Search engines: why a strong presence matters
Find out why and how to improve your presence on search engines.
These days, most bookings happen online. Guests run a search, find what they want and book. So how do you make sure they see you? By improving your visibility on search engines!
Why be visible?
One of the golden rules nowadays is never to neglect your online presence. That doesn't necessarily mean having a website (although it's very useful), but it does mean using several different channels.
Why make sure you're visible on search engines? Quite simply, to win guests! After all, if you don't appear in their search, how can you expect to get bookings?
A simple test to see where you stand is to type the name of your rental, hotel or restaurant into Google and look at what comes up.
How to go about it
Start with the easy things: set up pages on social media under the name of your property. Remember to post on them regularly.
Next, aim to be present on the leading platforms in your sector: Airbnb, Booking, Tripadvisor, and so on. And create a Google page so that everyone can easily see your photos and reviews.
Then look for partnerships with bloggers and platforms to get articles written about your property. It's a good way to build trust with your future guests.
Finally, if you have a little money set aside, you can of course build a dedicated website. It's an excellent way to show how professional you are and attract more guests!
So now it's over to you: take the time to improve your visibility! And if you'd like to create your website, we recommend our partner !
Here are the channels to activate to improve your visibility, from easiest to most comprehensive:
| Channel | What to do | Cost | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social media | Create pages under your property name and update them regularly | Free | Lets you start with no budget |
| Industry platforms | List on Airbnb, Booking, Tripadvisor with descriptions and photos | Free or commission | Reaches most travellers |
| Google Business | Create a Google page to display photos and reviews | Free | First source checked after a name search |
| Blogger partnerships | Contact bloggers in your sector to get articles written | Free or paid | Builds trust through external coverage |
| Dedicated website | Build your own site with photos, descriptions, contact details | Paid | Demonstrates professionalism, attracts more bookings |
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I'm visible on search engines? Type the name of your rental, hotel or restaurant into Google and look at what comes back. The test takes a minute and tells you exactly where you stand. If nothing shows up, or if other businesses appear instead, you have your starting point.
Do I really need a website? No. An online presence runs through several channels and does not depend on a website. That said, a dedicated site remains very useful: it shows how professional you are and brings in guests. If you have a little money set aside, it is worth considering.
Where do I start if I have nothing yet? With the easy part: open social media pages in the name of your property and post on them regularly. Then deal with the booking platforms, and only after that with a website. That order keeps you from spending before you have covered everything that is free.
Which platforms should I be on? The biggest ones in your sector: Airbnb, Booking, Tripadvisor. Add a Google page so that anyone can find your photos and reviews at a glance. That is usually what a traveller looks at right after typing your name.
What is the point of partnering with bloggers? It gets articles written about your property somewhere other than your own pages. An outside voice builds trust with future guests. Look for bloggers or platforms in your sector and offer them your property.
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