Table of Contents
Introduction
In today’s digital age, having an online presence isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s an absolute must. For hotels, where a significant portion of bookings are made online, tools like Google Business Profile are invaluable. Formerly known as Google My Business, Google has rebranded this free tool as Google Business Profile. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into how to utilize this tool effectively for your hotel business.
What is Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile is a free and easy-to-use tool for businesses and organizations to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. It’s that handy panel you see on the right side of Google search results when you look up a business.
Importance of Google Business Profile for Hotels
For hotels, a well-managed Google Business Profile can mean the difference between an empty lobby and a full house. It boosts your visibility, helps potential guests find your hotel, and provides crucial information like location, contact details, and even guest reviews.
How to Create a Google Business Profile for Your Hotel
Creating a Google Business Profile for your hotel is straightforward. Visit Google Business Profile’s website, click on ‘Manage Now’, and follow the on-screen instructions. You’ll be prompted to enter details like your hotel’s name, location, and contact information. For an in-depth understanding of how you can boost your hotel or villa business using local SEO, check out this blog post.
Verifying Your Hotel on Google Business Profile
Once you’ve added all the details, it’s crucial to verify your business. Google may do this through a phone call, email, or a postcard sent to your physical location. It’s an important step that ensures the information provided is accurate and that you’re the legitimate owner.
Optimizing Your Hotel’s Google Business Profile
Creating a Google Business Profile is the first step, but the journey doesn’t end there; optimizing it is where the real game begins.
Adding High-Quality Photos
Firstly, adding high-quality photos of your hotel gives potential guests a sneak peek into their stay. Photos of rooms, amenities, and other facilities can significantly impact a guest’s decision to book.
Responding to Reviews
Reviews play a significant role in online booking decisions. Responding to all reviews, positive or negative, promptly and professionally, shows you value your guests’ feedback. Learn more about how you can generate online reviews and how to respond to these reviews.
Providing Accurate and Detailed Information
Ensuring all information, like your address, contact details, and hours of operation, is accurate and up-to-date is critical. Additionally, add descriptions about your hotel, its amenities, and any special features.
Utilizing Google Business Profile Insights
Google Business Profile also provides Insights, a powerful analytics tool. It helps you understand how guests are interacting with your profile, what they’re clicking on, and even how they found you. This information can be invaluable for your marketing strategy. Our article on Google Analytics for hotels can provide further guidance.
Read More: Definition and Benefits of Local SEO and Technical SEO
Monitoring and Managing Your Hotel’s Profile
Keep a close eye on your Google Business Profile. Update it regularly, respond to reviews, and engage with your audience. The more active you are, the more visible your profile will be.
Google Business Profile Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid common mistakes such as inaccurate information, lack of responses to reviews, or low-quality photos. Remember, your Google Business Profile is often the first impression potential guests have of your hotel, so make it count!
Harnessing the Power of Google Business Profile
When used effectively, Google Business Profile is a powerful tool that can drive traffic, boost bookings, and enhance your hotel’s online reputation.
Case Study: Successful Hotel Google Business Profile
Let’s turn our attention to a real-life example, a client we worked with at a boutique hotel tucked away on a remote island. Despite the charm of its secluded location, the hotel faced considerable competition due to an array of other establishments in the region battling for guest attention.
Understanding the power of online visibility, we suggested a comprehensive strategy centered around the Google Business Profile. Our team helped set up their profile, ensuring all aspects, from the hotel’s website to the Google Business Profile, were meticulously optimized. This even included the deployment of UTM links for effective tracking through Google Analytics.
We didn’t stop at mere setup; our team took up active management of their Google Business Profile. We ensured the profile was continually updated with engaging content, promptly addressed guest reviews, uploaded high-quality photographs, and made regular posts to keep potential guests engaged and informed.
The Results
Despite the hotel’s remote location and fierce competition, its Google Business Profile became a significant revenue channel, contributing to 16-30% of its total revenue. This boutique hotel’s success story underscores the immense potential and importance of a properly managed Google Business Profile. Irrespective of your hotel’s location, with strategic optimization and active management of your Google Business Profile, you can witness a notable impact on your revenue.
