Have you ever wondered how competitor’s hotels are ranking on the first page of Google? Most of them use free directories like Google and Tripadvisor to reach prospective customers.
Using those same services, you too can boost the search visibility of your hotel property. Best of all, these services are free and packed full of features.
Let’s dive into the key reasons you should add your hotel to Google, Tripadvisor, and similar hotel booking engines. Then, I’ll show you how to request listings on the top hotel listing websites.
Why Should You Add Your Hotel to Booking Sites
For hotels small and large, it makes sense to list them on well-known hotel booking sites like Google and Tripadvisor. Here are a few key reasons to do so.
1. Increase Visibility
The more platforms your hotel is listed on, the more people will see it. Here is an example of how your hotel could look on Google’s hotel listing search results:
With increased visibility, your website will likely see a boost in visitors and inquiries. This increases the odds of bookings for your hotel, especially if your listing provides accurate information and high-quality photos.
2. Build Trustworthiness
Building trust with search engines and customers takes time when using your hotel website and social media profiles.
How can you speed up the process? When you list your hotel on a website like Google, you “borrow” its trustworthiness.
Customers know that business listing services, like Google and Tripadvisor, vet their listings. Similarly, customers know that businesses care about their standing on these platforms. This naturally boosts your hotel’s trustworthiness in the eyes of potential customers.
3. Make It Easier for Customers
A major pain point for customers is the inability to compare services and prices easily. With hotel listing sites, customers can easily compare accommodations to find the one that meets their needs.
A Google hotel or Tripadvisor listing also makes it possible for customers to book a stay at your hotel at any time. When your listing contains all relevant information, including availability and price, customers can make a quick but educated decision. This puts the power into the hands of your customers.
4. Gain Access to Marketing Tools
Platforms like Google and Tripadvisor have many marketing tools available for business owners. While not all of them are free, there are many affordable options.
Google integrates seamlessly with its suite of industry-trusted marketing tools. These include:
- Google Ads
- Google Analytics
- Google Keyword Planner (now part of Google Ads)
Google requires hotels to be running ads with them in order to appear on Google Hotel results. Tripadvisor also has its own suite of tools and services. As a verified Tripadvisor business, you can purchase storefront stickers and marketing materials through their vendors. You can also download free marketing assets, like icons and logos, to add to your website, social media profiles, and more.
5. Incorporate Advertisements
Take your hotel marketing efforts a step further with paid advertisements.
As mentioned, Google My Business incorporates seamlessly with Google Ads. You can create campaigns that boost your hotel listing to the top of search engine results pages and Google My Business results pages. The aim is to target relevant keywords with high volume and low competition.
How to Add Your Hotel to Google
Google makes it easy to add and verify your business. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be a Google-verified hotel in less than a week.
1. Sign Up for Google My Business
First, search to see if your business already exists. A Google business listing can exist without a Google My Business account connected. If it does not yet exist, you can create the listing in minutes.
You will be asked to provide:
- business name and category
- location for customers (if applicable)
- geographic location for customers you serve
- contact phone number
- website (if applicable)
- mailing address (for verification)
- services
- business hours
- whether you accept messages from customers
- a business description
- photos of your business
You can make edits to your business profile after you complete the steps above. The changes will not be visible on Google until your business has been verified, though.
2. Engage With Customers Reviews and Post Up-to-Date Photos
For larger businesses like hotels, the listing likely exists on Google already. In this case, you might already have customer reviews.
Once you’re verified as the owner or account manager of the hotel, you can respond to ratings and reviews as the business.
Believe it or not, negative reviews are good for your business. They show potential customers the worst-case scenario, as well as how you respond to it.
You should respond to negative reviews promptly, though it’s important to engage with positive reviews, too. This shows you are an active business owner who is attentive to your customers and their feedback.
You should also add up-to-date photos of the hotel and its amenities. While customer photos may exist on the listing, they may not be current or high quality. You want your photos to be front and center on the listing.
3. Add Hotel Information
Your customers should not need to go to multiple websites to find more in-depth information. This may cause them to find other deals elsewhere.
What should you add to your Google business listing?
- prices
- availability
- hours
- amenities
- health and safety guidelines
- up-to-date photos
The more information you add, the greater the benefit to the customer. For example, one benefit of adding pricing to your business listing is the automatic creation of a free booking link.
This brings customers right to your checkout funnel, which can boost your conversion rates. Just be sure to avoid the top reasons for checkout abandonment!
Now onto amenities. There are various categories you should target in your amenities list. These include:
- internet
- food & drink
- policies & payments
- activities
- pools
- services
- parking & transportation
- wellness
- accessibility
- pets
- business & events
- rooms
- bathrooms
- languages spoken
Google provides many options within each category. Check those you offer and add additional information as allowed. For example, whether there is an extra charge or how often a service is performed:
How to Add Your Hotel to Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor provides a streamlined process for requesting your hotel’s listing.
1. Request a Listing
Similar to Google My Business, a listing can be requested without your input. This often occurs when a user writes a review. To see if your hotel already has a listing, go to the Claim Listing page and search your business name.
If your business is not listed, just click the option at the bottom of the search results list that says “List it now:”
2. Add Your Personal Information
With the request initiated, you will first need to establish who you are and your connection with the business. This will include categorization of your business, your role within the business, and whether the place is currently open:
3. Add Your Hotel Information
Now it’s time to add the name of the hotel, a description (optional), address, and contact information.
This information will be available for customers once the listing is live.
For verification purposes, be sure the information you provide is accurate and up-to-date.
4. Include Property Details
Here, you will have the chance to add more information about your hotel and its services.
To start, Tripadvisor will ask numerous questions to ensure the most information is included in your listing. These questions include:
- What accommodation type best describes this property?
- How many rooms or units does the property have?
- How frequently is the front desk or check-in location staffed?
- What are the check-in hours?
You will also have the chance to select amenities your hotel provides from a list of common options:
The amenities list is not comprehensive, but you can provide more details once your hotel listing is published.
5. Add a Description and Photos
While a description is not required, it is crucial to distinguish your hotel from the competition. Aim to write a customer-focused description of your hotel.
The more photographs a listing has, the more likely it is to convert. A study from Bright Local found that businesses with more than 100 images on Google My Business get 1038 percent more direct searches than the average business.
That’s not the only benefit. Business listings with more than 100 images also see more calls, direction requests, and website clicks.
6. Submit Your Hotel Listing
The final step is to affirm the information you provided is true, and that you have the authority to request a listing. Once that is done, you can submit your listing for review.
With the listing submitted, Tripadvisor will start verifying your details and confirm your property meets their guidelines. The timeframe may vary, though it typically takes five business days.
How to Add Your Hotel to Booking.com
Google and Tripadvisor are industry leaders, but Booking.com is another popular option for listing your hotel. Follow the steps outlined below to get started now.
1. Sign Up for Booking.com
It takes just a few steps to sign up for Booking.com. The steps are:
- Go to the sign-up page and click “Get started.”
- Enter your email address and then click “Continue.”
- Enter your first and last name, and phone number.
- Enter the password of your choice and click “Create account.”
2. Request a Hotel Listing
Using the account you created above, you can now click “List your property” under Hotels, B&Bs, and more.
You can add property details, including:
- hotel name
- hotel address
- contact information
- pricing
- facilities & services
- amenities
- policies
- payments
You will also have the chance to upload photos of your hotel. This is your chance to show the best your hotel has to offer.
You should, of course, include images of amenities and luxury services. However, also be sure to include images of your standard rooms. You do not want to set an expectation for customers that is unrealistic.
3. Add More Details
Once your listing is approved, you will receive access to Booking’s Extranet. This is a portal where you can update your availability calendar, prices, and other listing details.
It will be important to update your details regularly to ensure the best experience for customers.
4. Make the Listing Live
Whenever you’re ready, you can make your property listing live on Booking.
Besides these three mentioned, also consider other platforms to add your hotel listing to, like Oyster, HotWire, Priceline, Travelocity, Yelp, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adding Hotel Listings
How Do I Add My Hotel to Google Maps?
Should I Add My New Hotel to Google?
What Other Hotel Booking Websites Should I Add My Hotel To?
Aside from Google My Business, Tripadvisor, and Booking.com, other hotel booking engines to consider include:
How Often Should I Update My Google Hotel Listings?
Google Hotel Guide Conclusion
With hotel booking engines like Google My Business, Tripadvisor, and Booking.com, you can meet the growing demand for contactless service. These websites let hotels provide all of the information customers need to make an informed decision. This gives the customer greater control over their booking experience.
If you’ve not considered using these booking engines before, this guide will provide you with everything you need to get started. There are many benefits to using these websites, including increased visibility and trustworthiness.
Which of the above hotel booking engines will you sign up for first?
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