**Making your web site work**

Making your web site work

“50% of our business, Max, comes from our web site.” wrote Fay Helwig from Das Helwig Haus (see http://www.webstation.com.au/accom/helwig ) “33% from word of mouth and 14% comes from repeat visits. We have an established Bed and Breakfast business. It is a country guesthouse rural retreat set on thirty two acres, surrounded by forty three wineries and four national parks. It is a cool mountain region and only three hours driving time from the city of Brisbane which is our main market. The district has become a winter weekend destination for people living in Brisbane and on the coast.”

Any hospitality operation that gets 50% of its business from the Internet is a ‘must see’ in my opinion. When you check out this web site you will note how visitors are invited to subscribe to receive a regular newsletter. At the beginning of every season all who are on the Das Helwig Haus e-mail list have their names entered into a draw to win a two night Dinner, Bed and Breakfast package for two people. The names of the winners are published in that month's newsletter. As well, every year four couples will win a seasonal package.

Congratulations Fay and Eberhard and thank you for sharing.

Max Hitchins - The Hospitality Doctor - with Secrets, Tips, Tonics and Remedies to fill your Rooms, Restaurants and Bars - - http://www.HospitalityDoctor.com

PS. When you check out http://www.webstation.com.au/accom/helwig you’ll see a picture of Fay and Eberhard and you’ll note they are not Gen X’ers or even Baby Boomers. They are older. But, boy oh boy, do they know how to use the Internet. I decided to search Google for Das Helwig Haus and found there were 2126 sites containing "Das Helwig Haus." WOW! (Try the same search and find out how many times your business is mentioned on the Net.)