If you're a hotel owner, you know that getting bookings can be a tough business. There are a lot of factors that go into getting people to book with you, including price, location, and amenities. But one thing that often gets overlooked is your Google Business Profile.
What is Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) is a powerful tool that every hotel should be using to its full potential. Google Business Profile is a free listing that allows businesses to control how they appear on Google Maps and in local search results. Having a complete and accurate listing can help increase your visibility, which can lead to more bookings.
Free Booking Links
With free Google booking links, your site can appear across Google when users search for hotels in your area. Not only that, but free booking links also allow you to show your hotel's room rate alongside your name or hotel name—giving travellers the confidence that they're getting the best deal possible.
Treat is a Google Hotel Integration Partner - get in touch today to get on this map! 07513 472371
When travellers click on your free booking link, they'll be taken directly to the landing page on your site that you provide. This is a great way to drive more traffic to your website and increase the chances of generating bookings.
Check out the Google Hotel Centre Platform.
To qualify for the links, you must have a Google verified account, and provide the link to your booking page.
Watch the video about adding your rates and availability or check out the help pages here.
Post Regular Updates
One of the best ways to increase bookings is by regularly posting updates about your hotel on your Google Business Profile. You can share news about renovations, special events, or even just highlight some of your hotel's best features.
Add professional photos and videos
One of the best ways to show potential guests what your hotel has to offer is by adding photos and videos. Make sure to add high-quality photos that show off your hotel's best features and attractive images of the local area. Include a mix of photos, including both exterior and interior shots.
Write persuasive captions and posts
When potential guests are looking at your Google Business Profile, they're going to want to know what makes your hotel special. That's where persuasive descriptions come in. Your descriptions should highlight all the things that make your hotel unique, whether it's the luxurious rooms, the top-notch service, or the incredible views. Make sure to use language that will persuade potential guests to book with you.
Include customer reviews
Customer reviews are essential in helping potential guests decide whether or not they want to book with you. After all, nothing beats hearing it from past guests themselves - it's all about the customer experience!
Use keywords strategically
When potential guests are searching for hotels in your area, you want to make sure that your property comes up as one of the top results. That's why it's important to use relevant keywords throughout your Google Business Profile—keywords like "beach," "shopping," "parking," and so on.
Read all the guides in the Hospitality series:
Encourage reviews
Another great way to increase bookings is by encouraging reviews from past guests. These reviews will not only improve your visibility in local search results, but they'll also give potential guests an idea of what they can expect from your hotel. The best way to encourage reviews is by simply asking guests to leave one after their stay.
Create Virtual Tours
Another great way to increase bookings is by creating virtual tours of your guest rooms using Google Street View. This is an especially effective way of showing off your rooms if you have unique or luxury accommodations. Virtual tours allow potential guests to get a feel for your rooms without ever having to set foot in them, which can be a major selling point. If you are interested in videography, photography or a virtual tour, get in touch.
Leverage your position on Google Maps
Google Maps is another effective way of attracting hotel guests because it shows your hotel property in a setting of beaches, attractions, transportation, and more. When potential guests search for hotels in their desired holiday destination, your hotel will appear on the map – and potential guests will click through to your Google Business Profile. It’s essential to have your profile up to date and looking smart.
You could also pay per click (PPC) with Google Ads
You can also use Google Ads to drive traffic to your listing and increase bookings. With Google Ads, you can create targeted ads that will appear in search results when potential guests search for hotels in your area. You can set a budget for your ads and only pay when someone clicks on them, and it's a cost-effective way to reach more potential guests.
Your Google Business Profile is well worth the investment
A well-maintained Google Business profile can help increase bookings at your hotel by providing potential guests with accurate and up-to-date information about your property. Including photos and videos of your hotel on your profile can also help attract potential guests.
Interested to learn more?
Treat is a Google Connectivity Partner and here to help you make the most of all the tools that Google offers. From professional photography to virtual tours, and making the most of your Google Business Profile – we are here to help you.
Contact us today at hello@treattorbay.co.uk or book some time in the diary below. We are always here to help!