Top Tips for Attracting More Guests to Your Holiday Cottage

Owning a holiday cottage can be a great way to earn extra income. However, with so much competition, it can be tricky to attract guests consistently. By focusing on kerb appeal, amenities, marketing and reviews, you can set your cottage apart and draw more bookings. This article provides tips tailored for cottage owners looking to boost occupancy rates.

1. Improving Kerb Appeal

A guest's first impression of your cottage starts before they even step inside. Ensuring your property presents an inviting, well-maintained exterior is key. Tidy up the garden by keeping lawns mowed, leaves raked, flowerbeds weeded and rubbish bins out of sight. Plant colourful flowers near the entry to add a welcoming touch. Schedule regular roof cleaning Essex services to wash away moss and debris. A freshly cleaned roof makes your cottage look cared for. Consider also power washing the walls, patio and walkways, especially if it's been a while since you've had the exterior deep cleaned. A fresh facade demonstrates pride of ownership.

Paint or repaint the front door in a bright, eye-catching colour like Post Box Red or Duck Egg Blue. Add kerb appeal features like planter pots, hanging baskets, bench seating and decorative signs, but avoid clutter. Importantly, check that the paths, steps and gates are in good repair to ensure accessibility for all guests. Improvements to the exterior and accessibility show your cottage can accommodate every guest comfortably.

2. Providing Desirable Amenities

After being impressed by your cottage's freshly spruced-up exterior, guests will have high expectations when they step inside. Be sure to provide amenities that deliver comfort, convenience and entertainment to delight guests. Invest in comfortable mattresses, quality pillows, cosy duvets and soft linens. Install blackout curtains or blinds that contribute to a good night's sleep. Offer free, high-speed Wi-Fi so guests can stream shows, work remotely and stay connected throughout their stay.

Outfit the lounge with a smart TV and stock family-friendly DVDs. Provide board games, books, magazines and local attraction guides for entertainment during downtime. Equip the kitchen with all essential modern appliances, cookware, utensils, dishware and glassware. Stock kitchen basics like tea, coffee, sugar, salt, pepper, oil, etc., so guests can cook for themselves. Expand the living space by styling the garden with patio furniture, a grill, a fire pit or a hot tub. These amenities and details provide comfort, convenience and entertainment to impress your guests.

3. Implementing Marketing Strategies

Promote your listing across multiple platforms. Craft an appealing listing with great photos and details. Share social media updates and run occasional targeted ads. Partner with local businesses to coordinate promotions. Optimise with key search terms. Send emails to past guests about deals and availability.

4. Monitoring Reviews

Reviews influence prospective guests, so encourage happy customers to leave positive feedback. Respond professionally to any criticisms and fix recurring issues. Follow up with five-star reviewers to show appreciation and invite returns. Ask for reviews upon departure. Monitoring reviews helps continually improve the guest experience.

With ample research and planning, cottage owners can transform their property into a guest magnet. By focusing on the tips above, you can keep the bookings rolling in and your calendar filled. With a five-star reputation and fantastic word of mouth, your holiday cottage will have guests eager to visit again and again.