Travel season is just around the corner, and travelers are already searching for the perfect weekend escape. Whether they’re typing in “romantic B&B near me” or “pet-friendly boutique inn on the coast,” your website is about to face some serious scrutiny.
If your site hasn’t been updated recently—or worse, still looks like it did five years ago—it’s quietly sending potential guests elsewhere. The truth is, people are making lightning-fast decisions based on how your site feels, often before they’ve even read your amenities.
But this isn’t bad news—it’s an opportunity. A fresh, inviting website can be your number one booking tool. And with the right help, redesigning it can be easier and faster than you think.
Let’s talk about why it matters right now, what the risks are if you delay, and how to get started quickly with a trusted partner who understands innkeeping—Pillow Chocolate.
Why Your Website Matters More Than You Think
According to several major design studies, today’s guests decide within seconds whether to stay on a website or click away. Here’s what the research shows:
94% of first impressions are design-related. This means the layout, colors, photography, and typography are either welcoming guests in—or pushing them out.
75% of people judge your credibility based on your website. That’s according to Stanford University, which found that design flaws signal neglect, even if your inn is delightful in person.
Conversions can drop by up to 95% if your website is cluttered or confusing. Guests don’t want to work hard to find your rates, photos, or booking buttons.
In short, your website isn’t just a brochure—it’s your first impression, your booking agent, and your most powerful marketing tool.
Herdic House, Add Guests Having Fun Photos
What Happens When You Wait Too Long
There’s a lot of hidden cost in an outdated website. And it’s not just aesthetic.
An old site drives potential guests to your competitors—especially those who’ve recently refreshed their own websites. It may also force you to rely more heavily on OTAs like Booking.com or Airbnb, which charge commissions that eat into your profits.
Worse yet, your current guests may love you, but new visitors often never give you a chance.
And with Google increasingly prioritizing fast, secure, mobile-friendly websites, the tech behind your site matters just as much as the look.
So, how do you fix it—especially if you’re busy running an inn?
You Don’t Need Months to Redesign Your Website
The biggest concern most innkeepers have is time. You’re managing guests, cleaning rooms, restocking kitchens, and responding to inquiries. Who has time for a website overhaul?
That’s why Pillow Chocolate created our 10-Hour Fix It and full redesign services. They’re specifically designed for busy innkeepers like you.
We do the heavy lifting. You provide a few key things—like updated photos or a brief description—and we deliver a refreshed or fully rebuilt site that looks modern, welcoming, and completely on-brand.
We know you don’t have time to learn web development or fight with confusing templates. So we make the process simple, fast, and genuinely stress-free.
What Pillow Chocolate Offers That Makes It a Big Value
Our team works exclusively with inns, bed and breakfasts, and boutique hospitality businesses. We’ve spent years fine-tuning what works online for the kind of places people want to discover and remember.
Here’s what you can expect from us:
Professional redesign or quick refresh services tailored to your inn’s personality and location. Whether you’re going for coastal charm, rustic elegance, or romantic retreat, we design websites that feel like your property.
Websites that are mobile-friendly, easy to navigate, and integrated with your booking system. We make sure your guests can find what they need and book with confidence—on desktop or smartphone.
Search engine optimization (SEO) built-in. A beautiful website is only helpful if people can find it. We help boost your visibility for travelers searching in your area.
Content assistance and layout strategy. We know what kind of language works, how to arrange your content to guide bookings, and how to spotlight your best features.
Ongoing support and optional add-ons. Whether it’s help with a blog post, a special offer page, or just tweaking some images seasonally, we offer the kind of relationship-driven service that makes you feel cared for.
Choose Your Own Path: Refresh, Fix, or Fully Redesign
Not every inn needs a total overhaul. Sometimes all it takes is better photography, simpler navigation, or clearer calls to action. That’s why we offer flexible options:
Quick Refresh: Update your home page, improve speed, modernize fonts, and add new photos or testimonials.
10-Hour Fix It: A focused, affordable package that delivers high-impact improvements without a full rebuild.
Full Redesign: A ground-up transformation with a brand new layout, improved user flow, integrated booking, and mobile responsiveness.
SEO Tune-Up: Better visibility on Google, with keyword targeting that brings more traffic from people actually planning trips to your area.
Blog and Newsletter Integration: Optional, but powerful—especially if you want to share local activities, seasonal tips, or special offers with past and future guests.
Whatever level of support you need, our goal is always the same: make your website your hardest-working employee, working 24/7 to bring you new guests.
A Quick Word on Cost vs Value
Let’s be real—a new website can feel like a big investment. But not updating it is costing you more.
Imagine your average weekend stay is $300. If just ten people this year skip booking because of your outdated website, that’s $3,000 lost. Most innkeepers are losing far more than that and don’t realize it.
With a website refresh or redesign, you can recoup that value in just a few bookings. And after that, everything else is profit. It’s not an expense—it’s a growth tool.
Travelers linger over food shots, so if you have deliciousness show it on your site
Travel Season Is Already Here—Don’t Miss Out
People are browsing now. They’re comparing local inns. They’re scanning photos, reading reviews, and judging quickly.
Updating your website now puts you in front of them with confidence. It makes your inn look current, cared for, and worth a visit.
If you wait until the season is underway, you’ll be missing bookings, scrambling to catch up, and still paying OTA commissions.
Our redesign calendar fills fast in spring and summer—so now is the time to schedule your consultation.
Give Yourself the Website You Deserve
You’ve poured time, care, and love into your property. Your website should reflect that.
Let us help you turn your online presence into a place where guests already feel welcome, inspired, and ready to click “Book Now.”
At Pillow Chocolate, we make it fast, affordable, and personal. No tech headaches, no design guesswork—just a better website, ready before the season peaks.
Ready to Get Started?
We’d love to talk with you about your goals and help you pick the best option for your timeline and budget.
Call us today at 949-481-7276 or visit PillowChocolate.com to schedule a free consultation.
Or simply email DRingler@iloveinns.com
Your best travel season is just around the corner. Let’s make sure your website is ready for it.
PS. Here’s What Inns Have to Say
Georgia – “I searched for over 2 years for who I wanted to do my website. You were it, and I am so glad I chose you!”
Virginia – “I can’t think of anyone that I would have rather worked with! – I love our website…you guys hit the nail on the head. You were working with 2 Virgos over here that didn’t always agree on stuff and you were patient! Please don’t ever hesitate to give my name to anyone for reference. You know it will be good!” Williamsburg White House.
