina Public Radio, WSCI focuses on cultural programs, news, and features, making it a great choice for promoting travel-related businesses in the Charleston area. | southcarolinapublicradio.org
WROQ 101.1 FM (Radio Station) | A popular classic rock station based in Greenville. With a wide listener base, it can be a good platform to reach potential visitors who enjoy unique accommodations. | classicrock1011.com
South Carolina Television Stations to Earn Free Press
WCSC-TV (Television Station) | Based in Charleston, WCSC-TV provides local news, weather, and features. It’s one of the most-watched stations in the Lowcountry, making it a strong option for promoting bed and breakfasts. | live5news.com
WIS-TV (Television Station) | A major television station based in Columbia, WIS-TV offers broad coverage of local news and events, providing a large platform for promoting bed and breakfast inns. | wistv.com
WPDE ABC 15 (Television Station) | Serving the Myrtle Beach and Pee Dee areas, this station offers strong local news coverage and features, which makes it ideal for promoting bed and breakfasts along the coast. | wpde.com
Georgia Media Resources to Earn Free Press (in Alphabetical Order)
Georgia Magazines to Earn Free Press
Atlanta Magazine (Magazine) | This lifestyle and culture magazine covers topics such as travel, food, and local events, making it ideal for promoting unique accommodations like bed and breakfasts. | atlantamagazine.com
Georgia Trend (Magazine) | This business-focused magazine reaches professionals and leaders throughout Georgia, making it a great outlet for attracting corporate travelers or event planners looking for unique lodging options. | georgiatrend.com
South Magazine (Magazine) | A lifestyle magazine that covers travel, culture, and entertainment in Savannah and the southern region of Georgia. Perfect for promoting luxury or boutique bed and breakfasts. | southmag.com
Southern Living (Magazine) | While this magazine covers the entire Southern United States, it is widely read in Georgia and is a go-to source for travel and lifestyle tips, making it perfect for promoting bed and breakfasts. | southernliving.com
Georgia Newspapers to Earn Free Press
Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Newspaper) | The largest newspaper in Georgia, offering significant reach across the state. Featuring a bed and breakfast here would provide broad visibility, particularly in the Atlanta metropolitan area. | ajc.com
Augusta Chronicle (Newspaper) | A key source of news for Augusta and its surrounding areas, offering an opportunity to reach both locals and visitors in the eastern part of Georgia. | augustachronicle.com
Macon Telegraph (Newspaper) | The leading newspaper in central Georgia, providing good visibility for bed and breakfasts located in or around the Macon area. | macon.com
Savannah Morning News (Newspaper) | This newspaper focuses on the Savannah area, a popular tourist destination, making it ideal for promoting bed and breakfasts in coastal Georgia. | savannahnow.com
Georgia Radio Stations to Earn Free Press
Georgia Public Broadcasting (Radio Station) | GPB provides statewide coverage and features various programs, including travel and culture stories, making it a good platform to reach potential guests across Georgia. | gpb.org
WABE 90.1 FM (Radio Station) | Atlanta’s NPR station focuses on news, culture, and lifestyle stories. It’s a great station to feature a bed and breakfast for exposure to both local and traveling audiences. | wabe.org
WSB Radio 95.5 FM/AM 750 (Radio Station) | One of Atlanta’s most-listened-to radio stations, WSB covers news, weather, and features. It provides broad exposure for businesses like bed and breakfasts. | wsbradio.com
Georgia Television Stations to Earn Free Press
WSB-TV (Television Station) | One of Georgia’s most-watched TV stations, based in Atlanta. It provides a large audience and is an ideal platform for promoting local businesses, including bed and breakfasts. | wsbtv.com
WJCL 22 ABC (Television Station) | Based in Savannah, this station offers local news coverage, making it a great platform to promote bed and breakfasts in the Savannah area. | wjcl.com
WGCL-TV (Television Station) | CBS 46 in Atlanta covers local news, weather, and events, making it an ideal station for reaching a broad audience across Georgia. | cbs46.com
Putting It All Together To Earn Free Press
A well-made press kit is essential for gaining free press and boosting your B&B’s visibility. Thus, key elements include amenities, awards, promotions, photos, videos, a map, and stories about your inn’s history. Moreover, adding guest reviews, past media coverage, engaging social media, and a helpful blog strengthens your credibility.
Ensure your press kit is visually appealing and easy to navigate. In addition, providing a digital version on your website gives journalists quick access.
Thus, update your press kit regularly to keep it fresh and relevant. Moreover, sharing it often with the media increases your chances of being featured. In short, a complete press kit helps your B&B get media attention and improves your reputation.
B&B Consulting
Are you thinking of buying or selling a bed and breakfast inn or other hospitality property? Licensed Realtor Rob Sales can certainly help. Rob Sales is a trusted expert, who has been in the real estate industry for several decades. In addition, he and his wife Jane were successful bed and breakfast inn owners and innkeepers. Thus, Rob knows the right questions to ask from both perspectives: real estate and hospitality business. Contact Rob Sales for a complementary phone consultation.