Increase Direct Bookings with Google Hotel Finder

Google Hotel Finder, also known as Google Hotels or Google Hotel Search, is a powerful metasearch tool integrated into Google’s ecosystem. This tool aggregates hotel information from across the internet, providing users with a comprehensive overview of available accommodations based on their search criteria. It’s part of the larger Google Travel suite, which also includes tools for flights and activities.

Google’s dominance in the search engine market makes Google Hotel Finder an essential tool for any hotelier. With over 90% of the global search engine market share, Google is the starting point for millions of travelers planning their trips. When someone types in a search like “hotel in [your city],” Google Hotel Finder is prominently displayed, offering users a convenient way to compare options and make informed booking decisions.

Why Is it Important for Small Hotels to Use Google Hotel Finder?

For small and independent hotels, Google Hotel Finder is a game-changer. In a world where travelers are inundated with information, metasearch engines like Google Hotel Finder simplify the process by presenting the most relevant options at the top of the list. This visibility can be a crucial source of business for smaller properties that may struggle to compete with large chains.

Being listed on Google Hotel Finder ensures that your hotel is in front of potential guests when they are actively searching for accommodations. If your hotel isn’t visible on Google Hotel Finder, you could miss out on a significant amount of business. Conversely, by optimizing your presence on Google Hotel Finder, you can reach a broader audience and increase your bookings.

How Does Google Hotel Finder Work?

Google Hotel Finder functions as a metasearch engine, pulling together hotel information from across the web. When a user searches for a hotel, Google displays a list of options based on the location, dates, and other criteria like price, rating, and hotel class. The results are presented in an easy-to-navigate format, allowing users to filter their search and find the perfect accommodation.

Once a traveler has filtered their options, they can click through to a hotel’s details page. Here, they can see all the offers from different booking channels. The “View prices” button allows them to compare deals from online travel agencies (OTAs) and the hotel’s own website. It’s important to note that Google Hotel Finder doesn’t handle the bookings itself – it directs users to the appropriate website to complete the transaction.

How to Add Your Hotel to Google Hotel Finder?

One of the most common questions hoteliers ask is, “How do I add my hotel to Google Hotel Finder?” The process is straightforward but requires a few key steps to ensure your property is listed and optimized for visibility.

Step 1: Create a Google Business Profile

The first step to getting your hotel listed on Google Hotel Finder is to create a Google Business Profile. This profile is crucial because it ensures that Google knows your hotel exists and can display it in relevant search results, including Google Maps and other Google properties.

To set up your Google Business Profile, visit the Google Business website and follow the instructions to create a new profile. Make sure to fill out all the necessary information, including your hotel’s name, address, phone number, website, and photos. The more detailed your profile, the better your chances of being shown in search results.

Step 2: Ensure Online Booking Availability

For your hotel to appear on Google Hotel Finder, guests must be able to book your rooms online. This can be through your own website, an OTA, or another booking channel. Once your Google Business Profile is set up, and your hotel is bookable online, your property will automatically appear in Google Hotel Finder’s search results.

Step 3: Optimize Your Presence on Google Hotel Finder

Simply being listed on Google Hotel Finder isn’t enough – you need to optimize your presence to stand out from the competition. Here are some best practices to help you get the most out of your Google Hotel Finder listing:

Best Practices for Small Hotels

1. Offer Competitive Direct Booking Deals

One of the best ways to increase your hotel’s visibility and bookings through Google Hotel Finder is by offering competitive direct booking deals. Direct bookings are highly beneficial because they eliminate the need to pay commissions to OTAs, which can range from 15% to 25% per booking.

If you have a direct booking website, ensure that it offers the best rate or at least matches the lowest rate available through other channels. Since you save on OTA commissions with direct bookings, consider using some of those savings to offer unbeatable deals on your own website. This will encourage potential guests to book directly with you rather than through an OTA.

2. Invest in Google Hotel Ads

Google Hotel Finder offers an advertising option that allows you to bid for a top spot in the search results. This can be a valuable investment for small hotels looking to increase their visibility. When you bid, you’re essentially agreeing to pay Google a percentage of the booking value if a guest clicks on your ad and completes a reservation.

For example, if you successfully bid 10% and a guest books a $500 stay through your ad, you’ll pay Google $50 in commission. This can be a cost-effective way to get your hotel in front of more potential guests, especially if you’re confident in your ability to convert clicks into bookings.

3. Enhance Your Google Business Profile

To maximize your chances of appearing in relevant search results, make sure your Google Business Profile is as detailed and unique as possible. Include information about any special amenities or services your hotel offers, such as pet-friendly rooms, free breakfast, free parking, or free Wi-Fi. These details can help your hotel stand out, especially when travelers use specific search terms like “pet-friendly hotel in [your city].”

Leverage Technology to Maximize Google Hotel Finder Bookings

Getting your hotel listed on Google Hotel Finder is only half the battle. To fully capitalize on the opportunities it offers, you need to drive direct bookings and manage them effectively. This is where a Hotel Management System (HMS) and a Property Managemernt System such as Hotelogix comes into play.

Get more direct bookings with a hotel booking engine

Google hotel finder is one of the most effective tools for hotels to enhance their visibility and drive more sales. This is only half part of the story because to drive direct bookings hotels have to integrate with hotel pms such as Hotelogix.

Hotelogix easily integrates with a hotel booking engine and a channel manager to help hotels gain more direct bookings.

Final Thoughts

Getting your hotel listed on Google Hotel Finder is an essential step in maximizing your online visibility and driving more bookings. By creating a detailed Google Business Profile, offering competitive Google Hotel Finder direct booking deals, investing in Google Hotel Ads, and leveraging a hotel management system like Hotelogix, you can ensure your hotel stands out in a crowded marketplace.

Whether you’re a small independent hotel or part of a larger chain, optimizing your presence on Google Hotel Finder is crucial. With the right strategies in place, you can harness the power of Google to attract more guests and grow your business.

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