Lesson Topic: Incorporating Self-Marketing Merchandise Into Your Bed & Breakfast Guest Experience

Lesson Objectives:

1. Understand the importance of personal branding and custom design elements in creating a unique Bed & Breakfast (B&B) guest experience.
2. Identify key areas within a B&B or rental unit where custom design elements can enhance the guest experience and contribute to increased profitability.
3. Learn strategies for incorporating self-marketing merchandise (e.g., logoed items like t-shirts, mugs, and hats) into your B&B business model.
4. Develop a plan for creating and integrating custom design elements and merchandise into your B&B spaces.

The Power of Custom Design Elements

• Discussion:
  • Explore the importance of leaving a personal design mark on B&B spaces. Emphasize how this differs from traditional rental property design.
  • Highlight examples of successful B&Bs that have used custom design elements to stand out in the market.
  • Discuss the balance between creativity and practicality, especially in spaces where wear and tear could be a concern.

Incorporating Self-Marketing Merchandise

• Lecture: Michaelson will
  • Explain how self-marketing merchandise can serve as both a branding tool and an additional revenue stream.
  • Provide examples of merchandise that can be easily integrated into the guest experience, such as logoed t-shirts, mugs, hats, and more.
  • Discuss how merchandise can enhance the overall theme and branding of the B&B, making the stay more memorable for guests.
• Activity:
  • Design Challenge: Each student selects a design theme for their B&B and brainstorms three types of merchandise that align with that theme. Students will then present their ideas to comments section.

Conclusion

• Summary:
  • We discussed the importance of unique design elements, the role of self-marketing merchandise, and practical steps for implementation.
  • Also we talked about developing you custom design and merchandising plan as part of their overall B&B business strategy.
• Assignment:
  • You'll need to create a detailed plan for integrating one custom design element and one piece of self-marketing merchandise into their B&B. Presenting your design ideas for other to give their input is optional

Article published on PublishOx and Medium

If You Create a 'No Money Down' Deal to Build a Lucrative BnB, Do This, Not That

When it comes to running a successful Bed & Breakfast (B&B) or rental property, many owners focus solely on the basics: clean sheets, comfortable beds, and a good location. While these are essential, there’s a missed opportunity that can significantly elevate your business and set it apart from the competition: incorporating self-marketing merchandise and personal design elements into your guest experience.

The Power of Personal Design in Your B&B

One of the most effective ways to distinguish your B&B from the countless others on the market is by infusing an element of your personality into the design theme. Many property owners shy away from personal touches, especially in month-to-month rental spaces, because they fear that tenants might not appreciate or maintain these features. However, when done thoughtfully and with moderation, custom design elements can enhance the guest experience and even justify higher rental rates.

For example, adding a unique piece of art or a custom-built furniture item can create a memorable experience for your guests, turning an ordinary stay into something special. While it’s true that you should be cautious about incorporating too many custom features in spaces where tenants could potentially damage them, B&Bs offer the perfect environment to showcase your creativity.

Enhancing the Guest Experience with Unique Design Elements

In the competitive world of B&Bs, creating a space that feels distinctly different from a guest’s own home is crucial. After all, why would someone pay to stay somewhere that looks exactly like where they came from? The goal should be to create an extraordinary environment that provides an escape from the ordinary.

Unfortunately, many Airbnb and B&B listings fail because they play it too safe. These spaces often end up feeling like a generic “home away from home” rather than a unique, memorable experience. Guests are looking for something special, something that stands out. By carefully curating the design of your B&B, you can create an environment that not only meets but exceeds their expectations.

From the color scheme to the furniture, every element should be chosen with purpose. Consider integrating your brand’s logo subtly into the design—perhaps as part of the artwork on the walls or the pattern on the throw pillows. These small touches can make a significant impact, helping your B&B stay top of mind long after the guest has checked out.

The Role of Self-Marketing Merchandise

Once you’ve established a distinct design theme, you can take your branding a step further by offering self-marketing merchandise. This not only reinforces your brand but also provides an additional revenue stream. Imagine a guest enjoying their morning coffee in a mug with your B&B’s logo on it, or wearing a comfortable hoodie they purchased during their stay. These items serve as both a memento of their experience and a way to spread the word about your business.

However, it’s important not to simply slap your logo on a few items and hope they sell. Your merchandise should be thoughtfully designed to complement the overall aesthetic of your B&B. The items you choose—whether t-shirts, hats, mugs, or other goods—should align with the vibe and experience you’re creating. For example, if your B&B has a cozy, rustic feel, consider offering merchandise that reflects that theme, such as hand-crafted wooden coasters or vintage-inspired keychains.

Maximizing the Impact of Your Design and Merchandise

Creating an engaging B&B experience doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentionality and attention to detail. As you design your space, think about how each element contributes to the overall guest experience. Are you creating a space that feels inviting, unique, and memorable? Are your guests likely to want to take a piece of that experience home with them in the form of branded merchandise?

By integrating personal design elements and self-marketing merchandise into your B&B, you’re not only enhancing the guest experience but also building a stronger brand. This approach allows you to stand out in a crowded market, attract more guests, and ultimately increase your profitability. So, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and infuse your B&B with elements that reflect your personality and vision. Your guests will appreciate the effort—and your bottom line will, too. 

by: Michaelson Williams: The MichaelsonEffect

Bed & Breakfast Logo and Marketing Material Examples

Dragon's Lily is a new BnB created by Michaelson Williams in New Bern, North Carolina. This BnB is scheduled to be completed in 30 days and is a single space of 600 sq. ft. Here, you'll find the logo design on several sample merchandise items. These items will be available to guests who stay at Dragon's Lily and will also be sold online through e-commerce sites. All Rights Reserved, copyright 2024 FloState Designs

If you would like some assistance in creating your new BnB theme or logo design see the coaching section of the course material.

Dragon's Lily Bed&Breakfast Logo

Dragon's Lily Image on Wall Art

Dragon's Lily Image on Red Sweat Shirt

Dragon's Lily Logo on Mug and Wall Art on Marketing Material