New Owner Needs Advice

[Happy Keeper]

Oh, the website is http://www.boisehillsidesuites.com if you want to look at it..

Okay- I remember what our first website was like and yours is much better. You have to start somewhere, and it looks like you did well for a starter.
What I noticed right off is that (probably because you are not yet open) is that it looked a little like a vacant model home in the otherwise great photos. As soon as you can get soon foodstuffs in your snack bar shot and some product in your other shots, switch them out.
How exciting to be just starting out! Congratulations! The views looked great.

 

[Proud Texan]

One important factor that is good on multiple levels is to network and trade links with area attractions. Google looks at this for SEO ranking and we have noticed a marked increase in reservations since doing so. A lot of people find us that didn't even know they were looking for us.

By networking, you increase web exposure and business for yourself AND your networking partners.

 

[OnTheShore]

I was trying to stay out of this as there are so many diff comments, but listen DON'T POST YOUR WEBSITE on this advice "There are tons of free sites you can get listed on." Don't do it, unless it is a state tourism website that you are able to list your URL as a part of a business in the state, don't jump on all the TONS OF FREE SITES as this guy mentions, you will be sorry later. NOTHING IS FREE. READ MY LIPS. NOTHING IS FREE.
Take it slow, be smart in your approach. Remember anyone can comment on this forum after given a user id, no matter what sort of links and expertise they toss on their signature line, don't think all advice here is the best, take it with a grain of salt.
On that note, go to your neighboring inns listing, do a google search, see the top 10 listing for that inn and then consider if you should a) fork over the dough for those, or b) choose the top three or four and test the water a bit.
In the past we have said "If you are in a highly touristy area" ie many B&B's to choose from., then you need to be on all the same directories and listings the other inns are. Now a guest will choose you from just one, which one? We don't always know, they may follow a rabbit trail to get to you.
If you are not in a touristy area, you may be able to stand on your own two feet, get blogging, get info out there about your inn, please don't post on every tom dick and harry free website (you will NEVER be able to change the info, have any control over the info and they might in fact HURT you in the long run).
All the best..

I was trying to stay out of this as there are so many diff comments, but listen DON'T POST YOUR WEBSITE on this advice "There are tons of free sites you can get listed on." Don't do it, unless it is a state tourism website that you are able to list your URL as a part of a business in the state, don't jump on all the TONS OF FREE SITES as this guy mentions, you will be sorry later. NOTHING IS FREE. READ MY LIPS. NOTHING IS FREE.

What is the downside? I did a fair amount of this, and I do not feel it has hurt us. but now i am worried.
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Pretty much what Joey said. There are no updates to these sites. Once on there, they go defunct and the info is out there until the domain name gets bought by some spammer who then loads up the free directory with porn and there's your lovely B&B on the same page.
I just don't like dealing with incessant telemarketers so I avoid free sites unless they are good sites like my state tourism site.
BTW, we have been getting a bill every quarter from a directory that claims they have our listing on 6 different websites. NONE of the info is correct. Almost all of the listings on the websites are wrong. We get calls for places nowhere near here because these losers listed our phone number against someone else's name. So, why not fix it? Because I have to pay them $300 to make the changes. THIS is how this particular directory makes money. Pay up and we'll fix the errors.
Another reason to avoid a website that says your listing is free.
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Once you've been in business for a while, you will be listed on all kinds of directory sites whether you want to be or not. Search on your phone number or mailing address and see what turns up. Most of these sites do allow businesses to "claim" their listing, and many use some sort of verification either involving a phone call to the listed number or a domain-name based e-mail, and once you've claimed it you can edit it to correct mis-information, or possibly even have the listing deleted if that's what you want. I would say it probably is better for you to go ahead and claim your own business listing on these directories than it is to ignore them (especially if they are incorrect). Note that I am talking about general business directory sites like Manta, Hotfrog, Merchant Circle, etc... and not necessarily B&B specific directories (I don't have any experience with those). As to the spam e-mail these sites generate, you can control that if you have claimed your listing -- most have a way to set e-mail preferences for what you want to get and not get. I find that Manta's small business tip of the day is often pretty good, for example, so I am subscribed to that. I have a filter on my e-mail program that routes all these e-mails out of my regular inbox into a special folder.
One place where you definitely do want to be listed is Google Places...
On the other hand, I do get a constant stream of invitations to list on various industry specific directories for a special introductory rate, or with a free one year membership, blah blah blah. Today it was Reco...Inns.com, yesterday Bn...Star.com -- These I just delete (without even looking for a "take me off your list" link, which maybe I should).

 

[gillumhouse]

One thing you have never mentioned - have you joined the Idaho B & B Association? If you have not, you should. THEY are also the ones who can best advise you of what is and is not allowed in Idaho.

 

[DH22]

I was trying to stay out of this as there are so many diff comments, but listen DON'T POST YOUR WEBSITE on this advice "There are tons of free sites you can get listed on." Don't do it, unless it is a state tourism website that you are able to list your URL as a part of a business in the state, don't jump on all the TONS OF FREE SITES as this guy mentions, you will be sorry later. NOTHING IS FREE. READ MY LIPS. NOTHING IS FREE.
Take it slow, be smart in your approach. Remember anyone can comment on this forum after given a user id, no matter what sort of links and expertise they toss on their signature line, don't think all advice here is the best, take it with a grain of salt.
On that note, go to your neighboring inns listing, do a google search, see the top 10 listing for that inn and then consider if you should a) fork over the dough for those, or b) choose the top three or four and test the water a bit.
In the past we have said "If you are in a highly touristy area" ie many B&B's to choose from., then you need to be on all the same directories and listings the other inns are. Now a guest will choose you from just one, which one? We don't always know, they may follow a rabbit trail to get to you.
If you are not in a touristy area, you may be able to stand on your own two feet, get blogging, get info out there about your inn, please don't post on every tom dick and harry free website (you will NEVER be able to change the info, have any control over the info and they might in fact HURT you in the long run).
All the best..

There are plenty of legitimitely free sites and some of them are important to get listed on. Some of the free sites do try to sell advertising, but you don't need to buy it (and shouldn't, none of it is worth it).
Of course there are lots of trash sites out there where I would not sign up. I think most problem sites I have seen are bed and breakfast directories. If you haven't heard of them, do your research before signing up. Or you can just avoid any bed and breakfast directories you aren't familiar with since they are usually junk sites.
I have had no issues whatsover with our 30+ free listings. We have had calls occasionally from some trying to sell adverstising, but only a minor annoyance. None of them have any rates or really any information that could change. It is usually just name, address, phone, website, and a description. I suspect those who have had problems have had them with the junk bed and breakfast directories which I don't sign up for. I do have a separate e-mail and use different passwords on any sites that are not as well established.
Getting your link out there is crucial for SEO and these free listings do help. While SEO is the main reason we list on these sites, we do also get bookings occasionally from them (including yp.com and yellowbook.com).
You will be missing out if you do not get your website link on at least the more established free websites.
Header
I noticed you changed the header. I am not sure if that was in response to my comments but the image linked to below shows what I meant. It is just showing one possibility, but my main point is I think there is too much empty green space in a very valuable area of the webpage. It would be better if it was condensed so those beautiful photos are higher up on the page. I love the changes you made to the rest of the site since I looked earlier today though. Lookin' good.
s15.postimage.org/5euy28hqj/boisehillsidesuites.jpg
I see you have a Facebook page now, but the link at the top left still goes to your old profile.

 

[Happy Keeper]

One important factor that is good on multiple levels is to network and trade links with area attractions. Google looks at this for SEO ranking and we have noticed a marked increase in reservations since doing so. A lot of people find us that didn't even know they were looking for us.

By networking, you increase web exposure and business for yourself AND your networking partners..

Absolutely! So often overlooked and so very important. It still amazes me that I find a strange resistance from other innkeepers about building partnerships. It has made a huge difference in page ranking.

 

[fsconsult]

Apart from the local newspapers, can you join a local chamber of commerce or business group that may put out a newsletter or After Business Hours meeting? Any local bloggers that could put the word out and do a sneak peek review (plus their link to your site would help your search rankings)?
Besides a Facebook page, you can create a Facebook Places listing so people can "check in" to your property via the Facebook website/app. You can do the same thing for Foursquare.
I would investigate Airbnb.com to see if it would be worthwhile to list your property there, and I may consider doing a Groupon special to give your business a jumpstart, especially during a slower period.
You could also partner with some local businesses for an opening day/weekend special- maybe you can get a discount on for spa services somewhere, or flowers in the rooms from a local shower shop (who could promote the B&B at their business).
Just a few ideas to help you out.

 

[Proud Texan]

My 2 cents.
It might be my connection, but your website seems to load incredibly slow.
I'm not sure what you're using for your slide show, but you might switch to javascript. If you are using Flash, remember that Adobe Flash is not compatible with iPad and other widely used devices.

 

[Samster]

Have you contacted your local convention and visitors bureau or your State association? At least they are a presence whose link love will help you.
Best of luck!