Behind the scenes of the first year running Sunnyside Cottage

In June 2023, I launched my first pet-related business, a dog-friendly holiday let called Sunnyside Cottage in Robin Hood’s Bay.

In the first year, the bookings and takings have doubled compared to the previous year, and I’m sharing how in this podcast episode.

It has always been a dream to have a holiday cottage and to make it as dog-welcoming as possible, so this has been an absolute joy.

It’s also been an opportunity to try out the tactics I teach my clients when it comes to publicity and visibility.

Since opening the doors, I’ve worked with journalists, bloggers, and influencers to get the word out about Sunnyside Cottage and put it firmly on the dog-friendly map.

With social media, I’ve used Instagram and Facebook and cross-promoted through my blog and the social media pages of my coaching business.

I’ve also utilised the network I’ve built up in the industry and been fortunate to have friends and family spread the word.

This episode takes you behind the scenes so you can see what I’ve learned, plus tips and insights you can apply to your business.

Key topics and timings in this episode:

0.40 - What to expect from this episode.

2.19 - Background to how I came to buy the cottage.

3.25 - Celebrating being fully booked this summer.

4.07 - The increase in income at the cottage from £12,000 a year to £23,000.

5.06 - Keeping the expenses lean and why I’m a frugal Fiona!

6.16 - The support I have from Baytown Holiday Cottages when it comes to marketing the cottage.

7.20 - The first set of publicity we had including the Guardian, The Sun, Yorks Press, Dotty4Paws and WoofWagWalk and from Lynne Taylor coaching.

9.10 - PR and reviews since August 2023.

18.03 - Newsletter and blog coverage that has led to bookings and inquiries.

20.40 - Why it helps to take people on the journey with you.

21.05 - Why you SHOULD get excited about your business.

21.27 - How taking care of guests will pay off and why you can’t be too over the top!

22.52 - Using your network to build your client base and cross-promoting on your other social media.

24.02 - The importance in having courage in your own convictions and doing what you think is right for your business and ignoring what other people say!

26.10 - Why there is no ‘one thing’ that has made Sunnyside a success but lots of things working together.

26.45 - Striving for constant improvement.

27.05 - Supporting people who have supported me when it comes to items I have in the cottage.

29.03 - Ways we can work together if you’re feeling inspired and want to work on raising your profile.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Book your stay at Sunnyside Cottage on the Baytown Website: https://baytownholidaycottages.co.uk/our-cottages/property?s=sunnyside-cottage-robin-hoods-bay

Doing visibility my way at Sunnyside Cottage

https://rachelspencer.co.uk/behind-the-scenes-sunnyside-cottage/

Is this the UK’s most dog-loving holiday cottage: https://houndy.dogfuriendly.com/sunnyside-cottage-most-dog-loving-escape-in-robin-hoods-bay/

The car-free seaside town with the best fish and chips: https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/24472698/north-yorkshire-robin-hood-bay-staycation-travel-fish-chips/

Sunnyside Cottage wins award from Theo Paphitis: https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/24144500.sunnyside-cottage-wins-award-dragons-den-star-theo-paphitis/

Yorkshire’s most dog-friendly cottage wins award from Theo Paphitis: https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/business/yorkshires-most-dog-friendly-holiday-cottage-in-robin-hoods-bay-receives-award-from-dragons-den-star-theo-paphitis-4535881