How Can We Really Get Our Business (Cabins/Lodging) Out There?

I took a peek at your web site: Some suggestions. The stock photos on your front page aren't doing you justice. You have some amazing scenery to show off, I'd leverage that. Also, I tried to use your online booking, and I could not get it to select dates, so you may want to have that checked out.

I like most of what you are doing on Facebook, I'd show off the cabin interiors more. I'd try Instagram, the travel niche is big.

Overall I think the web site could use some freshening up and better photos, more SEO to help with rankings. You're getting good reviews, make sure you have claimed your google business page and get reviews there as well. You know who you want to market to, I'd do some direct outreach to ministries, and churches, perhaps yoga and meditation practices, that would benefit from a 40 person cabin. If I can be of service, feel free to reach out!

Have you tried listing your properties on Homeaway/VRBO or Airbnb? It is only 399.00 per year for Homeaway and a 3% transaction fee, and Airbnb is Free. Well worth it! Also try offering things for free! Guests love anything free! We offer a free Continental Breakfast (pastries and coffee), linen service, and towel service. We also have a professional Real Estate photographer take beautiful color photos to highlight the bedrooms, outdoor and indoor living areas, etc. Good high quality photos will sell your property every time! Run low season specials! Run a "Book 6 nights get the 7th free" special! Good luck!

1. Always use social media -- especially when you have a service that includes beautiful scenic views or amazing activities. Like a website, social media is a hardworking salesperson available 24/7. People will do their research on your business, so make sure to beat them to the punch with amazing content!

2. Partner with surrounding businesses. Collaborate with local businesses in the area to set up mutual deals. This way you're expanding your network and they'll also work hard to bring in customers. It's a win-win.

3. Target events/camps/retreats that you can host at your business. They will expose your cabin to a larger circle of people who will always keep you in mind if they're in the area or as a referral.

Extra: Also, your brand image has huge impact when people are unfamiliar with your business. It can be the deciding factor between choosing you or someone else. Make sure you present your business in the best light – it will show that you care which will make customers feel that you'll care for them too.

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou

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I own a branding service that is built for small businesses and makes having quality branding a reachable goal even for the 10 person operation.

If interested, check out my website!
www.woodajor.com

Lincoln and Jamie

We have a small cabin management company on the Tennessee side of the Smokies http://www.cabinsinthecloudscabinrentals.com/. I wish there was one good answer for you. We belong to a Smoky Mountain Cabin Owners forum. A couple people have great luck with Flipkey and AirBnB. We have never had good luck with these two. Our main site where we get bookings is VRBO.

I think it is crucial to have your own rental website. We also work with an SEO person who lists us on many other sites that bring referrals to our website and who also works on getting our website high in the Search engine results.

All good suggestions here. Ar you local? Can you join a local BNI group where people refer to you (and vice versa)? These groups meet weekly I believe.

I have found that it takes a lot of time to follow all of these leads with very little payout in the short term. However, building up referrals and returning guests takes a lot of work. Eventually, you will get there.

How about Wedding planners? The Smokies is the second most popular place to be married. You could ask to be listed on the websites of wedding planners, ministers websites, locations that host weddings and receptions. Put a link to their website on your website and ask them to do the same.

Good luck and thanks for opening up the discussion.

Mary Beth Schaefer

Marketing/Outreach 101.

You have to aim at a specific target, make a list of potential clients, craft a message that will attract like the gospel, and have a system to bring them on and make them so satisfied they tell others.

Have you done any of that? I just stayed in Pigeon Forge, so understand what you are asking. Most ministries don't understand marketing/outreach.

What your ministry really needs is to invest in a system that will bring in people. It's not a simple answer. People will guess on here with 'try Facebook!' or 'Try this!' But everything is a system and merely chasing after guesses will waste a lot of your time and money. Plus get you frustrated.

Eccl 3.1: Is it time your ministry invested in a solution?

Mark
[email address]

Roll up your sleeves! No one single answer....are you members of your local Convention and Visitors Bureau? Do they (or another similar organization) have a group sales dept? If so, invite them for a tour and show them how beautiful your cabins and group lodges are. Do you ask for guests to review you on Trip Advisor? Do you have a social media presence? What about belonging to a Tour Bus (Smoking Mountain Tours) Association? Have you looked into a website directory called Resorts and Lodges, I think? I agree with the Homeway/VRBO comment, too ! I personally think your 50% occupancy is great - wish I had that so I'll learn from your question! Good luck!

Web suggestion: airbnb, travel sites and social media.

B2B: event planners, corporate retreats so talk to coordinators and some local social media influence that focus on trekking, hiking or new places to explore.

B2P: this suggestion only works depends on your location and the are that the cabin is known for.

For camping: market to local sports store and have them put your info on the counter.

For fishing: bait and tackle store and fishing clubs.

For snow sports: travel agency or even local promoters.

For escape: go to your local chamber and join. Then requestion a meet up for the entire network to meet at the cabin for a night of drinks and snacks. Them offer all who book before they leave will get a discount.

Classic wine dine and deal strategy.

Last don't stop there keep hosting annual event that can show case the cabins to your local. Focus on building your bread and butter before trying to catch fish with your bare hand.

I am a firm believer in great chambers of commerce. This exposes you to many businesses. Ask them what is a good lead and they will in turn ask the same of you. Building relationships for those referral. Practice your 30 second elevator speech!

Wear you brand name and a smile everywhere so people ask questions.

I found that a website and Social Media seem to be the easiest way. Also, if you do some targeted Ads online.

I have couple of suggestions:

I visited your website, and the first impression I got was that 'It is for Christian family'. If that is your business model fine. Second impression I got was that your website is pretty old, with low res images, not good font selection, ameturish and bit harder to navigate. It is also not very mobile friendly.