Learn effective BnB communication strategies to make every guest feel special from the moment they book to the time they leave.
How you talk to your guests, either in a written or verbal form, is critical to the overall satisfaction and perception of the visit, more so in the bed and breakfast world.
For owners, mastering the art of BnB communication strategies holds far more at stake than just the mere exchange of information. Rather, it becomes a prime opportunity to further develop the guest experience. From relationship creation to repeat business development.
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Let’s explore how the style of communication can be adapted to the different needs of your guests, and offer practical ways to easily adapt to ensure each guest feels valued and appreciated.
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Establishing a Welcoming Tone from the First Interaction
The first contact with guests, be it by telephone, email, or in person, set the pace for the stay. This means it has to be friendly, inviting, and professional, with warm personal regards towards the guest by name, expressing real pleasure about their stay. For example, a simple statement such as, “We’re looking forward to welcoming you, Mr. Smith, and hope that you’ll have a nice stay with us.” This makes guests feel that their time is valued and important, starting on a positive footing.
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Adapting BnB Communication Strategies to Guest Preferences
Get to know the different tendencies and preferences in the communication of the guests. Some may tend to prefer their way to be more direct and have exchanges kept at a minimum, while others will tend to like a much more personal and detailed conversational style. Pay attention to cues in the early interactions. For example, when a guest asks many questions about the local area, they might be willing to stay and talk, asking a lot more questions.
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Enhancing Communication Through Personal
Personalizing communication with a guest goes far beyond just using their name. It involves sharing information that aligns with their interests and the purpose of their visit. For instance, if you learn that a guest is looking for relaxation, you might highlight the quieter areas of the B&B or suggest a local spa. This level of personalization shows that you genuinely care about their needs and are committed to enhancing their experience.
Using Technology to Enhance Communication
Leveraging technology effectively can greatly enhance your communication with guests at your bed and breakfast. By using tools like automated booking confirmations and pre-arrival emails, you can efficiently share important details about what guests can expect during their stay. Additionally, following up with guests to gather feedback after their visit helps maintain high standards of service.
Using messaging apps or SMS, caters to guests who prefer digital communication, providing them with instant updates and a written record of all interactions. This approach not only meets guests’ preferences but also ensures that everyone involved has a clear, documented communication trail.
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Training Staff to Reflect Your Brand’s Voice
Every interaction with a guest should reflect the core values and unique style of your bed & breakfast. All your team members must be not only trained in fundamental customer service skills but also in the specific communication style that embodies your brand.
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For instance, if your B&B is known for its warm and friendly atmosphere, this should be evident in how your staff communicates. Encourage your team to engage in warm, chatty, and conversational interactions with guests at every opportunity, thereby reinforcing the homey feel that may have attracted your guests in the first place.
Confused by the barrage of statistics and strategic planning for your B&B? We’ve got the perfect solution! Our ‘Crafting the Perfect Stay – 25 Essential Insights for Bed and Breakfast Owners’ PDF is your free lifeline. It’s as essential as your daily coffee, packed with actionable insights. Grab yours today and begin the journey to transform your B&B into an extraordinary experience for every guest!
How do you tailor your interactions to make each guest feel special? Share your strategies in the comments below!
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In Conclusion
Effective BnB communication strategies are more than a business tactic in itself. It is so critical an element that it might take your guest experiences to a level where a satisfied customer becomes a returning customer and an advocate for your business through word of mouth. Personalize your style of communication to the one they would prefer, and make sure that every piece of contact is relevant and personal. You will increase the satisfaction of your guests and will contribute to the long-lasting success of your B&B.
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In the next episode, I will talk about Dealing with Complaints Gracefully.
⇒ TO READ OR LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE ON KEYSTONE HOSPITALITY PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT
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Serious about taking your business to the next level? Sign up for the “Inn-side Track: Mastering Your B&B Business” course
https://courses.keystonehospitalitydevelopment.com/course/inn-side-track-mastering-your-bb-business/
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Grab your copy of the “Crafting the Perfect Stay: 25 Essential Insights for Bed and Breakfast Owners” PDF
https://bedsbreakfastsbusiness.com/crafting-the-perfect-stay-25-essential-insights-for-bed-and-breakfast-owners-download
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.Gerry MacPherson
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