The Bed and Breakfast Academy Podcast

#26 Choosing the Right Online Booking Engine for Your B&B with Heather Scott of Freetobook

Listen Later
Choosing the Right Online Booking Platform for Your B&B | Bed and Breakfast Academy

Join me as I chat with Heather Scott from the International Booking Engine Platform,  Freetobook, about the key considerations when selecting an online booking platform for your bed and breakfast.

Heather shares her wealth of experience as a former B&B owner and current account manager for Freetobook, offering practical insights for B&B owners at every stage.

Key Topics Covered:
Introduction:
  • My background and experience running a B&B and training owners since 2006.
  • Introducing Heather Scott, her experience as a former B&B owner and her current role at Freetobook.
    • What is a Booking Engine?
    • Differences between booking engines, PMS (property management systems), and channel managers.
    • How a booking engine manages bookings, payments, and guest communications.
      • Why You Need a Booking Engine:

      The essential role booking engines play in guest convenience and business profitability.

      Why not having an online booking system could hurt your business.

      Key Features to Look for in a Booking Platform:
      • Online booking capability for customers.
      • Payment processing and security (GDPR, multi-factor authentication).
      • Channel management to sync with platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb. Communication features to build guest relationships.
      • Reporting and analytics for managing occupancy, pricing, and more.
        • How to Choose the Right Platform:
        • Practical tips for researching booking engines, including seeking recommendations and testing user experience.
        • Understanding pricing models—monthly fees, pay-as-you-go, and hidden charges.
        • Key questions to ask potential providers, such as support availability and flexibility with online travel agents (OTAs).
          • Connect with Heather and Freetobook:

          Visit Freetobook at www.freetobook.co.uk to book a demo or contact their support team in Glasgow.

          Connect with Me:

          Visit Bed and Breakfast Academy for more blog posts, podcasts, and courses.

          Check out the mini workshop for those considering starting a B&B.

          Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or Apple to stay updated with new episodes.

          Enjoy the episode and happy hosting!

          ...more
          View all episodesView all episodes
          Download on the App Store
          The Bed and Breakfast Academy PodcastBy Karen Thorne
          • 5
          • 5
          • 5
          • 5
          • 5

          5

          3 ratings

          More shows like The Bed and Breakfast Academy Podcast

          View all
          The Ben Shapiro Show by The Daily Wire

          The Ben Shapiro Show

          153,924 Listeners

          The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

          The Mel Robbins Podcast

          20,494 Listeners

          Bed, Breakfast & Business by Gerry MacPherson

          Bed, Breakfast & Business

          0 Listeners

          Good Hang with Amy Poehler by The Ringer

          Good Hang with Amy Poehler

          7,419 Listeners