The single item that often takes the biggest bite out of any business budget is advertising. Building an image, increasing your name recognition, engraving your business on the minds of your customers ? promotional products are an excellent means to do any of the three, and more. If you own or manage a Bed & Breakfast or small inn, you can't dip into the deep pockets that franchise owners can access. You need to find economical ways to

1. increase your bookings
2. bring customers back again and again
3. fill your inn on typically slow weeks and seasons
4. increase name recognition
5. thank your customers for their patronage
6. Promotional products can be used to further many of these aims. When you take the time to work out a marketing plan for your business, you can take steps toward making it the successful business you always dreamed it would be.

The first step toward making your bed and breakfast more successful is to define your goals. Break them down into achievable steps. You may decide, for instance, that you can increase your profits by booking weeks that your facility is usually vacant, or that your goal is to get at least 80% of your customers to book again next year.

Once you've decided exactly what you want to achieve, you can start brainstorming ideas and ways to make them happen. In many cases, you can turn for ideas and help with those aims to a company that specializes in creating marketing and promotional products. They have the experience and the knowledge to offer suggestions and advice. Here are a few thoughts and ideas about using promotional products for different purposes to get you started brainstorming.

Increase your bookings with promotional products
Bed & breakfasts and inns are popular destinations for honeymooners. Reach out to that market by advertising in bridal magazines, or make partnerships with other businesses that provide wedding services. Offer a special for honeymooning couples ? perhaps a chilled bottle of wine with your own promotional label for their first night. At the same time, don't forget those that make referrals to your business. Reward those important partners with a remembrance or small token of your appreciation.

Increase repeat bookings.
Repeat bookings are the bread and butter of the hospitality industry. Guests will return if they fondly remember their time with you ? and if you let them know that you value the relationship with them. One of the best ways to promote those good feelings is to touch base with them between stays. Holiday remembrances are one effective way to remind your guests of their stay with you and get them started thinking about another visit. One very effective promotional product of this type ? a holiday calendar that features photos of the attractions around your area.

Fill your inn on typically slow weeks with promotional products.
Off season prices are one way to encourage guests to book rooms during the off season. Promotional products can also serve as an incentive, both for early bookings and for booking during off season weeks. Choose promotional business gifts that can be used during your guests? stay ? and then taken home with them. Embroidered terry robes with the inn crest on the pocket or a picnic basket packed with lunch for an afternoon picnic are two ideas that you could use.

You can use small promotional products as thank you gifts when your guests leave, or to increase name recognition ? often with the same gift. When your guests leave at the end of their stay, for instance, send them off with a fresh coffee for the road in a promotional travel mug ? and a promise to always have the coffee on when they return.

For additional information on advertising gifts, corporate gifts or promotional items then why not check out the leading promotional gift suppliers online today and start to make big savings.