Should You Pay for a B&B Directory Listing?

Bed and Breakfast directory listings are still an important part of B&B Internet marketing.  If you are already listing with the major B&B directories and with your local B&B association, then you are on the right track.  If your occupancy rates are still below expectations or you think you are spending too much on directories, then it might be time to figure out which directory listings to drop and perhaps replace with another bed and breakfast listing.

B&B Directory Performance: Get the Stats

The first step is to sign up for a free Google Analytics account. There are other analytics tools available for the B&B industry but you will have to pay for them. Google gives you all the basic info you need to make smart decisions. Once you have gathered a few months of traffic intelligence via analytics, you should consider dropping any directory listing that has not resulted in traffic or bookings. Keep those that pay for themselves. Consider adding paid directory listings that seem to rank well when you search for B&B’s in your area or if the B&B directory specializes in your marketing niche. Continuously evaluate your directory subscriptions each year to ensure that they are still producing guest stays.

B&B Association Membership and Website link

Most experienced innkeepers know that belonging to a B&B association is a good idea.  It is important to maintain your local B&B association Website listing even if the link does not appear to result in direct search traffic to your site. Travelers may check the B&B association Website to ensure that your B&B is a legitimate establishment even if they do not click on the link from the B&B association Website to yours.