Building community among guests is good for Ocean’s Reach, Sanibel Island
With two years now under its belt, the Sanibel Blog has become an increasingly popular and valuable source of information and connectivity for both the island’s guests and residents.
Contributors Dru Doyle and Andy Boyle, managers of Ocean’s Reach, have attracted a loyal following of over 500 daily email subscribers with 100’s more visiting the Ocean’s Reach website to enjoy the blog’s latest news updates and photos from Sanibel Island. The conversational blog with its captivating photography reminds vacationers of the peace and tranquility available from the radiant sun and beautiful beach on the Gulf.
“In fact, regular features such as “The ‘Sunday Excursions with Andy’ series were so popular and entertaining that I had a guest come into our office saying she wanted to sign up for Andy’s tours,” said Doyle.
“Visitors up north love to start their day on Sanibel. Many have said that it is the first thing they read when they get out of bed,” she reported, which certainly makes sense when winter is pummeling the rest of the country. Remembering those delightful days on the beach or the golf course is better than a coffee fix, especially when the weather outside is cold and dreary.
The Sanibel Blog also helps those who are planning their first vacation at Ocean’s Reach.
“Guests of Ocean’s Reach who sign up for the daily blog say that it helps them prepare for their trip,” Doyle explained.
Driving across the causeway from Fort Myers to Sanibel Island is more like coming home for those who have been following Dru and Andy’s colorful, informative blogs. Their habitual biking around the island has allowed them to capture great photos of local color and familiar faces for everyone to enjoy.
While it is sometimes hard to keep up with the demands of a daily photo and news story, Doyle says the rewards are worth it. She keeps current with the local events and Ocean’s Reach guests by courting stories of interest and photos from her guests and local business owners. Arriving guests who mention their enjoyment of the blog as they receive the keys to their condo put a big smile on her face. She reminds them that they, too, can have their day of fame on the Sanibel Daily Blog.
“Guests have told me that reading the stories and comments on the blog clinched the deal to reserve their vacation stay at Ocean’s Reach,” said Doyle. “The friendliness and beauty of the photos resonated with them and made Ocean’s Reach an easy choice.”
The Sanibel Blog is more than a tourist information site. Real people with real stories can stay connected long after their vacation time has come and gone. Vacation memories of Sanibel’s gentle beauty just seem to encourage friendships between visitors from around the world. Local businesses and residents are included in the sense of community that this sociable blog offers, and everyone is encouraged to send in their own comments and memories captured by photos. Occasional contests add to the excitement of sharing this island retreat with friendly people who want to have more fun.
Ocean’s Reach is a luxury beachfront condominium resort in the center of Sanibel Island offering 1 and 2 bedroom “green certified” units within steps of the beautiful white beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. Blog signups are available through the Ocean’s Reach website at www.oceansreach.com/sanibel-island/.