Innkeepers entice customers to stay for free, offer gas savings and/or invite Fido and Fluffy to stay, too
News abounds with stories about working folks challenged by the economy who are staying home or close to home rather than going too far away on vacation. Soaring gas prices, air fares are soaring, and a weak dollar, among other hassles don't help either so it takes some creativity, media savvy and moxie to get the word out about your inn.
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When you inn-vite people with a funny heartfelt message that is newsworthy and get it online and offline, they will come and you will reap the benefits.
Consider writing at least one press release a month about your inn, writing a blog with at least 3-5 postings a week with news from your inn, and / or putting a monthly newsletter on your website. If you don't have time and need assistance, consider hiring a professional and experienced writer to do these tasks for you. (Like me, that was a hint)... click here
How can you communicate about your inn in 400 words or less?
After reading what you wrote, would you run not walk to your inn or hit the snooze alarm?
Is your inn a place people tell their friends about? offer your customers incentives to visit your inn with their friends and associates and/or tell them about your inn...
Innkeepers can provide the media with interesting stories, so that journalists will interview, and customers will run not walk to their website to reserve a stay at your inn.
You might even consider telling your inn's tale with animal media spokespersons or animal stories.
Do you know why Geico has a Gecko in their TV commercials? What about Tony the Tiger, Morris the cat, Taco Bell's Chihuahua or Smokey the Bear. During the Super Bowl, the average price for a 30-second spot was $2.5 million. In these ads, many companies portrayed furry animals to convey their message.
Dogs, cats and even fake, stuffed and animated animals can enhance how you tell the world who you are. More than 10 million Americans travel with their pets every year (25% with cats, 75% with dogs). Why? People love animals and don't want to leave home without them. And the media love to highlight good shaggy dog stories. When you touch people's hearts, funny bones and get them talking to one another about your inn, (aka word of mouth), ka-ching... you've written the write stuff.
Below are 12 ideas to jump start your plan to write one press release for every month of the year. Focus upon holidays and pets. Team up and support a local animal organization for one year and include photos and videos with your news releases.
January
Write a press release about the pet rescue/shelter's New Year's Resolutions. Tell a heartwarming tale about a particular dog or cat or horse who stayed or was rescued at your inn. Let the media know that you are donating a percentage of your profits to support these animals.
February
Write about how your inn is now offering pet services such as dog yoga, doggie daycare, dog massage, dog swimming pool and/or a dog bakery or hosting doggie events (parades). For Valentine's, maybe you offer a special treats package. Be creative and pet owners will love to visit your inn again and again.
March
Write a St. Patrick's Day theme such as Green Pet Day or Green Pet Food Day and be sure to make it eco friendly green and highlight all of the earth friendly things your inn is doing. Educate, entertain and inspire.
April
Write about the Easter pet event you are sponsoring. Everyone loves a heartwarming tale. Keep a tally of how many pets your inn has saved, how many pit bulls were rescued, or how your generosity inspired a larger donation to your favorite pet cause.
May
Write about the fundraiser the pet charity is doing with your assistance. Winners receive a free stay at your inn. Promote events ahead of time for maximum coverage.
June
Write tips for keeping pets hydrated during the summer heat. Or safely taking a pet on vacation. Offer gas savings, $50-100 off for a midweek stay.
July
Write about the work of a wonderful local kennel, pet sitter, boarding facility and/or doggie daycare you are affiliated with.
August
Did the dogs from the animal rescue organization receive swimming lessons to enjoy the Dog Days of Summer at your inn, tell the world.
September
Home sweet homes for those cats you have been sponsoring are always a good news brief.
October
Write a spooky story with photos about the pet costume party that your inn is hosting for the pets.
November
How have you answered HOW MANY pet's prayers? Got recipes? Compile a Thanksgiving inn cookbook or calendar with recipes for healthy pet food and treats that pet organizations can sell as a fundraiser.
December
Write about how the community's pet gift giving has made a huge difference in these particular pet's lives and impacted the health of the pet organization.
Voila, you now have a plan for the year. Be sure to post press releases on your website and distribute them to your media contact list and via online press distribution services such as open pr, prweb.com, prleap.com, and others.
CeliaSue Hecht is a published writer, editor and publicist who assists business owners in promoting their products and services. She has been published in more than 40 publications (Top 100 newspapers and national magazines) and has obtained media coverage for authors and entrepreneurs. She offers a range of services, from publicity strategy to press release writing and email newsletter campaigns.((Her blog, Cuppa Writing for the Soul (http://celiasue.wordpress.com) offers free tips and advice for pet owners and innkeepers as well as traveling with dogs tales.
For more information, visit: http://thewritingwiz.googlepages.com/cuppawritingforthesoul