Fancy a look behind the scenes at some of the things I’ve learned since taking over a dog-friendly holiday cottage?

I’ve been working with pet business owners for five years but have always felt a little lacking because I didn’t have a pet business of my own.

That changed in April 2023 when I started a new holiday cottage business and took over Sunnyside Cottage in Robin Hood’s Bay.

My plan was to make it a paradise for pups, and to implement what I’ve learned working as a journalist, coach and blogger supporting other small businesses.

In this podcast episode, I’m sharing how the first few months have been, what’s worked and what you can take away and use to raise your profile.

Key topics and timings in this podcast:

Making the decision to buy a holiday cottage (1.51)

What to expect from this episode (2.20)

Being featured in The Guardian and how that came to happen (3.13) 

The difference in lifespan between a backlink and a post on social media (6.50)

How the opportunity came about (7.30)

Working with photographer Kerry Jordan to capture what dog friendly really is (12.20)

Why good photography matters so much and the importance of telling the story of your brand through images (14.18)

Differentiating Sunnyside from other cottages (15.36)

Taking no notice when people told me I was too full on with the dog-friendly element (17.10)

What’s worked on social media (18.02)

Working with bloggers and influencers (21.18)

Using your own network to grow your business (28.00)

How to get value from working with bloggers and influencers (28.33)

Why you SHOULD go all in on doing things your way (31.53)

Standing up for what you believe in (32.35)

Not making assumptions (33.33)

People who value what you do will find you (34.34)

Value people who support you (34.53)

Forward planning and working on Christmas in July (35.12)

Measuring your growth (35.53)

Good things take time, be patient, try new things and get excited (37.17)

How to find out more about Sunnyside (38.10)

Further reading on this topic:

How to write a press release for your pet business

Five steps to get your pet business in the press

How to plan a photoshoot for your pet business

Working with bloggers and influencers with Vicky Gunn from Millies Beach Huts

Links mentioned in this episode:

Come and hang out in my free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/publicitytipsforpetbusinesses

Learn more about photographer Kerry Jordan: www.furandfables.com

Sunnyside Cottage in The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2023/jul/15/20-of-the-best-dog-friendly-places-to-stay-in-the-uk

Follow up story in Yorks Press: https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/23675357.sunnyside-cottage-named-among-best-dog-friendly-places-stay/

Review on Dotty4Paws: https://dotty4paws.co.uk/dog-friendly-robin-hoods-bay-a-pooch-perfect-stay-at-sunnyside-cottage/

Review on Woof Wag Walk: https://woofwagwalk.co.uk/dog-friendly-robin-hoods-bay-a-dog-friendly-stay-at-sunnyside-cottage/

Lynne Taylor post on solo breaks:

https://lynnetaylorcoaching.com/mind-body-me-prioritizing-wellbeing/

My blog post on my own pet blog: 

https://thepawpost.co.uk/travel/dog-owners-guide-robin-hoods-bay/

Sunnyside Cottage on Baytown: 

https://baytownholidaycottages.co.uk/our-cottages/property?s=sunnyside-cottage-robin-hoods-bay