by Steve Short | Aug 17, 2023 | Frictionless Innkeeper Podcasts
Marty and Carmel Etzel bought the Flag House Inn in Annapolis, Maryland, in 2017, with no prior experience or even informal knowledge of running a lodging business. In less than five years, they were able to more than double their bookings and sell the property for twice the amount they paid for it.
Marty discusses their journey, how they were able to accomplish this feat, and how he now parlays his experiences to help other lodging professionals as a consultant for Acorn Marketing.
We are very thankful to Marty for sharing his insights. You can learn more about Acorn Marketing at acorn-is.com.
by Steve Short | Jul 31, 2023 | Frictionless Innkeeper Podcasts
Nothing quite entices guests to book better than high-end, professional photos of your property. Rather than relying on your mobile device for taking amateur photos, there can be a significant return to your investment if you hire a professional.
Tom Krueger is a professional commercial photographer who is focused on the independent lodging niche, and has deep expertise in making any property shine online.
We are very thankful to Tom for sharing his insights with us. You can learn more about Tom’s professional photographer services at tomkrueger.net.
by Steve Short | Jan 18, 2023 | Frictionless Innkeeper Podcasts
Unbeknownst to many independent lodging professionals, Google Travel is playing a significant role in impacting booking by diverting potential guests from the Google Search into its online travel marketplace.
Lisa Kolb, Owner and Co-Founder of Acorn Marketing, discusses everything property owners need to be aware of about Google Travel for maximizing their bookings.
Acorn Marketing offers a comprehensive strategy for helping property owners to re-think traditional SEO and create new revenue opportunities with Google Travel.
We are very thankful to Lisa for sharing her insights with us. You can learn more about Acorn Marketing at acorn-is.com.
by Steve Short | Dec 21, 2022 | Frictionless Innkeeper Podcasts
Often the most significant business challenges can lead to true transformation. This was the case for Rita Sleys, owner and operator of the Rosemont Inn Bed & Breakfast, who found her business at a crossroads.
In 2019, she sought out help from Randy Bangs, owner of Get Heads in Beds, which led to a renovation of her property, an update to the property’s website — and a complete re-focus on her approach to business. As a result, the property is thriving and has more than doubled its revenue.
We are very thankful to Rita for sharing her insights with us. You can learn more about the Rosemont Inn Bed & Breakfast at rosemontinnbb.com.
by Steve Short | Oct 16, 2022 | Frictionless Innkeeper Podcasts
Working with a travel influencer may seem like something only larger hotel brands can afford. In reality, independent lodging properties can also leverage travel influencers to increase visibility for their area and bookings for their property.
Valerie Stimac, a travel blogger and founder of Valerie & Valise, works with a variety of clients and offers an incredibly insightful perspective on how lodging professionals might best engage with travel influencers to benefit their property.
We are very thankful to Valerie for sharing her insights with us. You can learn more about Valerie & Valise at velisemag.com.