How To Do Local SEO for Hotels

Introduction.

If you run a hotel, you know that attracting guests is at the heart of your business. The key to standing out from the competition and making sure potential customers find you when they’re searching online is good local SEO.

If you’re not familiar with SEO (Search Engine Optimization), or just haven’t gotten around to focusing on it, don’t worry.

I’ll break it down for you in simple terms, showing you how to improve your hotel’s local search visibility without getting lost in complicated tech talk.

Local SEO is all about optimizing your online presence so that people who are looking for a place to stay in your area can easily find your hotel when they search on Google.

This can make a huge difference in driving traffic to your website, increasing bookings, and growing your business.

Think of it as making sure your hotel shows up on the map when someone types in “hotels near me” or “best places to stay in [your city].”

So why does local SEO matter so much for hotels? Well, a recent study shows that 46% of all Google searches are seeking local information.

Plus, 78% of mobile local searches lead to an offline purchase, which in this case means a booking at your hotel!

These numbers really highlight how important it is to show up when someone’s looking for accommodation in your area. Local SEO helps make that happen.

Now, let’s dive into the simple steps that can make a big difference in your hotel’s visibility and drive more bookings!

How Can I Do Local SEO for Hotels?

Step 1: Set Up and Optimize Your Google Business Profile.

If you haven’t already done so, the first thing you need to do is set up your Google Business Profile (previously known as Google My Business).

This is probably the most important factor in local SEO for hotels. It helps your hotel show up on Google Maps, local search results, and even in the Knowledge Panel (that little box on the side of the search results). Here’s what you need to do:

Claim your profile: Make sure your hotel is listed on Google. If it’s not, you can easily claim it through Google’s platform.
Fill out all your details: Make sure to include your address, phone number, website, business hours, photos of your hotel, and any other details that can help potential guests find and trust you.
Categories: Choose the right categories for your hotel. This will help Google understand what your business is all about. You can select categories like “Hotel,” “Lodging,” and even something more specific if you offer unique services like “Resort” or “Bed and Breakfast.”
Encourage reviews: Positive reviews go a long way in boosting your local SEO rankings. Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews on your Google profile. Responding to reviews, both positive and negative, shows potential guests that you care about feedback.

Step 2: Optimize Your Website for Local SEO.

Now that your Google Business Profile is set up, let’s focus on your website. A well-optimized website not only helps with local SEO but also makes it easier for your potential guests to book a stay. Here’s how you can optimize it:

Local keywords: Use keywords that people are likely to search when looking for a hotel in your area. For example, if your hotel is in Miami, you could use phrases like “Miami hotel,” “best hotels in Miami,” or “places to stay in Miami.” Include these keywords naturally throughout your website, especially on your homepage and landing pages.
Add location-specific content: Write about local attractions, events, and activities in the area. This not only helps your SEO but also helps guests plan their stay. For example, you could create a blog post about “Top 10 Things to Do Near [Your Hotel Name]” or “The Best Restaurants Around [Your Hotel Name].”
Mobile-friendly website: A large percentage of people search for hotels while on their phones, so make sure your website is mobile-friendly. Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites in search rankings, so it’s essential for both SEO and user experience.
Fast load times: If your website takes forever to load, guests might bounce before they even see your booking page. Keep your website fast by optimizing images, reducing unnecessary plugins, and using a reliable hosting service.

Step 3: Get Listed in Local Directories.

Aside from Google, there are several other online directories that list hotels and can help boost your local SEO. Some of the most popular directories include:

TripAdvisor
Yelp
Booking.com
Expedia
Airbnb (even if you don’t use Airbnb for bookings, being listed here can still help)

Make sure your hotel is listed on these sites with accurate and consistent details. This helps Google understand where your business is located and boosts your local search rankings.

Step 4: Create Location-Based Content.

Content marketing is a powerful tool for SEO, especially when you create location-specific content. This can include blog posts, videos, and even social media updates. Here’s how you can take advantage of this:

Blog posts: Write helpful, engaging posts about local events, things to do in the area, and hidden gems that guests may not know about.
Social media: Share photos of your hotel, local attractions, and happy guests on Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms. Use hashtags relevant to your location, like #MiamiHotels or #NYCStaycation, to increase your visibility in local searches.
Local news: If there are events or happenings in your area, consider covering them in your content. This shows your guests that you’re in tune with the local culture and can help boost your relevance in local searches.

Step 5: Optimize for Mobile Search.

A huge chunk of local searches happen on mobile devices, especially when people are on the go. If your hotel’s website isn’t optimized for mobile, you’re missing out on a huge number of potential guests.

Responsive design: Your website should automatically adjust to different screen sizes, so whether someone’s using a smartphone or tablet, they get the best user experience.
Click-to-call buttons: Make it easy for people to call your hotel with one click directly from your website or Google listing.
Quick booking: Simplify your booking process for mobile users. Make it as easy as possible for potential guests to make a reservation right from their phone.

Step 6: Build Local Backlinks.

Backlinks are a huge factor in SEO, and local backlinks can be even more valuable. Try to get your hotel mentioned on local blogs, news sites, or tourism websites.

This helps increase your authority and relevance in your area. Some ideas to get local backlinks include:

Partner with local businesses: Work with local restaurants, tour companies, or event organizers to get featured on their websites.
Sponsor local events: If there’s a local event or charity you can sponsor, this can get your hotel’s name mentioned on event websites or local news outlets.
Press releases: If you’re launching something new or hosting an event, consider writing a press release and getting it published in local media.

Step 7: Track Your Progress.

SEO is not something you can set and forget. You need to track your progress and make adjustments. Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to monitor how your website is performing in local searches and identify areas for improvement.

Conclusion

Local SEO is a must for hotels looking to attract more guests and grow their business. By optimizing your Google Business Profile, website, and local listings, and by creating engaging, location-specific content, you’ll increase your chances of showing up when potential guests search for hotels in your area.

It’s all about making your hotel easy to find and providing the right information so that people can book their stay with you.

Are you ready to make your hotel the go-to place for travelers looking for a stay in your area? Let’s dive deeper into these steps and get your hotel noticed online!