At PAII 2007, we did a presentation called “Creative Electronic Marketing: Proven Methods to Reach Profitability.”  At the time this was mostly about email marketing, and in several of the slides we pointed out the Top Ten Topics to include in newsletters about the Inn.  We concluded the seminar with examples, both good and bad, of Inn newsletters and blogs.  The Blog part was something very new to the Bed and Breakfast Industry in 2007, and it provoked a lot of discussion.  Most Innkeepers at the time thought that Blogging was a waste of their very precious time. 

I think by now in 2009, most Innkeepers have a clearer understanding of the necessity of Blogging in their overall electronic marketing plan.  In fact we have moved past that somewhat with the newer forms of Social Media such as Twitter (see Twitter Part 3).  The major problem that Innkeepers face in keeping up with their blogging, apart from the time it takes, is really what to write about.   Simply put, sitting and staring at the computer screen waiting for inspiration is not a pleasant task.  More important, writing the best things on your blog is the most important way to drive new business to the Inn.  So what should your write about?  Here are our suggestions from 2007 which are still very relevant today.

TOP TEN BLOG TOPICS:

1.       Local Restaurant Reviews.

2.       Local Shopping Attractions.

3.       Local Special Events (Christmas Prelude or Stroll, February is for Lovers, Chamber of Commerce/CVB events).

4.       Local Attractions: Ten Top Things to do and see in your area (Personalized!).

5.       Inn Specials and Packages.

6.       Let’s have fun! (Show off your personality).

7.       Group Marketing.  Cross Promotions with other Inns.

8.       Recipes.

9.       Local Real Estate.

10.     Innkeeping 101.

The whole idea is to paint a word picture in the reader’s mind about the ambiance of the Inn, the personalities of the Innkeepers, and most of all what great things are happening in your area.  They want to know why they should come to your area, and if they are coming there, why should they stay at your Inn as opposed to the other choices.  So you need to differentiate yourself from your competition, not by telling why you are better, but instead by showing what makes you so special and unique. 

In addition, here is a list of things that you probably should not write about: your family, your pets, the weather, how hard it is to be an Innkeeper, stories about the guests doing bad or stupid things, and especially about your personal successes or problems. 

So, there you are.  Now you have no excuse about what to write for your blog, and remember if you do not like to blog or don’t have the time, give us a call and let us talk to you about our new Blogging and Social Media services. 

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