Marketing in the hospitality industry is a very competitive task, not only are you up against other local hotels, but you are also fighting for space on the Google results page. According to research, only 0.78% of Google searchers click on the second page of the search results, which means that you need to rock at SEO for hotels, or else you are missing out on potential customers! 

SEO for the hospitality industry is a bit tricky, as you have to know how to excel at both local SEO and international SEO tactics. It is one thing to attract local customers, and it is even better if you can draw in people from around the world.

The problem is, how does SEO for hotels work? Why is it different than marketing for other types of businesses?

Thankfully, we’ve created this article to teach you how to sharpen up your SEO for hotels skills, so you can convert more sales and stay busy. Keep on reading to learn more.

1. Know Your Audience

While it may seem like it, marketing for hotels is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Different hotels have different atmospheres and offer something unique to only a certain crowd. The tourism industry is worth over $1.6 billion, and there is no shortage of clients, so narrowing down on your audience will help you to bring in the right crowd.

For example, if your hotel offers fun activities and parties, then you need to narrow your SEO to target millennials. If you have luxury rooms, you need to target customers who are CEOs and high-class travelers. If you are marketing for a resort, you need to target families and offer vacations. 

2. Use All Forms of Keywords

Keywords are a crucial component of SEO for the hospitality industry, as there are endless ways people search for hotels. Begin by doing a Google search of your hotel area, and jotting down all the related search terms that show up.

Then do some research and include all the long-tailed keywords that align with your hotel. For example, instead of “hotel in Miami”, it could be, “nice hotels near the beach in Miami”. By including all forms of keywords including words and phrases, you are ensuring you are not missing out on any potential customers.

3. Optimize Your Title and Descriptions

Your blog titles, page titles, meta-descriptions, and URLs are very important for optimizing your hotels’ SEO. All of these components must include your primary keywords, location of your hotel, and feel enticing to click on. 

The meta description should be friendly, descriptive, and straight to the point. You do not have many characters, so keep it short and answer any possible questions your audience may have.

4. Use Local SEO Techniques 

Marketing for a hotel must include local SEO techniques to draw in your audience. Some of these techniques include:

• Listing your hotel in the local business directories
• Ensuring the hotel is updated in Google My Business
• Including keywords with the names of your local areas
• Using social media to include locations for visitors
• Work with your local community
• Ask for reviews, especially on Google

All of these techniques will help you to rock your local hotel SEO, so you can raise awareness for the hotel and draw in more customers.

Learn More About SEO For Hotels

There you have it! By following this creative SEO for hotels guide, you are on your way to a busier tourist season. 

To learn more SEO and marketing tips like these, check out the marketing section of our blog.