Are you a hotel owner looking to attract more customers? Or perhaps you’re a traveler trying to find the perfect accommodation for your next trip? Either way, displaying your hotel on Google Maps is a crucial step in getting noticed online.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Displaying hotels on Google Maps requires proper optimization of your Google My Business listing and the use of relevant keywords and images.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on how to display hotels on Google Maps. We’ll cover everything from optimizing your Google My Business listing to using location-specific keywords and images. By the end of this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to showcase your hotel on Google Maps and attract more customers than ever before.
Optimizing Your Google My Business Listing
Google Maps is an essential tool for travelers looking for hotels. As a hotel owner, you want your hotel to appear on Google Maps when potential guests search for accommodation in your area. To achieve this, you need to optimize your Google My Business listing. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Create a Google My Business account
The first step is to create a Google My Business account. This free tool allows you to manage your hotel’s information on Google Maps and Search. You can add your hotel’s name, address, phone number, website, and business hours. You can also add a description of your hotel, photos, and videos. To create an account, go to the Google My Business website and follow the instructions.
Add your hotel’s name, address, and phone number
Make sure you add accurate and up-to-date information about your hotel. Your hotel’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) should be consistent across all online platforms to avoid confusion. This information should also match the information on your hotel’s website and social media profiles. Google uses this information to verify your hotel’s location and display it on Google Maps.
Optimize your hotel’s description
Your hotel’s description should be concise, informative, and engaging. It should highlight your hotel’s unique features, such as its location, amenities, and services. Use keywords that potential guests might search for, such as “luxury hotel” or “pet-friendly hotel.” Include a call-to-action to encourage guests to book directly with your hotel.
Add high-quality photos and videos
Photos and videos are essential for showcasing your hotel’s rooms, facilities, and surroundings. Use high-quality images that accurately represent your hotel. You can also add videos to give potential guests a virtual tour of your hotel. Make sure your photos and videos are optimized for the web to ensure fast loading times.
Encourage customer reviews
Customer reviews are important for building trust and credibility with potential guests. Encourage your guests to leave reviews on your Google My Business listing. Respond to all reviews, both positive and negative, in a professional and courteous manner. This shows that you value your guests’ feedback and are committed to providing excellent customer service.
Following these steps will help you optimize your Google My Business listing and increase your hotel’s visibility on Google Maps. Keep your listing up-to-date and engage with your guests to build a strong online presence for your hotel.
Using Relevant Keywords
One of the most important factors that can help your hotel appear on Google Maps is the use of relevant keywords. These are the words and phrases that people use when searching for hotels in a specific location. By including these keywords in your website and Google My Business listing, you can boost your visibility and attract more potential guests.
Research location-specific keywords
The first step in using relevant keywords is to research the most popular and relevant terms for your hotel’s location. This may include the name of the city or neighborhood, nearby attractions, and popular events or festivals. There are several tools you can use to do this, including Google’s Keyword Planner and Google Trends, which can provide insights into the most common search terms for your area.
Once you have identified the most relevant keywords, you can use them to optimize your website and Google My Business listing.
Incorporate keywords into your website and Google My Business listing
When adding keywords to your website, it’s important to do so in a natural and relevant way. This means incorporating them into your content, page titles, meta descriptions, and image alt tags. However, it’s important not to overuse keywords, as this can be seen as spammy and may harm your search engine rankings.
Similarly, when optimizing your Google My Business listing, you should include relevant keywords in your business name, description, and categories. This will help Google understand the nature of your business and show it to users who are searching for those keywords.
Use keywords in your hotel’s description and amenities
In addition to optimizing your website and Google My Business listing, you can also use relevant keywords in your hotel’s description and amenities. This will not only help your hotel appear on Google Maps, but it can also make it more appealing to potential guests.
For example, if your hotel is located near a popular attraction, you can highlight this in your description and include relevant keywords such as “near [attraction name].” Similarly, if your hotel offers amenities such as a pool or fitness center, you can include these in your description and use relevant keywords such as “pool hotel [city name].” This can help your hotel stand out from competitors and attract more bookings.
Utilizing High-Quality Images
One of the most important factors in displaying hotels on Google Maps is showcasing high-quality images. This is because images are the first thing potential guests will see when they search for hotels on Google Maps, and they play a key role in influencing their decision-making process. Here are some tips on how to utilize high-quality images to display your hotel on Google Maps:
Capture high-quality photos of your hotel’s exterior and interior
The first step in showcasing your hotel on Google Maps is to capture high-quality photos of your hotel’s exterior and interior. These photos should showcase the unique features of your hotel, such as the architecture, design, and decor. Make sure the photos are well-lit and capture the essence of your hotel. This will help potential guests get a better sense of what your hotel has to offer.
Include photos of the surrounding area
In addition to capturing high-quality photos of your hotel’s exterior and interior, it’s also important to include photos of the surrounding area. This can include photos of nearby attractions, restaurants, and landmarks. By showcasing the local area, you can help potential guests get a better sense of the location of your hotel and what they can expect to see and do during their stay.
Use professional photography or virtual tours
If you want to take your hotel’s image display to the next level, consider using professional photography or virtual tours. Professional photography can help you capture the best possible images of your hotel, while virtual tours can give potential guests an immersive experience that lets them explore your hotel as if they were there in person. Both options can help you stand out from the competition and provide a more engaging experience for potential guests.
Encouraging Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are a crucial part of any business, including hotels. They provide valuable feedback to hotel owners and help potential guests make informed decisions. Here are some tips on how to encourage more customer reviews for your hotel:
Respond to customer reviews
When customers take the time to leave a review, it’s important to respond in a timely and professional manner. This shows that you value their feedback and are committed to providing excellent customer service. Whether the review is positive or negative, take the time to thank the customer for their feedback and address any concerns they may have raised.
Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews
One of the best ways to get more reviews is to ask satisfied customers to leave one. This can be done through email, social media, or even in-person at the hotel. Make sure to provide clear instructions on how to leave a review on Google Maps and remind customers that their feedback is important and valued.
- According to a survey by BrightLocal, 70% of consumers will leave a review for a business when asked
- Another survey by ReviewTrackers found that 52% of customers said they were more likely to leave a review if they were asked to do so
Address negative reviews promptly and professionally
Negative reviews can be tough to deal with, but it’s important to address them promptly and professionally. This shows that you take customer feedback seriously and are committed to improving your hotel. When responding to negative reviews, make sure to apologize for any issues the customer experienced and offer to make things right.
Remember, customer reviews are a powerful marketing tool that can help attract more guests to your hotel. By encouraging reviews and responding to them in a professional manner, you can build a positive reputation and increase your hotel’s visibility on Google Maps.
Staying up-to-date with Google Maps Features
Google Maps is a powerful tool for businesses, especially those in the hospitality industry. By displaying your hotel on Google Maps, you can increase your online presence and be more visible to potential customers. However, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest features and changes to Google Maps to make the most of this tool. Here are some tips to help you stay current.
Regularly check for updates to Google Maps
Google Maps is constantly evolving, with new features and updates being released on a regular basis. It’s essential to keep an eye out for these updates and understand how they can benefit your business. One way to do this is by regularly checking the Google Maps blog, which provides information on new features and changes. You can also subscribe to the Google Maps Platform newsletter for regular updates.
Utilize new features, such as Google Maps’ ‘Popular Times’ feature
One feature that can be particularly useful for hotels is Google Maps’ ‘Popular Times’ feature. This feature shows users how busy a location is at different times of the day, based on data from Google’s vast network of users. By utilizing this feature, you can help potential customers plan their stay and avoid peak times, which can lead to a better experience for them and less stress for your staff.
Another useful feature is the ability to add photos and videos to your Google Maps listing. By providing visual content, you can give potential customers a better idea of what your hotel looks like and what amenities it offers.
Stay informed about changes to Google’s review policies
Reviews on Google Maps can have a significant impact on your business, both positive and negative. It’s important to understand Google’s review policies and any changes that may be made to them. For example, in 2021, Google announced changes to its review policy, including new guidelines for the use of profanity and sexual content in reviews. By staying informed about these changes, you can ensure that your hotel’s reviews comply with Google’s policies and avoid any potential penalties.
By staying up-to-date with Google Maps features and changes, you can ensure that your hotel is making the most of this powerful tool. By utilizing features like ‘Popular Times’, adding visual content, and understanding Google’s review policies, you can increase your online visibility and attract more customers to your business.
Conclusion
Displaying your hotel on Google Maps is a crucial step in attracting more customers and standing out in today’s competitive market. By optimizing your Google My Business listing, using relevant keywords and high-quality images, encouraging customer reviews, and staying up-to-date with Google Maps features, you’ll be well on your way to success.
We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with valuable insights and practical tips on how to display hotels on Google Maps. Start implementing these strategies today and watch your bookings soar!
