DIGITAL GROWTH

STRATEGY

Doubling Search Results and Driving Direct Bookings for Wild Thyme & Honey

%

Increase in Direct Bookings via Google

Times the Growth in Unbranded Search Rankings

Year-on-Year Growth

Overview

A little Background

Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, Wild Thyme & Honey is a luxury hotel and restaurant set in the scenic village of Ampney Crucis near Cirencester. With its cosy pub, The Crown at Ampney Brook, and 24 beautifully curated rooms, it’s become a sought-after destination for travellers seeking country charm.

Despite its unique offerings and picturesque location, Wild Thyme & Honey needed a more effective digital strategy to gain visibility across unbranded search terms, attract new customers directly, and grow its online reputation organically. They sought a marketing partner that could boost its SEO rankings and maximise direct bookings through Google.

Objectives for the project

Increase visibility across unbranded search results to attract new audiences.
Drive consistent year-on-year growth through targeted digital strategies.
Boost direct bookings via Google to reduce third-party dependency.

Key Results:

Doubled Unbranded Search Rankings: Wild Thyme & Honey now consistently ranks for key unbranded search terms, effectively capturing more organic traffic and driving brand visibility.
72% Year-on-Year Growth: Through a focused SEO and content strategy, the property experienced significant growth, achieving a 72% increase in YoY performance.
119% Increase in Direct Bookings: Direct bookings via Google surged by 119%, reducing the need for third-party booking sites and enhancing profitability.

Traffic Acquisition Results

Business Profile Results

Websites Clicks

Performance on Search Results

How did we do this?

Refine Keyword Strategy for High-Intent Search Terms

Illume Digital Marketing worked with Wild Thyme & Honey to redefine its keyword strategy, focusing on high-intent, unbranded search terms that would attract potential guests looking for Cotswolds accommodation, luxury hotels, and countryside retreats. By targeting these keywords, we aimed to capture potential guests in the discovery phase and position Wild Thyme & Honey as a leading option among other luxury hotels in the Cotswolds.

Content Development and Blog Strategy

Recognising the value of content in driving organic growth, we developed a series of blog posts and guides that resonated with travellers interested in countryside escapes, Cotswolds day trips, and luxurious accommodations. Each piece was crafted to target specific keywords and boost visibility while positioning Wild Thyme & Honey as a valuable resource in the luxury travel space.

Implementing Data-Driven Adjustments

Regular analytics reviews allowed us to adjust the strategy based on performance data. By continuously refining keywords, updating content, and adjusting link-building efforts, we ensured ongoing improvement in unbranded search visibility and search rankings.

Optimise On-Page and Off-Page SEO

A comprehensive SEO overhaul was key to achieving these goals. We enhanced on-page elements like meta descriptions, headers, and internal linking to improve page structure and search relevance. Off-page efforts, including link-building with reputable sites and guides, were implemented to increase authority and credibility, bolstering the site’s rankings for unbranded terms.

Leveraging Google My Business for Direct Bookings

To increase direct bookings, we optimised the Google My Business profile for Wild Thyme & Honey, refining business information, enhancing descriptions, and utilising updated booking features. This strategy helped convert search interest into direct action by making it easy for guests to book directly via Google, contributing to a 119% increase in direct bookings.

Looking to transform your digital presence and drive growth? Let Illume Digital Marketing take your strategy to the next level. Get in touch today.