Boost Your Bookings: A Simple Guide to Link Building for the Holiday Accommodation Industry

Are you running a lovely B&B, cosy guesthouse, or charming holiday let? Want to get more bookings without spending a fortune on adverts? Then it’s time to learn about link building!

What’s Link Building All About?

Think of link building as getting other websites to recommend your accommodation. When reputable sites link to yours, it’s like getting a thumbs-up from a trusted friend. This makes search engines like Google think, “Hey, this place must be good!” As a result, your website shows up higher in search results when people look for places to stay.

Finding the Right Websites

Now, you wouldn’t ask a vegetarian restaurant to recommend your steakhouse, would you? The same goes for link building. You want links from websites that holidaymakers actually visit. Look for travel blogs, tourism websites, and online magazines that focus on UK holidays.

One great example is BritishHolidaysDirect.co.uk. They’re all about UK holidays and attract loads of people planning their next getaway. Getting a mention on a site like this could really boost your bookings!

Paying for Articles: A Smart Investment

While some websites might accept guest posts for free, many popular travel sites now charge for featuring your accommodation. This isn’t a bad thing – it’s actually a smart investment in your business!

Here’s why paying for articles can be beneficial:

1. Professional Writing: These sites have experienced writers who know how to create engaging content that appeals to their readers.
2. Built-in Audience: You’re tapping into an existing audience of potential guests.
3. SEO Benefits: Links from reputable sites can significantly boost your search engine rankings.
4. Long-term Exposure: Articles often stay up indefinitely, providing ongoing visibility for your accommodation.

Costs and What to Expect

The cost of an article can vary depending on the website’s popularity and reach. Here’s a general idea:

• Smaller blogs (Domain Authority 20-30): £50-£150
• Mid-range travel sites (Domain Authority 30-50): £150-£300
• Popular travel platforms: £300-£500+

Remember, while these costs might seem high at first, think about the potential return. Just one or two bookings could cover the cost, and you’re likely to see benefits for months or even years to come.

What You’re Paying For

When you pay for an article, you’re usually getting:

1. A professionally written piece about your accommodation
2. High-quality photos (either ones you provide or stock images)
3. A link back to your website
4. Exposure to the site’s audience via their website, newsletter, and social media channels

Some sites, like BritishHolidaysDirect.co.uk, might offer additional perks such as featuring your property in their search results or including you in themed roundups (e.g., “Top 10 Pet-Friendly Cottages in Cornwall”).

Making the Most of Your Investment

To get the best value for your money:

1. Choose Wisely: Look for sites that cater to your target audience. If you run a luxury B&B, a backpacker’s blog might not be the best fit.
2. Provide Good Information: Give the website plenty of details about what makes your accommodation special.
3. Share High-Quality Photos: Great images can make a huge difference in attracting potential guests.
4. Be Responsive: If the article allows for comments, respond promptly to any questions from readers.

Building Relationships

Even when you’re paying for articles, it’s good to build relationships with travel websites and bloggers. Share their posts on social media, engage with their content, and keep them updated on any news or improvements at your property. This can lead to additional mentions or features down the line.

Patience Pays Off

Remember, link building takes time. Don’t expect to see results overnight. But stick with it, and you’ll gradually see more visitors coming to your website – and more importantly, more bookings rolling in!

So, ready to give it a go? Start by researching UK travel websites like BritishHolidaysDirect.co.uk and reaching out about featuring your accommodation. Who knows? Your next fully-booked season might be just a few articles away!

Happy linking, and here’s to your accommodation success!