Marketing for Rural Tourism Businesses: Turn Visits into Bookings All Year Round

Running a rural tourism business, whether it’s a holiday cottage, farm stay, or glamping site—comes with unique challenges. Seasonality can make consistent bookings difficult, but a well-rounded, holistic marketing strategy can smooth out those peaks and troughs.

At ELI Digital, we’ve helped businesses like Hayfield Hideaways in Norfolk transform their online presence, turning casual visitors into repeat guests by integrating multiple marketing channels into a cohesive plan.

Here are 8 quick tips to help your rural tourism marketing attract and retain guests all year round:

1. Make Your Website Work Harder

Ensure your website is fast, mobile-friendly, and designed to convert visitors into bookings. Clear “Book Now” calls to action, professional photos and up-to-date availability are essential.

2. Use SEO to Target Your Ideal Guests

Optimise for location-specific and seasonal keywords such as “farm stay in the Midlands” or “family glamping in Leicestershire.” Target long weekends, school holidays, and niche traveller interests.

3. Leverage Social Proof

Encourage guests to leave reviews on platforms like Google, Airbnb, and TripAdvisor. Feature testimonials and guest photos across your website and social media to build trust.

4. Promote Off-Peak Specials

Create special packages or discounts for quieter months. Think “cosy autumn retreat” or “spring weekend escape,” and use email and social channels to promote them.

5. Build and Nurture Your Email List

Stay connected with past guests through newsletters offering early-bird deals, event invitations, and seasonal updates to encourage repeat bookings.

6. Use Social Media to Tell Your Story

Showcase your property, local attractions, and behind-the-scenes moments on Instagram and Facebook. Authentic content builds connection and engagement.

7. Collaborate Locally

Partner with nearby businesses, from farm shops to outdoor activity providers, for joint promotions that expand your reach and add value for guests.

8. Track and Analyse Your Marketing Efforts

Use tools like Google Analytics to monitor website traffic and booking conversions. Regularly review what’s working and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Taking a holistic marketing approach means integrating these elements into a seamless strategy rather than isolated tactics. This is the approach we took with Hayfield Hideaways, helping them increase bookings and build a loyal customer base through consistent, authentic engagement across multiple channels.

At ELI Digital, we specialise in creating tailored, data-driven marketing strategies for rural tourism businesses. Book a FREE discovery call here to see how we can help you turn visits into bookings all year round.