Because the web is dynamic and listing results change constantly as web sites are updated, it's difficult to maintain a constantly high position in the search engines.

For this reason, we would advise owners of self-catering accommodation to try to obtain as many links as possible to your own site. One way is to submit your own web site to every free search engine or portal on the web. Another is to use paid-for self-catering portals like Country Cottages Online.

How to choose a suitable portal for you.

There is a large number of self-catering portals on the web. All offer a mix of services.

The results that they obtain for you will much depend on:

• the number of visitors that they attract. This can be difficult to check because different sites perform well according to different search terms. On eportal may perform well in searches for the key terms 'self-catering, another for 'holiday cottages' and another for 'country cottages'. The only sure way of establishing number sof visitors is to ask to see the stats.
• how easy the site is to navigate
• the amount of competition on the site itself
• how interesting the site is

Other factors that will make a difference to you is customer service and reliability. These you can easily establish by talking to their existing clients.

Checking search results

Some people believe that by entering key terms or phrases into a search engine they will be able to predict how a self-catering portal will perform for them.

This only gives an indication for that search term. Because people use all kinds of phrases in searches, it's very difficult to assess how a particular site will work for you in the future. If the site does not currently have any properties in your area you will not be able to predict how it would perform with your property added.