No-Fuss Marketing for Coastal Guest Houses & Airbnbs in South Africa
So, you run a guest house or Airbnb in one of South Africa's awesome little coastal towns. The sea air is fresh, your coffee is strong, and your rooms are clean and comfy. But now you need to fill those rooms without becoming a full-time marketer. You're not trying to be the next social media influencer or learn a bunch of techie nonsense. You just want bookings. Fair enough.
This blog is for you. Zero buzzwords. No expensive tools. Just real, easy marketing that actually works for guest houses in places like Stilbaai, St. Lucia, Sedgefield, Scottburgh or… Bazley.
1. Show Up Where People Are Already Looking
Before you panic about starting a whole website or building some wild funnel thing (don’t), here’s a hot tip: people are already searching for places exactly like yours. You just need to make sure they can actually find you.
Action step:
Make sure your listing is properly filled out on Google Business Profile (used to be Google My Business). Add decent photos, update your contact info, and make sure it says you’re open.
If you’re not listed yet, go to google.com/business and do it today. It’s free and it helps you show up when someone types "accommodation in [your town]"
Bonus: Encourage happy guests to leave a review. Reviews are gold.
2. Your Photos Matter (No Filter Needed)
You don’t need to hire a pro photographer. Just clean up your space, wait for good natural light, and take a few decent shots on your phone. People book based on photos more than anything else. Avoid taking pics on rainy days, unless you’re in the Berg and you’re going for that cosy look.
Action step:
Take new photos of each room, the outside area, the view, and anything quirky or unique (local art, your famous breakfast, the dassies that hang out near the fence and, I don’t need to tell you to capture that sea view!)
Upload them to your Airbnb profile, Google, and anywhere else you’re listed
3. WhatsApp is Your Secret Weapon
Forget fancy booking systems. Most South Africans are on WhatsApp, and they trust it more than some random form on a website.
Action step:
Add a WhatsApp button to your Facebook page or use your WhatsApp Business account to set quick replies
When people message to ask about availability, reply quickly, be friendly, and seal the deal
Pro tip: Use voice notes if typing annoys you. People love the personal touch. However, avoid long, rambling messages. Some people, especially those who are neurodivergent, find voice notes to be particularly hard to listen to.
4. Offer a Locals-Only Deal
With rising travel costs, more South Africans are exploring their own backyard. Use that to your advantage.
Action step:
Post on local Facebook groups with a cheeky little deal: “KZN Residents get 10% off this winter. Come warm up by the sea!”
Keep it simple. One clear offer, with dates and how to book
Bonus: Use your best photo in the post. That first impression matters
5. Make Your Sign Obvious AF
This one sounds silly, but you’d be amazed how many guest houses hide behind overgrown shrubs and handwritten signs from 1994.
Action step:
Check your signage from the street. Can someone in a rental car spot you while driving past?
If not, paint it, print it, or prop it up. You can’t get booked if no one knows you’re there
We have an awesome Upside Down House not to far from here, and I LOVE how their signage is everywhere. Just simple, A4 signs, white writing on black. You can see and read them from the road and they’re visible from Scotties through to Sheppies. You can’t help but notice and remember them.
6. Create One Helpful Post a Week
You don’t need to become a content machine. But one helpful, local, friendly post a week makes a difference.
Action step:
Post on Facebook or Instagram about something your future guests would love: a secret beach spot, best coffee in town, tide pool tips, or even your favourite sundowner view
Use real photos. Add a quick tip. Keep it human
This builds trust and reminds people you exist without being annoying
You’re Not a Marketer. And That’s Okay.
You don’t need to be one. You just need a few tools in your back pocket and the confidence to show up online in a way that feels human and doable
If you're having difficulties or feel stuck, pop me a message on any platform. I'm happy to help
Follow me on LinkedIn if you want more no-fluff marketing advice for small South African businesses
You can also check out my Facebook page: facebook.com/sezdgmarketing
I won’t try sell you nonsense. I’ll just help you get guests through the door
Sez
📧 sez@sezdg.com
🌍 www.sezdg.com
Want Help With your Start-Up?
I can help. I offer marketing and social media setup and design services made for small South African businesses. No retainers. No fluff. Just what works.
📅 Book a call here
📱 WhatsApp: 067 601 0605
📧 sez@sezdg.com