Make Barberton’s longstanding businesses part of your business plan

Offering short-term accommodation isn’t just about putting a bed in a room. If you live in Barberton and have a flatlet, outbuilding, or spare space, you can build a viable business by planning carefully, offering extra services, and, most importantly, partnering with local businesses that have served this community for years.

Visitors pass through Barberton all year round for work, functions, and weekend trips. What they often want is simple: a clean, affordable, safe place to sleep, preferably with parking and a few extra conveniences. If you think strategically, this need can translate into a well-run micro-business, one that not only brings you income, but also strengthens Barberton’s economy.

Step One: Treat it like a business
Start with a basic business plan. Work out what your setup will cost and how many nights per month you need to book to break even and grow from there. Decide on your ideal guests – are you targeting reps who visit midweek, couples on weekend trips, or small groups attending local events?

Then, identify the companies that send people into Barberton regularly. Offer them reasonably priced accommodation for staff by sending them a professional flyer with clear rates and photos. If you appear organised, you’re already ahead.

Add value with practical extras
One way to stand out is by offering transport to and from evening venues. Many guests want to enjoy the town’s pubs or restaurants but don’t want the risk of driving after drinking. Offering a pre-booked lift service can keep them safe and give them peace of mind. This service can be charged as an optional extra, especially for group bookings.

You can also offer a fridge-stocking service. A day or two before check-in, contact your guests and ask whether they’d like any basic groceries, cold drinks, or speciality items.

Speak to Graeme Webb at Pick n Pay at the Jock of the Bushveld Shopping Centre to arrange arrival packs from their app. Partner with Maria Engelbrecht at Back2Basics for wellness products or small natural remedies to include in your welcome packs. For basic medical needs such as sunscreen, insect repellent, paracetamol, or forgotten essentials, consider approaching Simoné Eksteen at The Local Choice Pharmacy Eksteen and ask about putting together a visitor-friendly travel kit. If you want to give your guests a true Barberton-boerekos addition, why not include something from Carol Schnepel’s legendary home kitchen? Think bottled kerriekool, kerrieboontjies, marmalade, jalapeños, or even one of her frozen lasagnes for the guest freezer. She’s been doing it for years, and locals know her flavours well. This kind of personal touch doesn’t just add value; it gives your guests a taste of Barberton that they’ll remember.

Also think about the state of your guest’s vehicles. Many people who visit Barberton for leisure end up travelling dirt roads, exploring the district, or attending site visits. Before returning home they often want to go back in a clean car. Go speak to one of the older car washes in town and see if they would be willing to offer your guests a cleaning coupon or discounted wash-and-vacuum service.

These small partnerships create a much broader experience for your guests, while keeping money flowing through Barberton’s long-standing businesses.

Support local first
While the new mall has brought growth, it’s the businesses in Crown Street and all its connecting and side streets throughout old-town Barberton that have served this community for generations. Visit them. Speak to the owners. Ask whether they’d consider offering your guests discounts or specials.

Print marketing flyers for your rooms. Visit Ellouise Nel at Barberton Stationers and ask about affordable printing options. Need takeaway specials or restaurant combos? Negotiate a guest voucher with a local eatery. Every local business you include strengthens your network, adds value to your service, and keeps Barberton's business circle turning.

Think like a marketer, but start small
While you don’t need a website immediately, it’s worth considering down the line, especially if you’re dealing with larger companies. If you’re ready, iOlogue Media can help for full support, from designing a website to writing your content, creating reels, flyers, and maintaining a unified brand voice. Alternatively, WhatsApp De Kaap Echo editor Lynette Spencer to assist with a write-up.

These days, AI tools are everywhere, but most of what they generate looks and sounds the same. If you want to build trust with your audience, you need real humans behind your brand. The editors, writers, and designers at iOlogue Media all come from professional media backgrounds. That means your content will always carry the human element and the focus will be on Barberton, not on some generic AI template.

The old Afrikaans saying, “Skoenmaker, hou jou by jou lees,” still ring true, no matter how advanced AI becomes. If you weren’t a writer to begin with, AI won’t magically make you one. This journalist, for example, will never be good at bookkeeping, no matter how many AI tools come my way. Why? Because I have never had any passion or interest in it.

If you truly want to set yourself apart, do what you’re good at, explore the rest, but at the very least have the experts take a look at your “work” before going live.

You also don’t need to spend large amounts of money to be seen. Just make sure your branding is professional and consistent. Choose one look, one logo, and stick to it. Whether you’re sharing a flyer, a Facebook post, or a WhatsApp image, people should immediately recognise your brand.

Before you commit to a marketing company, compare prices and people. Ask about their experience. Look at their work. Read their client reviews. Marketing should fit your budget, but it should also reflect your vision.

Don’t overextend yourself
When you’re just starting, avoid signing up extra help unless absolutely necessary. Rather put in some elbow grease. Do your own cleaning, laundry, and maintenance until your space is consistently turning a profit. Many things around the house can be repurposed: a tired cupboard may just need new handles, a rusty chair might be revived with a coat of paint. Keep it simple, neat, and functional.

There’s no need to furnish your space from scratch. Start with what you have. Fix what you can. Invest where it matters like good bedding, clean towels, safe access. Grow at your own pace, not someone else’s.

Starting your Barberton accommodation business plan - a quick guide
1. Description of your offering 
- What space are you offering (flatlet, room, converted garage)? 
- What amenities will be included (bed, parking, fridge, Wi-Fi, transport service)?

2. Start-up budget 
- Basic renovation or cleaning costs; 
- Linen, mattress, small appliances; 
- Marketing materials (flyer, online listing).

3. Monthly running costs 
- Electricity and water; 
- Cleaning supplies; 
- Any staff or laundry services.

4. Target market 
- Who are your ideal guests? (e.g. reps, small groups, contractors, couples)

5. Pricing and income goals 
- Nightly rate; 
- How many bookings per month do you need to cover costs and profit?

6. Add-on services 
- Transport/lift service; 
- Pre-arrival shopping packs; 
- Local business tie-ins (e.g. Eksteen Pharmacy, Back2Basics, Pick n Pay, car wash coupons, other additions).

7. Marketing plan 
- Who will you approach first? 
- How will you promote your space (e.g. direct to companies, flyers, WhatsApp, community groups)?

8. Community support strategy 
- Which local businesses will you partner with? 
- What loyalty or referral deals can you offer?

There’s value in building something small that’s done well. Not for show, not to chase trends, but because it serves a need, and it reflects who you are. If that’s your starting point, you’re already ahead.