Ever wonder how hotels competing with yours rank on Google's first page? To reach potential customers, most of them use free directories such as Google and Tripadvisor.
These same services can also be used to increase the visibility of your hotel's property on search engines. These services are completely free and come with tons of features.
Let's look at the top reasons to add your hotel on Google, Tripadvisor and other similar hotel booking engines. Next, I will show you how to request listings from the most popular hotel listing websites.
Why should you add your hotel to booking sites
It makes sense for hotels large and small to be listed on popular hotel booking sites such as Google and Tripadvisor. Here are some key reasons why you should do this.
1. 1. Increase visibility
Your hotel will be seen more often if it is listed on more platforms. This is how your hotel might look in Google's hotel listing search results.
Your website will experience increased visibility which can lead to more visitors and inquiries. This will increase the chances of your hotel being booked, especially if you have accurate information and quality photos.
2. 2. Build trustworthiness
It takes time to build trust with customers and search engines when you use your hotel website and social profiles.
How can you speed it up? You “borrow” the trustworthiness of a website such as Google by listing your hotel.
Customers are aware that listing services like Google and Tripadvisor vet listings. Customers also know that businesses care about how they appear on these platforms. This will increase the trustworthiness of your hotel in the eyes potential customers.
3. Make it easier for customers
Customers find it difficult to compare prices and services. This is a major problem. Customers can compare hotels to find the best one.
Customers can book a hotel room at your hotel via a Tripadvisor or Google listing. Customers can quickly make an informed decision if your listing includes all pertinent information such as availability and price. Your customers have the power to make informed decisions.
4. Get Marketing Tools Access
Many marketing tools are available on platforms like Google and Tripadvisor for business owners. Although not all are free, many of these tools are affordable.
Google seamlessly integrates with its industry-trusted marketing tools. These include:
- Google Ads
- Google Analytics
- Google Keyword Planner (now part Google Ads).
Google requires that hotels run ads with them to appear in Google Hotel results. Tripadvisor has its own suite tools and services. You can buy storefront stickers and marketing material through Tripadvisor businesses that are verified. To add to your website and social media profiles with marketing assets such as icons and logos, you can also download them free of charge.
5. Advertisements for incorporation
Paid advertisements can take your hotel marketing efforts to the next level.
Google My Business integrates seamlessly with Google Ads, as mentioned. Campaigns can be created to boost your hotel listing's visibility on search engine results pages or Google My Business result pages. Targeting keywords that are high in volume and low in competition is the goal.
How to add your hotel to Google
Google makes it simple to add your business and verify it. These steps will make it easy to become a Google-verified Hotel in just a few days.
1. Register for Google My Business
To begin, search for your business to determine if it is already listed. Google My Business accounts are not required to create a Google business listing. You can create a listing within minutes if it doesn't already exist.
The following information will be required:
- Business name and business category
- If applicable, location for customers
- Customers you can serve from a specific geographic area
- Contact phone number
- Website (if applicable).
- Mailing address (for verification
- Services
- Business hours
- Accepting messages from customers
- a business description
- Photos of your business
After you have completed the above steps, you can make edits on your business profile. After your business is verified, the changes you make will not be visible to Google.
2. Get in touch with customers to get reviews and post up-to-date photos
If you are a larger business, such as a hotel, your listing is likely to be already on Google. You might have customer reviews in this instance.
After you have been verified as the owner/account manager of the hotel you are able to respond to reviews and ratings as the business.
Negative reviews can be a good thing for your business, believe it or not. These reviews show potential customers what the worst-case scenario is, and how you will respond.
Negative reviews should be addressed promptly. However, it is important to respond to positive reviews as well. This shows that you are a proactive business owner and are attentive to customers' feedback.
It is also a good idea to add photos of the hotel's amenities and facilities. Although customer photos might be included in the listing, they may not necessarily be up-to-date or of high quality. Your photos should be prominently displayed on the listing.
3. Add Hotel Information
Customers shouldn't have to visit multiple websites in order to get more information. They may find better deals elsewhere.
What should you include in your Google Business Listing?
- Prices
- Available
- Hours
- Amenities
- Guidelines for safety and health
- Up-to-date Photos
The greater the customer's benefit, the more information you provide. One example is adding pricing to your business listing. This will automatically create a booking link.
This will bring customers to your checkout page, which can increase your conversion rates. Be sure to avoid abandoning checkout for the top reasons!
Let's now move on to the amenities. You should consider a variety of categories when creating your amenities list. These are:
- Internet
- Food & Drink
- policies & payments
- Activities
- Swimming pools
- Services
- Parking & Transportation
- wellness
- Accessibility
- Pets
- Business & Events
- Rooms
- Bathrooms
- Languages spoken
Google offers many options for each category. You can review the information you provide and add any additional information as permitted. You can add additional information such as a charge for extra services or the frequency of service.
Add Your Hotel to Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor makes it easy to request your hotel's listing.
1. 1.
A listing request can be made without you having to input any information, similar to Google My Business. It is often done when a user reviews the hotel. Search your business name on the Claim Listing page to see if your hotel is already listed.
Click the “List it Now” option to add your business to the search results.
2. 2.
Before you can initiate the request, you'll need to identify yourself and establish your connection to the business. This will include a categorization and description of your business. It will also indicate your role in the business.
3. Add Your Hotel Information
It's now time to enter the name, description, address, and contact information.
Once the listing goes live, customers will have access to this information.
Verify that the information you provide for verification purposes is correct and current.
4. 4.
You can add additional information about your hotel or its services to this section.
Tripadvisor will first ask a variety of questions to ensure that your listing contains the most relevant information. These questions include:
- Which type of accommodation best describes this property's situation?
- What number of rooms and units does the property contain?
- How often is the check-in or front desk staffed?
- What are the check in hours?
A list of options will allow you to choose the amenities that your hotel offers.
Although the amenities list isn't comprehensive, you can add more information once your hotel listing has been published.
5. Add a description and photos
Although a description is not necessary, it is important to differentiate your hotel from its competitors. Write a descriptive description that is customer-focused about your hotel.
A listing with more photos is more likely to convert. Bright Local's study found that businesses with over 100 images on Google My Business receive 1038 percent more searches than the average business.
This is not the only benefit. Listings with over 100 images get more calls, directions requests, and website clicks.
6. Submit Your Hotel Listing
Last, confirm that the information provided is accurate and that you are authorized to request a listing. After that, you can submit the listing for review.
Tripadvisor will verify your listing once it is submitted. It can take up to five business days, but it is not uncommon for this process to take place.
Add Your Hotel to Booking.com
Google and Tripadvisor are the industry leaders. However, Booking.com is another popular choice for listing your hotel. To get started, follow the steps below.
1. Register for Booking.com
Booking.com is easy to set up in just a few simple steps These are the steps:
- Click “Get Started” on the sign-up page.
- Click “Continue” to enter your email address.
- Enter your first and last names, as well as your phone number.
- Click “Create an account” and enter the password you choose.
2. 2. Request a hotel listing
You can click “List your property ” using the account you have created. This will take you to Hotels, B&Bs and other related sites.
You can also add details to your property, such as:
- hotel name
- hotel address
- Contact information
- pricing
- Facilities & Services
- Amenities
- policies
- Payments
You can also upload photos of the hotel. This is your chance show off the best of your hotel.
Images of luxury amenities and services should be included. Images of standard rooms should be included, however. It is not a good idea to create unrealistic expectations for your customers.
3. Get More Information
After your listing has been approved, you'll be able to access Booking's Extranet. This portal allows you to update your pricing and availability calendar.
To ensure customers have the best possible experience, it is important to keep your information up-to-date.
4. 4.
You can publish your property listing on Booking whenever you are ready.
Other than these, you might also want to consider adding your hotel listing to other platforms like Oyster and HotWire, Priceline or Travelocity.
Commonly Asked Questions about Adding Hotel Listings
How do I add my hotel to Google Maps
With a Google My Business listing, your hotel’s address will automatically appear on Google Maps.
Do I need to add my new hotel to Google?
Yes! The sooner you can get your property listed on Google and other hotel booking websites, the sooner you can begin to build visibility and credibility.
Which other hotel booking websites should I add my hotel to?
Other than Google My Business, Tripadvisor and Booking.com, there are other booking engines for hotels that you should consider:
- Trivago
- Hotels.com
- Hotwire
- Kayak
- Agoda
- Expedia
How often should I update my Google hotel listings?
The more often you update your Google hotel listings, the better. You should update prices and availability daily if needed. For services and amenities, update them as their availability changes. You should also respond to reviews regularly.
Google Hotel Guide Conclusion
You can satisfy the increasing demand for contactless services by using hotel booking engines such as Booking.com, Tripadvisor, or Google My Business. These websites allow hotels to provide all the information they need to help customers make informed decisions. This allows customers to have more control over their booking experience.
This guide will help you get started if you have never used these booking engines. These websites offer many benefits, including trustworthiness and increased visibility.
Which one of the hotel booking engines do you want to sign up for?
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By: Neil Patel
Title: How to Add Your Hotel to Google, TripAdvisor, and More
Sourced From: neilpatel.com/blog/google-hotel-listing/
Published Date: Tue, 14 Sep 2021 13:00:00 +0000