Category: Google Business Profile

Google My Business is a free tool that allows businesses and organizations to influence how a business appears on Google Search, Google Maps, and Google Shopping.

So, this tool allows Hoteliers to connect with Guests, post business updates, list services, and more.

Google My Business is 100% free to create and manage.

There are several benefits of maintaining Google My Business for Hotel owners. For instance, it increases the visibility of a Hotel business on Google. Hoteliers can gain credibility with reviews. With Google My Business Hoteliers can share business information with customers.

Hotels and Resorts with well-optimized Google My Business are much more likely to appear in search results.

The star rating next to Hotel business names on Google Maps that ranges from 1-5 is an accumulation of reviews. Reviews provide valuable feedback about the Hotel business. Hoteliers can reply to reviews- both good and bad. This is a great way to build trust and credibility with current and future Guests.

Adding images of your hotel’s unique features on Google My Business is quite beneficial. Pictures of exterior shots, room interiors, amenities, employees assisting guests, etc are a great way to substantiate the claims a Hotelier is making.

Google Posts on Google My Business are a great way to share announcements and updates about your hotel.  At present, Google offers two types of posts that Hotels and Resorts can use. These are Add update and Add event.

Staying active whether it is answering questions/ responding to reviews/ or adding new images at regular intervals sends signals to Google that the Hotelier’s profile is active and updated, which can have a positive impact on the Hotel’s local rankings.

Hoteliers can do tons of things with GMB listing:

• On the Search Engine Page, Hoteliers can list their hotel’s name, address, location, and phone number.
• Hoteliers can have a geo-marker on Google Maps to flash their location.
• Hoteliers can put on display the guest reviews for their property.
• Hoteliers can display their property’s photos and videos.
• Hoteliers can provide additional information that might be just useful for travellers.
• Hoteliers can include a button that can redirect a visitor to the hotel website.
• Hoteliers can display a “click-to-call” option for searches performed on smartphones.

So, in a nutshell, GMB is a crucial step in getting a higher ranking in search results for hotels.

By optimizing the Hotel website for SEO, implementing Booking Master’s property management system and using online marketing to reach potential guests the Hotelier can stay ahead of the competition and attract more bookings.

Some key steps to drive online sales are as follows:

• User-Friendly Website Design.
• Ensure a clean, intuitive, and responsive design.
• Make navigation easy with clear menus and search functionality.
• Optimize for mobile devices.
• High-Quality Product Listings
• Use high-resolution images and multiple angles.
• Write detailed, informative product descriptions.
• Highlight key features and benefits.
• Include customer reviews and ratings.
• Clear and Transparent Pricing
• Display prices prominently.
• Be transparent about additional costs (e.g., shipping, taxes).
• Offer discounts, promotions, and bundles when possible.
• Secure and Easy Checkout
• Use trusted payment gateways.
• Offer multiple payment options.
• Implement a simple, multi-step checkout process.
• Clearly indicate security measures (e.g., SSL certificates).
• Customer Reviews and Social Proof.
• Showcase positive reviews and testimonials.
• Display trust badges and certifications.
• Highlight endorsements or partnerships with reputable organizations.
• Personalization
• Recommend products based on customer browsing and purchase history.
• Send personalized emails and offers.
• Use customer’s name in communications.
• Clear Calls-to-Action (CTAs)
• Use persuasive CTAs like “Buy Now,” “Add to Cart,” or “Shop Now.”
• Make buttons and links stand out with contrasting colors
• Effective Product Presentation
• Use videos to demonstrate products in action.
• Offer 360-degree product views.
• Use visual hierarchy to emphasize important information.
• Customer Support and Communication
• Provide easily accessible customer support channels
• Offer chatbots for instant assistance.
• Send order confirmations and shipping updates via email or SMS.
• Trust and Security
• Display trust seals, secure payment icons, and privacy policies.
• Clearly communicate data security measures.
• Offer a hassle-free return and refund policy.
• Urgency and Scarcity
• Use limited-time offers and flash sales.
• Display low stock alerts to create a sense of urgency.
• Highlight products trending or selling fast.
• Abandoned Cart Recovery
• Implement email or push notification reminders for abandoned carts.
• Offer incentives to complete the purchase, such as discounts or free shipping.
• Cross-Selling and Upselling
• Suggest related or complementary products during the shopping journey.
• Offer product bundles or upgrades.
• A/B Testing and Optimization
• Continuously test and optimize website elements, CTAs, and product listings.
• Analyze user behavior to identify areas for improvement.
• Fast Loading Times
• Ensure quick page loading times to prevent frustration.
• Optimize images and minimize unnecessary scripts.
• Social Media Integration
• Promote products on social media platforms.
• Allow customers to share their purchases on social networks.
• Responsive Customer Service
• Address customer inquiries and issues promptly and professionally.
• Use chat support for real-time assistance.
• Local and Global Shipping Options
• Offer various shipping options, including express and international.
• Clearly communicate delivery times and tracking information.
• Follow-Up and Retention
• Send post-purchase thank-you emails.
• Encourage repeat purchases with loyalty programs or exclusive offers.
• Analytics and Metrics
• Track website traffic, conversion rates, and customer behaviour.
• Use data to make data-driven improvements.

By implementing these points and continuously refining your approach based on customer feedback and data analysis, you can increase the likelihood of driving customers to make a purchase and improve your online sales performance.

Let’s sneak peek into some core statistics. According to the World Tourism Organization, in 1999, over 593 million international travellers were 60 years and older. This figure accounted for around 1/3 of holiday spending. Now this number is projected to reach 2 billion trips annually by 2050. And that’s purely because seniors will comprise nearly a quarter of the world’s population by 2050, compared to only 10% in 2000. From this, we can conclude, that seniors will be responsible for more holiday spending in the future than all of the younger age groups combined.

So, it’s important on the part of Hoteliers to make their property senior citizen-friendly as Hotel experience plays a crucial role in a senior’s overall travel experience. In comparison to younger travellers, Seniors have different needs and preferences. Hence, their hotel experience should cater to their unique requirements. The most common travel-related concerns that seniors have raised include physical limitations, mobility issues, security, comfort, and health concerns.

Hoteliers can take multiple steps to make hotels more accommodating for seniors:

Accessibility

In order to ensure that seniors with mobility issues can access the hotel easily Hotels should ensure that the hotel has wheelchair ramps. Lifts and Elevators should be installed in the hotel to make it easier for seniors to move between floors. Doorways in the hotel should be wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs. Parking spots near the entrance of the hotel should be accessible so that seniors can park close to the hotel entrance. Handrails should be installed by Hoteliers Hotels to make sure that seniors with mobility issues can move around the hotel safely.

Rooms need to be accessible

Non-slip mats in the bathroom,  Low beds, wheelchair-accessible showers, etc are some of the features Hotels need to implement to make it easier for seniors. If the hotel has no elevator, there must be a provision in which seniors can get guaranteed ground-floor rooms.

Security Measures:

Security measures like surveillance cameras and security guards are not negotiable to make seniors feel safer while staying at the hotel.

Handling Emergencies:

Senior Travellers should be furnished with important information like emergency contact information of hotel staff, local emergency services, and nearby hospitals. Hoteliers need to ensure that staff members are trained in emergency response procedures, including first aid and CPR. Emergency alarms should be installed in the room and washrooms which can be activated in case of an emergency.

Adequate lighting in the room

Seniors usually have vision problems. So, good lighting is essential for seniors. Hoteliers must ensure that there is enough lighting in the room to allow seniors to move around safely and easily. There should be bright illumination, in areas such as the bathroom and bedside. Additional lighting sources, such as reading lamps, should be provided so that seniors can read or perform other tasks comfortably.

Healthy Food:

Low-sodium, low-fat, low-oil and gluten-free food options must be included in the Menu, to accommodate seniors with specific dietary requirements.

Additional amenities:

Additional amenities and services, such as tea makers, extra pillows, blankets, or room service, should be in place to ensure seniors’ comfort while staying at the hotel. Hoteliers can also provide guests with emergency kits containing items such as flashlights, and first aid supplies.

Final Thoughts

The senior tourism market is often overlooked. As the aging population grows, they’ll be the top travel spenders in the future. Hence, to make the most of it Hoteliers should pay attention to this.

The calm, comfort, and accessibility of hotels constitute the variables that may influence the choice of senior citizen travelers.