Accommodation industry has always been an important industry. However, it has gained a significant momentum in the backdrop of the Internet age. No matter where they are, people benefit from the Internet sooner or later while planning their travel.
However, it would be impossible to say that hotels totally benefit from the opportunities of the Internet. Making the most of the Internet, which offers you an unlimited number of opportunities for your property, means decreasing your costs while increasing your sales.
The first website that comes to mind with the Internet is Google. Having launched as a simple search engine, Google still has a major role in search traffic while offering even more to its users nowadays. Here are some services powered by Google and notes from HotelRunner for you to make the most of Google…
Organic traffic
Whatever the field of activity is, the dream of each website admin is drawing visitors to its website. The most practical and low-cost method is organic traffic redirected by search engines. Majority of visitors only visit the websites that pop up on the first page of the search results. So, targeting higher ranks through keywords on Google would help you draw more visitors. You could ensure this by prioritizing your search engine optimization studies. We also recommend you to have a look at our article titled “Importance of Search Engine Optimization (SEO)” for hotels for further information about this issue.
Google webmasters tools
A free of charge service offered by Google to website owners, webmaster tools review your internet site from various aspects and reports its status to you. Once you sign in your Google account, you can see the search traffic of your website, technical errors on your website and improvement recommendations. “Content Keywords” under “Google Directory”, in particular, could provide you with significant information and tips about the keywords of your website.
Google+
Today, social networks are more and more influential on Google search results. Google+, Google’s own social network, is one jump ahead of other social networks when it comes to search results. If you create a Google+ page for your hotel and start sharing there, you could support your SEO studies and increase the rate of clicks on your page. You could even directly communicate with your potential guests and create selling opportunities on Hangouts.
Google ads
In addition to organic traffic, Google AdWords is another feature powered by Google for you to increase your visitors and direct selling chances. Commonly used by many hotels at any scale, AdWords and similar online ads play a significant role in extending your outreach to international guests on top of your local guests. Among HotelRunner’s features, Google AdWords is a not-to-miss channel for tourism establishments aiming to increase direct online reservations.
Google Hotel Finder
Google has more to offer for accommodation industry. Google Hotel Finder service help users find the properties available in the region and between the dates they have chosen. Launched in late 2012, the relatively young Google Hotel Finder retrieves information about hotels through various online sources. However, the most practical method to sign up on Google Hotel Finder would be registering your establishment on Google Directory. Google Hotel Finder receives price details and other information from websites like Booking.com, Expedia.com, Priceline.com and Hotels.com. Therefore, having an account for your hotel on at least one of those websites might also be helpful.
Yes, Google helps you promote your hotel on the Internet and directly contact your potential guests. However, the Internet offers more than that. HotelRunner would be more than happy to guide you and help you make the most of all the advantages offered by the Internet.
