How The Crown at Ampney Brook Increased Directions by 17%
Nestled in the heart of Ampney Crucis, The Crown at Ampney Brook is more than just a pub—it’s the sister venue to Wild Thyme & Honey, a boutique hotel that sets the standard for cosy luxury in the Cotswolds. With such a strong connection, our challenge was clear: create an SEO strategy that elevated The Crown’s online presence while complementing, not competing with, Wild Thyme & Honey.
In just two months, The Crown saw over 13,000 interactions on their Google Business Profile, a record-breaking performance. Among these, we delivered a 17% year-on-year increase in direction requests, demonstrating the power of local SEO to quite literally guide customers through the door.
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The Crown’s unique relationship with Wild Thyme & Honey required a bespoke approach. We needed to:
- Enhance their visibility for local search terms like “pub near Cirencester” and “Cotswolds dining.”
- Highlight their role as a standalone destination while supporting the overall brand identity shared with Wild Thyme & Honey.
- Increase actionable profile interactions, including direction requests, website visits, and calls.
Here’s how we made it happen:
- Optimised Google Business Profile
We polished The Crown’s Google Business Profile, ensuring accurate and engaging information to attract clicks. From eye-catching images to a well-written description showcasing their unique offering, every detail was designed to resonate with both locals and visitors.
- Targeted Non-Branded Keywords
We leaned into search terms like “pub with food near Cirencester” and “Cotswolds pub dining” to capture audiences looking for experiences rather than specific names. - Focused on Direction Requests
For a pub in the countryside, getting customers to the door is critical. By prioritising keywords like “pub near me” and enhancing the map listing, we saw a 17% YoY rise in direction requests. It’s proof that even in a digital age, helping customers physically find you remains essential. - Tailored Content to Complement Wild Thyme & Honey
Instead of competing, we aligned The Crown’s SEO strategy with the hotel’s. This meant optimising for complementary keywords and creating content that promoted both as a unified experience for visitors to Ampney Crucis.
Why Direction Requests Matter
Direction requests are a key metric for pubs and restaurants in rural areas. They indicate intent to visit—a sign that the customer is ready to move from browsing to booking (or turning up). For The Crown, the 17% increase in direction requests was a standout result, showing that our Local SEO strategy not only boosted visibility but translated directly into footfall.
Even more importantly, direction requests are often an indication of new customers discovering your venue for the first time. Loyal customers already know where to find you, but when someone reaches for directions, it’s a clear sign that your business is attracting fresh faces—a vital factor for growth and long-term success.
A Strategy That Delivers
The Crown at Ampney Brook’s success shows that even complex SEO challenges, like managing multiple connected profiles, can yield record-breaking results. With 13,000 profile interactions in just two months and a strategy that complemented their sister venue, we proved that great Local SEO doesn’t just put you on the map—it brings customers straight to your door.
Ready to Put Your Pub, Restaurant, or Hotel on the Map?
Whether you’re part of a larger hospitality group or a standalone venue, our tailored Local SEO strategies can help you achieve measurable results. Get in touch today and let’s drive your success!
