Search engines play a crucial role in the success of hotels, and when it comes to search engines, Google is the leader. Along with its search engine, Google offers powerful tools that can help improve your hotel’s visibility and attract more guests.
Why Google My Business (GMB) Matters for Hoteliers
As a hotel owner, you know that being visible online is key to getting more guests. Today, most guests search for hotels online, and when it comes to search engines, Google is the one that matters most.
One tool from Google that can help your hotel stand out is Google My Business (GMB). This free tool allows you to create an online profile for your hotel. It helps potential guests find your property quickly, whether you own a small hotel or run a large chain.
In this article, we’ll talk about the benefits of having a Google My Business listing and how it can help your hotel get more bookings and improve your online presence.
What Can You Do With Google My Business for Your Hotel?
Before we dive into the benefits, let's look at how Google My Business works for your hotel. It allows you to manage your hotel’s details on Google Search and Google Maps.
Benefits of GMB Listing for Hotels
1. Maximize ‘Near Me’ Searches and Local SEO
When guests search for “hotels near me”, they want to find a place to stay quickly. If your hotel is listed on Google My Business, your hotel is more likely to show up in those searches.
Having your hotel on GMB makes it easier for guests to find you and book directly. It helps improve your local SEO, meaning you’re more visible in search results when people are looking for hotels nearby.
2. More Ways to Communicate with Guests
Guests are not just looking for the best price, but also for a safe and easy stay. Having your hotel listed on Google My Business means you can communicate directly with guests.
Along with showing your hotel’s contact details, you can:
- Share updates about your safety measures, which helps build trust.
- Add promotions and special offers to attract more bookings.
- Answer questions guests might have about your hotel right away.
Table: Communication Benefits for Your Hotel
By staying active on GMB, you make it easier for guests to get in touch and feel confident about booking with you.
3. Boost Bookings with Guest Reviews and Ratings
Guest reviews are a powerful way to attract new bookings. Most guests trust reviews as much as a personal recommendation. Google My Business allows you to showcase your reviews and star ratings right on your profile.
- Positive reviews build trust with new guests.
- Responding to reviews shows you care about guest feedback.
- Handling negative reviews well shows potential guests that you are committed to improving.
In fact, a 2024 study found that 96% of travelers consider reviews important when making their booking decisions, and 83% of them say they will book a hotel with higher ratings over others.
Why Reviews Matter:
- Trust Building: Positive reviews help build trust with potential guests.
- Transparency: Responding to negative reviews shows you care and can turn a bad experience into a positive one.
- Increased Visibility: Google’s algorithm values fresh and relevant content, and reviews contribute to this.
4. Get Price Insights and Stay Competitive
Google My Business not only allows you to display your pricing, but it also provides price insights, enabling guests to compare your rates with those of nearby properties.
Here’s how it works:
- When guests search for hotels, they can view your rate insights and compare them with other properties listed on Google.
- Your hotel could also appear in Google’s Price Comparison Tool, showing up when potential guests search for cheaper options, potentially driving more bookings.
STR’s 2024 Report revealed that hotels using GMB price insights saw a 25% increase in direct bookings due to clearer and more transparent pricing.
Table: How GMB Helps You Stay Competitive
5. Improve SEO with Google Posts
SEO can be a slow process, but Google Posts can help speed it up. This tool lets you share updates directly in Google search results. Whether it’s a new promotion, an event, or something special about your hotel, Google Posts keeps your guests informed and helps improve your rankings.
- Share your latest offers.
- Announce events or special packages.
- Post new blog content or news about your hotel.
By staying active and posting regularly, you send a signal to Google that your hotel is a trusted, up-to-date business.
How Hotelogix Helps You Manage Your GMB Profile
Hotelogix’s Revenue Management System (RMS) helps you adjust prices based on demand, ensuring your GMB profile always displays competitive rates that attract more guests. Plus, with Hotelogix’s Web Booking Engine, guests can book directly through your GMB listing, improving your booking flow and reducing commission fees from OTAs.
By using Hotelogix, you make sure your hotel’s information stays current and accurate, improving your online presence across Google’s platforms.
Conclusion
Google My Business is an essential tool for hotels looking to improve their online visibility, attract more guests, and boost their SEO efforts. If you haven’t yet set up your GMB profile, it’s time to get started.
With features like guest reviews, price insights, and real-time updates, GMB gives your hotel the opportunity to stand out. And by using Hotelogix, you can ensure your hotel’s rates, availability, and bookings are always up-to-date across Google, driving more guests directly to your property.
Start optimizing your Google My Business profile today and watch your bookings increase!