Complete Set Up of Google Business Profile for Hotels

 

In today’s digital world, everyone relies vastly on online searches to find the perfect hotel for their stay. It is important for hotels to have a solid online presence and build credibility among their potential customers.

The good news is that Google provides a free tool for hotels to strengthen their online presence. That is Google Business Profile. 

But how do you start?

Don’t worry! We are here to help you. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through each and every step of creating and optimizing your hotel's Google Business Profile, from claiming your profile to showcasing your best features with stunning visuals.

Increase your hotel’s visibility online with a Google Business Profile!

Creating a Google Business Profile

Creating a Google Business Profile for hotels is a simple procedure. Here is the step-by-step comprehensive guide for you to create, verify, and optimize your GBP.

• Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up

Step 1: Log in to Google Business Profile
To log in, you will need a Google account. If you don’t already have one, create a new one. Otherwise, click on Sign in.

Step 2: Add essential information about your business
1. Add the name of the hotel business you want to show on the Google Business Profile.

2. Next, choose the business type from the three available options- 

• Online retail: Customers can purchase products through your website
• Local Store: Customers can visit your business in person
• Service Business: Your business makes visits to customers

For hotels, you can choose the third option, which is the most suitable for your business. If you want, you can select all three options.

3. Now, add your business category. This will also help potential customers find your hotel business by searching for the category. Choose “Hotel,” “Motel,” or” Hostel” for a more precise description.

4. Enter your hotel address. Ensure you are adding all the details accurately. Add street address, zip code, state, and country. Google prominently relies on the hotel address details to show local search results. For example, if a guest is searching for a hotel in a specific area, your hotel has a better chance of ranking in the search results.

5. Here, add your contact details and a website link. Google prioritizes profiles in search results with complete and accurate information, including contact details and website links.

Although it is a skippable option, having contact details available on the GBP makes it convenient for guests to connect with you directly for any details.

A website link lets guests access detailed information, photos, and booking options directly from your hotel's source. This transparency builds trust and encourages bookings.

6. Add your hotel’s location on Google Maps. This will help you get discovered on Google Maps. Drag and position your location on the maps. This will also help your guests navigate to your hotel. 

7. Business Hours
Hotels are typically open 24*7 for check-in; Google Business Profile does not allow profiles under the Hotel category to edit their business hours. However, you can mention the check-in and check-out timings on your profile.

Step 3: Navigate through different questions
It will ask you common general questions about deliveries, visits, etc. Choose appropriate options that are most suitable for your business.

Step 4: Get Verified!
Verification is vital for a Google Business Profile for Hotels because it increases the chances of your hotel appearing higher in Google Search and Maps results, especially for local hotel searches. This leads to more potential guests discovering your hotel.

It creates a sense of legitimacy among your guests. They know that your business is an established one, not a fake one!

When your profile is verified, you can manage and edit all the information whenever you want. You can also respond to the guest reviews. You can answer guest questions, offer special promotions, and directly connect with potential customers.

You can control and prevent fake hotel listings that will help you safeguard your online reputation.

Step 5: Add Media
While it is a skippable option, adding high-quality images and videos is crucial for your hotel on GBP. Here’s why-

• As mentioned, Google prioritizes those profiles that are complete. That includes a profile with photos and videos. With the media, your profile might get a slight boost on SERPs.
• It creates an appealing appearance for your hotel.  Your potential customers can quickly go through the gallery and see how your property looks rather than scrolling through your website.
• Media helps you focus on your USPs. You can share images of a unique amenity you provide or anything that makes your hotel unique from the competition.
• You can also add 360-degree virtual tours of your property. This way, your guests can experience your hotel before actually staying there - it's more like a preview!
• Media can also help you target a specific audience. You can show family-friendly rooms, kid-friendly amenities like kids’ gardens cribs, pet-friendly amenities, couple-friendly policies, and so on.
• Reach a wider audience with photos and videos. Because this media will appear on Google Maps, Search, and other Google services.

With these 5 steps, your Google Business Profile for the hotel is ready. 

Verifying Your Google Business Profile

There are a few ways to verify your Google Business Profile. These methods depend on factors like your business category, location, and Google's internal verification processes. 

The exact number of verification methods depends on Google’s internal systems. Based on their verification strategy for your specific case, they might ask you to undergo multiple verifications or just one.

• Verification Methods Available

Once you claim or add your hotel to your Google Business Profile, Google will quickly ask you to verify your business. Here are some verification methods available.

• Postcard: Google mails the postcard to the registered address on your profile with the verification code on it. This is done mainly for the location verification. You can enter the code and verify your profile.
• Phone Call: They may give you a phone call on the registered contact number and provide the verification code over a call.
• Text Message(SMS): Similar to the phone call, they may send you a text message with the verification code.
• Email Verification: Email verification is a less common method of verification. However, they may send you an email with the verification code.

Video Verification: This method is used for hotels, chains, and complex businesses. In this method, you will be required to shoot a video of your hotel or upload a pre-shot video that covers the hotel's location and signage.

 

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Creating and verifying a Google Business Profile is an easy and straightforward process. However, you may encounter some issues. 

Here are the issues and how you can troubleshoot them-

1. Verification Issues:

• There are limited verification options available for the Hotel Category. Most hotels require video verification, so you might only have one or two choices available.
• Receiving the code and getting your profile verified may take a few days. This could be frustrating.
• If your contact information is slightly incorrect, you will not receive the code. In this case, cross-check your contact details again.

2. Duplicate Listings:

• There is a chance your hotel already has a duplicate listing. In this case, you can claim the existing listing or request Google to merge the two listings.

3. Managing Multiple Locations:

• This is the typical issue hotel chains face when adding multiple locations under one business profile. Here, you can use Google’s Location Groups feature.

4. Ranking:

• Due to an incomplete profile, blurred media, incomplete contact details, and a lack of website details, the hotel’s ranking on SERPs is affected. Sometimes, hotels do not update their details on a timely basis, which may frustrate guests and cause them to leave negative reviews.
• It is crucial for the hotel to address these negative reviews promptly and professionally to cure the damage they cause.

Conclusion

Google Business Profile is vital for hotels to rank on searches. This free tool lets you rank on not only searches but also Google Maps and other Google Services. 

By creating a profile, updating information from time to time and optimizing it on a timely basis, you can enjoy all the benefits from SERP ranking to building credibility among your guests.

Frequently Asked Questions About Google Business Profile for Hotels

A. How do I change my hotel details on Google Business Profile?

You can edit your hotel's services and amenities (not core details) in the "Hotel details" section of your verified Google Business Profile. For more changes, click on Edit Profile option.

B. How do I create a Google Business Profile for multiple locations?

You can create a Google Business Profile for multiple locations by setting up a location group in Business Profile Manager and adding each location individually. You can also use Google’s Location Groups feature.

C. How do I change the business hours of my hotel on Google?

Hotels typically can't edit business hours on Google as they're assumed to be open 24/7 for guests. However, you can add check-in and checkout details.

D. How do I verify my hotel’s Google Business Profile?

You can verify your hotel's Google Business Profile by choosing a verification method (like a postcard or phone, or Video) after claiming your business listing.

E. How do I change my hotel’s Google Business Profile verification method?

Unfortunately, Google Business Profile doesn't allow changing verification methods once you've chosen one, but you can try a different method if the initial one fails.