Episodes

  • #29 Social Media for B&B Owners: It's Not All About Direct Bookings

    #29 Social Media for B&B Owners: It's Not All About Direct Bookings
    Jan 23 2025

    Social Media for B&B Owners: It’s Not All About Direct Bookings

    Learn how to use social media as a tool to connect with guests, showcase your B&B’s personality, and build lasting relationships—without relying on it for direct bookings.

    B&B expert Karen Thorne of Bed and Breakfast Academy shares how social media can support your business while discussing the risks of over-reliance and what to do if you decide social media isn’t for you.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    • Why social media isn’t just a sales tool for running a B&B
    • The 80/20 rule: how to balance connecting with guests and promoting your business
    • The surprising benefits of building relationships over the “slow burn” of social media
    • Why social media is one piece of the puzzle when starting a bed and breakfast
    • How to handle an exit from social media (and why deleting old accounts is key)
    • The importance of diversifying your marketing efforts with blogs and email newsletters
    • How Karen built trust with repeat guests through consistent, authentic social media posts

    Whether you’re running a B&B or starting a bed and breakfast, this episode is packed with insights to help you market smarter, not harder!

    Follow Karen

    Bed and Breakfast Academy Website
    Bed and Breakfast Academy Mini-Workshop
    Full B&B Course

    Rate, Review, & Follow the Podcast

    Don’t forget to follow the podcast. Karen is adding new episodes regularly, and if you’re not following, you might miss out. Follow now so you never miss an episode!
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    15 mins
  • #28 - Real-Life Tales from Running a Bed and Breakfast (and What You Can Learn)

    #28 - Real-Life Tales from Running a Bed and Breakfast (and What You Can Learn)
    Dec 20 2024
    Real-Life Tales from Running a Bed and Breakfast (and What You Can Learn) In this festive episode, I share some of the funniest and most memorable moments from my 17 years of running an award-winning B&B in Shropshire. From spider mishaps to dog antics, and even a few guest mix-ups, this light-hearted look back at my time as a B&B owner is sure to bring a smile to your face. Whether you’re dreaming about starting a B&B, already running a bed and breakfast, or just curious about the pros and cons of running a B&B, this episode offers a fun glimpse into the real-life experiences of a B&B host. For a more serious podcast about the Pros and Cons of Running a B&B listen to this podcast. Key Topics Covered: Introduction My background running a successful B&B and teaching aspiring B&B owners since 2006.Why I decided to share funny anecdotes for my final podcast of 2024. The Realities of Running a Bed and Breakfast The inevitability of things going wrong and how to prepare for them.Insights from Benjamin Franklin and Jay Shetty about preparing for the unexpected.How to navigate the challenges of running a B&B with preparation and a sense of humour. Spider Mishaps The oversized spiders that come with living in a converted granary.The time a guest unknowingly carried a house spider on her shoulder at breakfast.How a disappearing spider in a pile of towels led to a neighbourly favour I’ll never forget.A particularly awkward post-shower encounter with an eight-legged visitor. Learning Point: While dealing with critters may not be glamorous, having a plan in place for pests is essential for maintaining calm and providing a great guest experience. Dog Antics in a Bed and Breakfast Mitsi and Murphy, my rescue dogs with big personalities.Mitsi's "goose" moment with a guest and her sleepover with a guest's greyhound.Murphy’s muddy paw prints, stolen croissants, and an embarrassing skirt-pulling incident.The accidental guest "in the lounge" misunderstanding that didn’t go quite as planned. Learning Point: Running a B&B with dogs can delight animal-loving guests but requires clear boundaries and preparation to avoid mishaps. Learn more in my blog posts: How to Run a Dog-Friendly B&B and Running a B&B and Owning a Dog. Funny Guest Mix-Ups Inviting a teenager looking for a party to his “room.”Mistaking two Jehovah’s Witnesses for course participants during a busy training day. Learning Point: Establishing a clear check-in process may not seem exciting but can save you from awkward situations and help create a professional first impression. Running a Bed and Breakfast with Chickens Managing chickens at a B&B and dealing with the aftermath of a fox attack.Puss the hen, her knitted chicken jumper, and a guest’s amusing question about “pregnancy.” Learning Point: Guests may not always understand the realities of keeping animals, but handling their concerns with empathy and sensitivity helps maintain a welcoming atmosphere. Why Listen to This Episode? If you’ve ever wondered about the day-to-day realities of running a bed and breakfast, or you’re considering starting a B&B yourself, this episode offers a light-hearted but honest perspective. You’ll hear real-life stories that highlight the quirky, funny, and sometimes surprising side of hosting guests. Resources for Aspiring and Current B&B Owners: Mini Workshop: Basics of Setting Up a B&B – A great place to start if you’re dreaming of opening your own bed and breakfast.Full Online Course: How to Set Up and Run a B&B – Everything you need to know to turn your dream into a reality. Subscribe to the Podcast: Stay updated with new episodes packed with tips for marketing a B&B, improving your guest experience, and navigating the ups and downs of running a bed and breakfast. Subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. If you celebrate Christmas, I wish you a very happy one! If not, I hope you enjoy some time to relax and recharge over the holiday season. See you in 2025, and happy hosting!
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    18 mins
  • #27: Behind the Scenes of Running a B&B with Kate O’Donovan | Bed and Breakfast Academy

    #27: Behind the Scenes of Running a B&B with Kate O’Donovan | Bed and Breakfast Academy
    Nov 21 2024
    Behind the Scenes of Running a B&B with Kate O’Donovan | Bed and Breakfast Academy

    In this episode, I’m joined by Kate O’Donovan, owner of Maple Bank B&B in the stunning UK Lake District and a graduate of my B&B Academy course. Kate shares her journey from corporate life to running a thriving seven-room B&B and offers practical insights for aspiring and current B&B owners.

    Whether you're dreaming of starting your own B&B or looking for inspiration to improve your guest experience, this episode is packed with valuable advice and honest reflections on what it’s really like to run a bed and breakfast.

    Key Topics Covered: Introduction:
    • My background and experience running a B&B and training owners since 2006.
    • Introducing Kate O’Donovan, her background, and the story behind Maple Bank B&B.
    Choosing the Right Location:
    • Why Kate and her mum chose the Lake District for their B&B.
    • How location impacts year-round business opportunities and guest demographics.
    Creating an Exceptional Guest Experience:
    • The importance of focusing on how guests feel during their stay.
    • Practical ways to make guests feel at home, from thoughtful touches to dog-friendly amenities.
    The Realities of Running a B&B:
    • Managing guest expectations and setting clear boundaries to protect your time and well-being.
    • Strategies for dealing with negative reviews and unexpected challenges.
    The Importance of Work Experience:
    • How real-world experience can help aspiring B&B owners decide if the lifestyle is right for them.
    • Kate’s new mini work experience programme for potential B&B owners.
    Lessons Learned:
    • Why it’s critical to delegate tasks and focus on what you do best.
    • Kate’s advice for balancing the financial and emotional demands of running a B&B.
    Connect with Kate:

    Visit Maple Bank B&B at www.maplebank.co.uk for more information or to get in touch with Kate.

    Connect with Me:

    Visit Bed and Breakfast Academy for more blog posts, podcasts, and courses.
    Check out the mini workshop for those considering starting a B&B.
    Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or Apple to stay updated with new episodes.

    Enjoy the episode, and happy hosting!
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    57 mins
  • #26 Choosing the Right Online Booking Engine for Your B&B with Heather Scott of Freetobook

    #26 Choosing the Right Online Booking Engine for Your B&B with Heather Scott of Freetobook
    Sep 29 2024
    Choosing the Right Online Booking Platform for Your B&B | Bed and Breakfast Academy

    Join me as I chat with Heather Scott from the International Booking Engine Platform, Freetobook, about the key considerations when selecting an online booking platform for your bed and breakfast.

    Heather shares her wealth of experience as a former B&B owner and current account manager for Freetobook, offering practical insights for B&B owners at every stage.

    Key Topics Covered: Introduction:
    • My background and experience running a B&B and training owners since 2006.
    • Introducing Heather Scott, her experience as a former B&B owner and her current role at Freetobook.
    What is a Booking Engine?
    • Differences between booking engines, PMS (property management systems), and channel managers.
    • How a booking engine manages bookings, payments, and guest communications.
    Why You Need a Booking Engine:

    The essential role booking engines play in guest convenience and business profitability.

    Why not having an online booking system could hurt your business.

    Key Features to Look for in a Booking Platform:
    • Online booking capability for customers.
    • Payment processing and security (GDPR, multi-factor authentication).
    • Channel management to sync with platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb. Communication features to build guest relationships.
    • Reporting and analytics for managing occupancy, pricing, and more.
    How to Choose the Right Platform:
    • Practical tips for researching booking engines, including seeking recommendations and testing user experience.
    • Understanding pricing models—monthly fees, pay-as-you-go, and hidden charges.
    • Key questions to ask potential providers, such as support availability and flexibility with online travel agents (OTAs).
    Connect with Heather and Freetobook:

    Visit Freetobook at www.freetobook.co.uk to book a demo or contact their support team in Glasgow.

    Connect with Me:

    Visit Bed and Breakfast Academy for more blog posts, podcasts, and courses.

    Check out the mini workshop for those considering starting a B&B.

    Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or Apple to stay updated with new episodes.

    Enjoy the episode and happy hosting!
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • #25 What to Put in Your Guest Welcome Basket

    #25 What to Put in Your Guest Welcome Basket
    Jul 19 2024

    Join me as I share my experience on creating a memorable welcome basket for your B&B guests. With over 17 years of experience running my own B&B and training hundreds of B&B owners since 2006, I provide practical tips and ideas to enhance your guest experience, ensuring they become loyal and repeat customers.

    Key Topics Covered: Introduction:
    • My background and experience in the B&B industry.
    • Transition from in-person to online training.
    Why a Welcome Basket?
    • Importance of making guests feel special.
    • How welcome baskets can enhance guest experience and encourage repeat visits.
    What to Include in a Welcome Basket:
    • Homemade treats like lemon drizzle cake and shortbread.
    • Local produce and goodies.
    • Options for guests with dietary restrictions.
    • Examples of non-food items: toiletries, postcards, and local guides.
    Tailoring Your Welcome Basket:
    • Adjusting offerings based on guest type and stay duration.
    • Considering your budget and pricing.
    Reviewing and Updating Your Basket:
    • Importance of guest feedback.
    • Regularly updating the basket contents to keep them fresh and appealing.
    Offering Different Tiers:
    • Creating special incentives for email subscribers and repeat guests.
    • Examples of added benefits: early check-in, late check-out, and special treats.
    Charging for Extras:
    • Balancing free items with optional purchasable extras.
    • Encouraging guests to buy additional items without detracting from the overall experience.
    Resources Mentioned:
    • Out of Eden
    • Blog post on "How to Cater for Guests with Special Dietary Requirements"
    • Lemon drizzle cake and shortbread recipes on the blog
    • Blog post on "Choosing the Right Toiletries for Your B&B"
    • Blog post on "What to Put in Your Guest Welcome Basket"
    • Blog post on "Do you Need a Licence to Sell Alcohol to Guests"
    Connect with Me:

    Visit Bed and Breakfast Academy for more blog posts, podcasts, and courses.

    Check out the mini workshop for those considering starting a B&B.

    Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or Apple to stay updated with new episodes.

    Enjoy the episode and happy hosting!
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    24 mins
  • #24 The Importance of Knowing Your B&B Guest - Marketing Tip #9

    #24 The Importance of Knowing Your B&B Guest - Marketing Tip #9
    Mar 14 2024

    Welcome to the B&B Academy podcast.

    I'm Karen, the founder and owner of Bed and Breakfast Academy, helping aspiring and existing B&B owners to create a B&B lifestyle you'll love living with guests who become loyal fans and keep returning.

    Visit the Bed and Breakfast Academy Website for more information about the Online Course and Mini Workshop.

    In this episode, which is #9 in the Taking Control of your B&B Marketing 2024 series, I delve into the significance of understanding your ideal bed and breakfast (B&B) guests to simplify marketing efforts. I emphasise the need for clarity in defining your ideal guest profile, enabling tailored marketing strategies and enhancing guest satisfaction.

    I share insights on how guest demographics and preferences can evolve over time, influenced by factors such as changing trends and external events like the COVID-19 pandemic. By focusing on a few key guest profiles, B&B owners can streamline marketing efforts and create a more personalised guest experience.

    I also highlight the significance of staying informed about discrimination laws and adapting marketing messages accordingly. Overall, the episode provides practical tips for B&B owners to attract and retain loyal guests while optimising marketing strategies.

    Other blog posts mentioned in this episode:

    • Marketing Tip #6 - 6 Reasons to Write a blog for your bed and breakfast
    • Marketing Tip #7 How does Pinterest work and why you need it for your B&B
    • Marketing Tip #8 3 Reasons why email marketing is important for your B&B
    • You can find out more about protected characteristics on the Equality and Human Rights Commission website here in the UK >> Protected Characteristics.
    • Thinking of running a dog friendly B&B? Check out this blog post here >> A practical guide to running a dog friendly B&B
    • Your Smile File - Take control of your B&B Marketing in 2024
    • Your FAQ File - How to use frequently asked questions for effective B&B Marketing
    • And those negative reviews - Using negative reviews to market your B&B
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    19 mins
  • #23 Turn a Negative Review into a Marketing Opportunity

    #23 Turn a Negative Review into a Marketing Opportunity
    Feb 5 2024

    Welcome to the B&B Academy podcast.

    I'm Karen, the founder and owner of Bed and Breakfast Academy, helping aspiring and existing B&B owners to create a B&B lifestyle you'll love living with guests who become loyal fans and keep returning.

    In today's episode, I share practical steps to take control of your B&B marketing in 2024. Learn more about how you can make more effective use of your website to get more direct bookings.

    Visit the Bed and Breakfast Academy Website for more information about the Online Course and Mini Workshop.

    Read the corresponding blog post

    In this latest podcast episode,I delve into the art of turning negative reviews into positive marketing opportunities for your B&B.

    Discover how to respond tactfully and professionally to criticism, even when it seems unfair.

    From acknowledging guest feedback to highlighting your B&B's unique attributes, learn valuable strategies to enhance your online reputation and attract more guests.

    Join me as I explore the power of constructive communication and the importance of maintaining a positive image in the competitive hospitality industry.
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    20 mins
  • #22 Making Effective Use of Your B&B Websites

    #22 Making Effective Use of Your B&B Websites
    Jan 26 2024

    Welcome to the B&B Academy podcast.

    I'm Karen, the founder and owner of Bed and Breakfast Academy, helping aspiring and existing B&B owners to create a B&B lifestyle you'll love living with guests who become loyal fans and keep returning.

    In today's episode, I share practical steps to take control of your B&B marketing in 2024. Learn more about how you can make more effective use of your website to get more direct bookings.

    Visit the Bed and Breakfast Academy Website for more information about the Online Course and Mini Workshop.

    Read the corresponding blog post

    Other blog posts mentioned in this podcast:

    How to Use FAQs to Effectively Market a Bed and Breakfast

    How to Use ChatGPT to Write Blog Posts Faster as a B&B Owner

    Podcast Summary:

    • Introduction: Discuss the significance of a Bed and Breakfast (B&B) website and the need for regular evaluation to ensure it remains current and accurately represents the business.
    • The Purpose of a B&B Website: Highlight the primary goal of a B&B website which is to generate business by converting website visitors into guests. Discuss how showcasing unique selling points and providing clear online booking options can facilitate this.
    • Website Discoverability: Discuss the importance of website discoverability and how to determine if your website is being found.
    • Use of Google Analytics 4: Explain how Google Analytics 4 can be used to track visits to your website and gather important data.
    • How Guests Find Your Website: Discuss the various ways prospective customers might find your B&B website.
    • Website Aesthetics and User-Friendliness: Discuss the importance of accurately portraying the B&B experience on the website and ensuring the site is easy for the customer to navigate.
    • The Importance of a Blog and Email Sign-ups: Highlight the benefits of having a blog and an email sign-up form on your B&B website.
    • Conclusion: Recap the importance of having a well-designed, user-friendly, and discoverable website for your B&B business. Discuss how each aspect of your website contributes to creating an online presence that fosters guest engagement and conversions.
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    28 mins