Because the web is dynamic and listing results change constantly as web sites are updated, it's difficult to maintain a constantly high position in the search engines.

For this reason, we would advise owners of self-catering accommodation to try to obtain as many links as possible to your own site. One way is to submit your own web site to every free search engine or portal on the web. Another is to use paid-for self-catering portals like Country Cottages Online.

How to choose a suitable portal for you.

There is a large number of self-catering portals on the web. All offer a mix of services.

The results that they obtain for you will much depend on:

• the number of visitors that they attract. This can be difficult to check because different sites perform well according to different search terms. On eportal may perform well in searches for the key terms 'self-catering, another for 'holiday cottages' and another for 'country cottages'. The only sure way of establishing number sof visitors is to ask to see the stats.
• how easy the site is to navigate
• the amount of competition on the site itself
• how interesting the site is

Other factors that will make a difference to you is customer service and reliability. These you can easily establish by talking to their existing clients.

Checking search results

Some people believe that by entering key terms or phrases into a search engine they will be able to predict how a self-catering portal will perform for them.

This only gives an indication for that search term. Because people use all kinds of phrases in searches, it's very difficult to assess how a particular site will work for you in the future. If the site does not currently have any properties in your area you will not be able to predict how it would perform with your property added.

Recently developed web sites Simple 1 page site for self-catering Database driven sites ASP and database sites   Sites hosted with us

Recently developed web sites

Simple 1 page site for self-catering

Database driven sites

ASP and database sites

Sites hosted with us

Advertise with Us

No matter what size of property you have, it's location, or facilities, we will do our best to promote your particular cottage.

If you opt for advertising on both sites you will have a personalized service where you can call us and chat about your bookings and how we can best help you, because we will where we can.

Services offered to members of Country Cottages :

Advertising service (whether you have your own web site or not)

There are 2 Country Cottages Online web sites - both slightly different.

The www.countrycottagesonline.net site is owner update only. Members are able to login and update their own data and images at any time they choose.

The holiday rentals automatically appear on certain Search pages according to the data stored. For example, if your holiday rental has an en-suite bathroom then your property will appear on that page.

The www.countrycottagesonline.com site is manually updated by us. It also features regional guides and tourist information. It performs well for the key phrase 'country cottages'.

This site has a downloadable e-brochure of all cottages, a search by occupancy, and numerous Feature Pages that allow visitors to browse the site as they would a paper brochure or magazine.

Both sites offer free use of Late Availability and other features.

The .net site also offers an optional online availability calendar and free use of forthcoming holiday home exchange web site.

Pricing

Please take a look at the Advertise Page for up-to-date prices.