What is Hotel SEO?
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) means making your hotel website easy for Google to find so travelers see it first when they search for “hotels near me” or “best resorts in [your city]”.
Why it matters:
80% of travelers start their search on Google.
If your website isn’t on page 1, you’re losing bookings to OTAs like Booking.com.
Step 1: Find the Right Keywords
Keywords = Words travelers type into Google (e.g., “family-friendly resort Goa” or “cheap hotels near airport”).
How to find keywords:
Use free tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest.
Type your hotel’s location + type (e.g., “luxury resort Maldives”).
Pick keywords with high searches and low competition.
Example:
Bad keyword: “hotels” (too broad).
Good keyword: “beachfront villas in Maldives under ₹20,000”.
Free Checklist: Hotel SEO Basics Download this 1-page PDF to stay on track: 1.Keyword research done 2.Page titles & descriptions updated 3.Google My Business profile claimed 4.Blog added (at least 500 words) 5.Website speed tested
Step 2: Fix Your Website’s Basics
A. Page Titles & Descriptions
Title: Keep it short (50-60 letters) and add your main keyword.
Example: “Luxury Beach Resort in Maldives | [Your Hotel Name]”.Description: Write a 1-2 sentence summary with keywords.
Example: “Book direct for the best rates at our Maldives beach resort. Free breakfast, pool, and WiFi. 5-star reviews!”
B. URLs
Keep URLs simple:
yourhotel.com/maldives-beach-resortAvoid:
yourhotel.com/page?id=123
Step 3: Add Useful Content
Travelers want answers. Create content like:
Blogs: “Top 10 Romantic Restaurants Near [Your Hotel]”.
FAQs: “Is Your Resort Kid-Friendly? Yes! Here’s Why.”
Local Guides: “How to Plan a Perfect Maldives Honeymoon”.
Pro Tip: Use subheadings (H2, H3) with keywords.
Step 4: Speed Up Your Website
A slow website = lost bookings.
Check speed for free:
Go to Google PageSpeed Insights.
Enter your website URL.
Fix issues like:
Compress large images.
Remove unnecessary plugins.
Step 5: Get Listed on Google My Business
Claim your Google My Business (GMB) profile.
Add:
Hotel photos (high quality).
Correct address, phone number, website.
Special offers (e.g., “Book Direct & Get 15% Off”).
Why this works: Your hotel shows up in Google Maps and local searches.
Step 6: Get Reviews
Ask guests to leave Google reviews after their stay.
Reply to ALL reviews (even negative ones).
Example response to a bad review:
“We’re sorry your stay wasn’t perfect. We’ve fixed the AC issue. Please give us another chance!”
Step 7: Use Free SEO Tools
Ask guests to leave Google reviews after their stay.
Reply to ALL reviews (even negative ones).
Example response to a bad review:
“We’re sorry your stay wasn’t perfect. We’ve fixed the AC issue. Please give us another chance!”
FAQs
Q: How long does SEO take to work?
*A: 3-6 months. Be patient – it’s worth it!*
Q: Can I do SEO myself?
A: Yes! Start with the steps above. No expert needed.
Q: What’s the #1 SEO mistake?
A: Ignoring mobile users. Test your site on phones!
