Getting Started

So you have found your dream property, that's half the battle, then you need to decide how you are going to market yourselves.  There are lots of different ways you can do this, which method you choose, rather depends upon your circumstances.  My background is in travel and tourism and after a career in this industry for the last 25 years I felt that I would at least give it a go myself, and if I couldn't manage it or achieve the level of bookings I needed to start making a profit, then I would look for help.  For some cottage owners they may have another career in a completely different industry and instruct an agency to take care of their marketing, property management and weekly changeover and cleaning duties.  Should you decide to go down this route, expect to pay anything from 18% commission for simply taking a booking to a much larger fee, say 50% of your weekly rate should that agency solely manage everything for you.  The type of property you have purchased and it's location will goven how and to whom you market it to.  You may need to think about how to attract walkers, cyclists, dog owners, families, couples and groups - there's a lot to go at there!  Once you have decided who your target market is, then it's time to think about star ratings if that's the route you wish to take and how you are going to furnish your property.  There is a set criteria for achieving 'stars', the more facilities you offer the more brownie points you will gain and the higher your star rating will be.  Another important factor to think about is do you want to offer a 'green and sustainable tourism business'?  This is a growing trend and something that your visitors will wish to see in your business over the years to come.  Next time we will discuss the logistics of running a self catering business, until then...