The Woodfarm Reading Room

We’ve been doing a lot of digging into human behaviour lately, and we’re making some really interesting discoveries if you’re interested?
As well as this stuff fascinating me as the business owner, by providing these resources, we aim to build a relationship with you, ensuring you have all the information needed to feel confident and excited about booking a stay with us. I just like to conduct my business in that way, always have. Open, transparent, and honest.
As a business we are particularly keen of course to analyse booking patterns, motivations and wot not. We hope you find this a collection of interesting articles.
We’re adding videos for all these topics onto our YouTube Channel, so if this kinda thing fascinates you like it does me, then go and have a little look.

Booking a break can be a big decision…

I wrote this blog to acknowledge that booking a break isn’t always a quick or easy decision—especially with the current cost of living pressures. People are thinking more carefully about how and where they spend their money, and I totally get that.
With that in mind, I talked about a couple of things we do to help. First-timers can get £50 off just by subscribing to our newsletter, and we’ve got our TOG loyalty scheme for returning guests, which rewards people for coming back.
I also shared the results of a poll we ran recently. Over half of the people who took part said the most important factor when booking a break is the location and surroundings—even more so than reviews or value for money. That’s great news, as Suffolk is such a key part of what we offer.
Finally, I mentioned something called the “Google 7-11-4 rule.” It’s the idea that people usually need to engage with a business several times, in a few different places, before they feel ready to make a decision. So I try to be visible in a helpful, consistent way—definitely not pushy—so that when someone is ready to book, they know where we are.

The Google 7-11-4 rule explained…

In my blog post, I delve into Google’s 7-11-4 rule, which suggests that before making a purchase, a customer typically spends 7 hours engaging with a brand, across 11 touchpoints, and through 4 different platforms or locations.
To break it down: the 7 hours of engagement mean that potential guests often invest a significant amount of time exploring what we offer. The 11 touchpoints indicate that they interact with Woodfarm Barns through various channels—be it our website, social media, emails, or videos. The 4 locations refer to the different platforms where these interactions occur.
Understanding this, we’ve focused on creating a strong online presence to make your decision-making process as smooth as possible. Our website serves as a comprehensive resource, offering detailed information about our accommodations, local attractions, and answers to frequently asked questions. On social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, we share updates, guest experiences, and engaging content to give you a real feel for what to expect. Our email newsletters keep you informed about special offers, news, and provide a £50 discount for first-time guests who subscribe. Additionally, our YouTube channel features numerous videos, including virtual tours and insights into the Woodfarm experience.

Painkillers vs. Vitamins: Five Reasons You Deserve a Break

I wrote this blog post to highlight why taking a break isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for your well-being. Life can be overwhelming, and sometimes we all need a reset. Here are five reasons you truly deserve a getaway at Woodfarm:
1. Your Brain is Frazzled (Stress & Burnout Relief)
Life’s full-on. Work, family, emails, bills—the constant juggle can leave you burnt out. Regular breaks reduce stress and prevent mental exhaustion. Think of it this way: if your laptop needs a reboot now and then, so do you.
2. Quality Time (The Relationship Saver)
When was the last time you truly connected with your loved ones without distractions? A break offers the perfect opportunity to put down the phone, engage in meaningful conversations, and strengthen relationships. Whether it’s chatting or simply relaxing in a Woodfarm hot tub together, it’s time well spent.
3. Digital Detox (Escape from the Overwhelm)
In our always-on world, unplugging is more important than ever. A stay at Woodfarm allows you to disconnect from emails and notifications, giving your mind the space to relax and rejuvenate. Remember, your inbox will still be there when you get back.
4. Physical Well-being (Health Boost)
Too much sitting and not enough daylight can take a toll on your health. Spending time in nature lowers blood pressure, improves sleep, and boosts your immune system. At Woodfarm, you’ll breathe in fresh air and enjoy the natural beauty of Suffolk, benefiting both body and mind.
5. Perspective Shift (Solution to Feeling Stuck)
Changing your environment can provide a fresh outlook and spark creativity. If you’re feeling stuck in a rut, a new setting like Woodfarm might be just what you need to gain clarity and inspiration.
Taking a break isn’t an indulgence—it’s a necessity. At Woodfarm, we offer the perfect setting for you to unwind, recharge, and return to daily life with renewed energy and perspective.

Why guests return… and why they don’t!

I recently reflected on why some guests return to Woodfarm Barns while others, despite enjoying their stay, choose not to. Here’s what I found:
1. People Love Variety in Travel
Many guests have a list of destinations they want to explore. Even after a wonderful stay with us, the allure of new experiences—like visiting Cornwall, the Lake District, or even a European city—often takes precedence. It’s not about dissatisfaction; it’s about the excitement of discovering new places.
2. Loyalty Doesn’t Always Mean Repeat Bookings
You might love your stay, recommend us to friends, follow us on social media, and even plan to return someday. However, immediate repeat bookings aren’t always feasible. This “attitudinal loyalty” means you support and promote us, even if your own travel plans lead elsewhere. And that’s still a win for us!
3. Changing Circumstances & Priorities
Life changes, and so do holiday preferences. A couple’s romantic getaway might evolve into a family vacation with different needs. Factors like budget shifts, new travel companions, or time constraints influence decisions. None of these reflect negatively on us; they’re just part of life’s journey.
4. A Third of Guests Returning is a Strong Result
Achieving a 30% return rate is something we’re proud of. It signifies that many of you choose to come back, which is a testament to the positive experiences we strive to provide.
5. Encouraging More Return Visits
We aim to enhance your experience and encourage return visits by:
Fresh Experiences: Continuously sharing new activities and attractions in Suffolk.
Personal Connections: Engaging through regular updates and interactions.
Loyalty Perks: Offering our TOGs Loyalty Reward Points programme to show appreciation for our returning guests.
At the end of the day, whether you return or not, what matters most is that your stay with us was a highlight of your journey. We’re grateful for every guest and the unique stories you bring to Woodfarm Barns.

Location and Surroundings: crucial when booking your holiday

We recently conducted polls on LinkedIn and Facebook to understand what factors matter most when booking a holiday. The results were insightful:
1. Location and Surroundings (52%)
Over half of the respondents highlighted that the setting is their top priority. This reaffirms our focus at Woodfarm Barns & Barges on offering picturesque locations—whether it’s the serene Suffolk countryside, the iconic coastlines at Snape Maltings and Woodbridge, or the breathtaking landscapes of Tuscany.
2. Features and Quality (19%)
Nearly a fifth emphasised the importance of well-appointed accommodations. We pride ourselves on blending rustic charm with modern comforts, ensuring amenities like private hot tubs, cozy log burners, and plush furnishings are available to enhance your stay.
3. Price and Special Offers (15%)
While affordability plays a role, it’s clear that value and experience often outweigh cost considerations. We strive to provide exceptional stays that are worth every penny, offering various deals to make your getaway even more enticing.
4. Reviews on Trusted Platforms (5%)
Surprisingly, only a small percentage prioritised reviews. Nonetheless, we’re proud to have over 1,200 five-star reviews across TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google, providing reassurance for those who seek it.

These insights help us continue to tailor our offerings to what matters most to you, ensuring memorable and fulfilling holiday experiences.