As we’re always stressing here at freetobook, there’s strength in numbers. It’s easy for B&Bs and guest houses to feel isolated when it comes to marketing themselves properly. That’s why our new venture is potentially such good news for property owners everywhere.

Using our substantial experience in software development, we have created a bespoke site for the 50 members of the Ayrshire Bed and Breakfast Association, known as ABBA. The newly launched site – www.ayrshireBandB.com – gives each of the property owners a profile to showcase their B&B or guest house.  It goes over and above the usual ‘directory-style’ website and provides members with a full e-commerce online booking system.

From ABBA’s point of view the new website is aimed not only at driving more bookings but also promoting Ayrshire’s attractions including its castles, beaches, historic buildings and Burns’ landmarks.

ABBA’s Vice-Chairman, Charlie Steele, runs a four-bedroom B&B in Ayr town centre. He said: “We decided we wanted a website that would look professional, and be simple for the customer to book a B&B. We looked at many website designers, and in the end settled with the freetobook team, as they had years of experience in the tourism market, and really understood what we needed.”

“This site offers tremendous potential to drive new business to our members’ properties and to showcase what Ayrshire has to offer as a holiday and short-break destination.”

“Each owner has control over their own details and can update and change their content and photographs very simply. The system makes it extremely easy to keep availability up to date.”

We plan to roll out similar sites working in conjunction with other groups of B&B owners throughout the country. So if you and other property owners in your area are interested in growing stronger together, do get in touch.