Guest Speaker: Diane Kaufman of Mermaid Cottages

As we continue our discussion about the design, marketing and unique assets of certain vacation rental properties we thought we'd bring to your attention a special area of the U.S. that we have both vacationed at and loved and that is Tybee Island, GA.

However, if we are going to talk about Tybee Island, we absolutely must bring your attention to the adorable cottages to rent thru Mermaid Cottages. To help us tell you all about it is our Guest Speaker today, Diane Kauffman. Welcome Diane!

A little background to our fascination (Kelly)

Years ago I was looking for a unique place to host a sisters weekend for my 2 sisters that live up north. Friends had recommended Tybee Island here in GA so I started my search and found Mermaid Cottages who's tagline is "Cozy Cottages and Happy Homes". That was right up my alley. I started to browse the website mermaidcottages.com and was instantly smitten with a little cottage called "The Shrimp" that was painted shrimpy coral on the outside with all the décor on the inside being fresh white, coral, lime green and turquoise.

DURING THIS EPISODE WE ASK DIANE:

1. What is the average age of the cottages?
2. How do you come about having each cottage or home in your mermaid cottage family?
3. Are there particular cottages that are always booked?
4. Is Paula Deen a regular on the scene?

DESIGN

1. Most of your cottages have a very signature crazy colorful, bright and happy look – how did this come about? Do you feel like you have the original patent on this aesthetic in the area?
2. The designs in the homes seem very comfortable and relaxing – just like home. Do you have to refresh constantly to keep that look?
3. What products have you been particularly successful with for their longevity and durability?
4. Your cottages have painted floors, cabinets, fences, etc. in bright, seaside colors. Do you have some favorite paint colors?
5. What are recurring requests you get from your guests? Or services/amenities /décor that are important for you to offer in each cottage?
6. What are recurring requests you get from your guests? Or services/amenities /décor that are important for you to offer in each cottage?

MARKETING

1. You do a great job of marketing mermaid cottages. Are all the pictures shown on your website taken by a professional photographer?
2. The videos of each cottage is a great idea. I imagine you get a great response from those.
3. When did you embrace social media? How has it helped you?
4. We know from personal experience that it takes a lot to constantly engage on social media AND write a blog as well. How has the blog helped you market mermaid cottages?
5. What is the best thing you ever did with one or more of your cottages?
6. What as the worst thing?

COMMUNITY ACTION

1. It's obvious from your website and from knowing you personally that your activism is near and dear to your heart. Kandrac & Kole is the same way.
2. Talk a little bit about how you pay it forward in Tybee and how that has affected your business.