Google Business Profile, used to be called Google My Business. It’s a complimentary tool that allows you to manage how your B&B or Airbnb appears in Google Search and Maps.
When potential guests search for accommodations in your area, your GBP listing can prominently display your property.
These days 93% of consumers use online searches to find local businesses. BrightLocal study[2]. By optimizing your Google Business Profile, you’re positioning your property where these potential guests are most likely to discover it.
This Free Gift From Google Could Double Your Bookings With No Cost
We at PillowChocolate.com love how much GBP can do for inn businesses. It’s Google Business Profile (GBP). Whether you manage a professional bed and breakfast or an Airbnb property, this free front page tool can bring you business with NO fee. Direct bookings multiplied.
Google Business Profile, used to be called Google My Business. It’s a complimentary tool that allows you to manage how your B&B or Airbnb appears in Google Search and Maps.
When potential guests search for accommodations in your area, your GBP listing can prominently display your property.
These days 93% of consumers use online searches to find local businesses. BrightLocal study[2]. By optimizing your Google Business Profile, you’re positioning your property where these potential guests are most likely to discover it.
This Free Gift From Google Could Double Your Bookings With No Cost
We at PillowChocolate.com love how much GBP can do for inn businesses. It’s Google Business Profile (GBP). Whether you manage a professional bed and breakfast or an Airbnb property, this free front page tool can bring you business with NO fee. Direct bookings multiplied.
Helps You Beat the Competition for your Airbnb or Bed & Breakfast Inn At No Cost
Even if you never had much competition in your area before, by now you do. Last week I was outside Missoula, Montana in the Bitterroot Valley for a family wedding. It’s somewhat remote but there were a growing number of Airbnbs to choose from as well as a few bed and breakfasts.
A well-optimized Google Business Profile helps your property stand out whether you are in a big city or a more secluded area. Research shows that businesses with complete and accurate GBP listings are 70% more likely to attract location visits and 50% more likely to lead to purchases.
For your B&B or Airbnb, this translates to:
- Improved presence in local search results
- Visibility on Google Maps
- A comprehensive showcase of your property’s photos, reviews, and key information
Google Reviews and Responses are Everything
Google Business Profile collects and displays guest reviews, which are invaluable for building trust with potential guests. They say 87% of consumers read online reviews in 2024.. However, it’s not just about accumulating reviews; responding to them is equally important and people read the responses whether positive and negative. It demonstrates your commitment to guest satisfaction and can significantly impact your reputation and booking rates.
Responding to reviews is so much easier these days with AI. One hotel leader we know puts the negative reviews into AI – and it responds comprehensively to the review with a professional tone. From there you can personalize it to make it your own. (Don’t forget to add these great reviews to your social media and to your website.)
Professional tip: Always respond to reviews courteously and constructively, even to less favorable ones. This approach showcases your dedication to guest experiences and desire to constantly improve.
Showcasing Your Property With Fabulous Photos
Visual content is a powerful tool in the hospitality industry. When we published bed and breakfast books it was harder than pulling teeth to find any inns with usable photos. We had to purchase high-end photography equipment including a perspective-correcting lens to photograph 3-story Victorians. Now 20 years later, today in fact, I still see cock-eyed photos of inns that look so unappealing. Real estate photographers offer reasonable rates and can often be available when there are beautiful sunny days. They are excellent for interior light-filled photos.
Investing in high-quality photos makes a huge difference and Google Business Profile allows you to upload photos and virtual tours of your property, providing potential guests with a compelling preview of their stay.
Did you know businesses with photos on their GBP listings receive 35% more clicks to their websites compared to those without photos? This underscores the importance of visual content in attracting potential guests.
A Slice of Home Bed & Breakfast
Engaging Guests with Updates
Google Business Profile’s posts feature enables you to share updates, events, and special offers directly with potential guests. This function acts as a direct communication channel to your audience. But hardly any inns take the time to do the updates. If you can manage it you’ll have a more vibrant listing.
According to Google, businesses that utilize the posts feature on their GBP profile see a 14% increase in clicks to their website. This represents a significant opportunity to drive traffic and potential bookings to your property.
ForFriends Inn, California
Take Advantage of the Free Collected Info for Your Decision-Making
The Insights feature of Google Business Profile provides valuable data on how users interact with your listing. This information can guide your marketing strategies and help you understand your potential guests better.
By analyzing GBP insights, you can gain a deeper understanding of how these searchers interact with your listing and adjust your approach accordingly.
Catering to Mobile Users
In our increasingly mobile world, it’s important to cater to on-the-go travelers. Research shows that 76% of people who search for something nearby on their smartphone visit a related business within a day. Google Business Profile ensures your property information is easily accessible on mobile devices, giving you a leg up for last-minute bookings and impromptu stays especially helpful to bed and breakfasts midweek.
Optimizing Your Google Business Profile
To maximize the benefits of your Google Business Profile, consider the following best practices:
- Claim and verify your listing to establish ownership.
- Complete all available fields with accurate, comprehensive information.
- Select the most appropriate category for your property.
- Upload high-quality, representative photos of your accommodation.
- Encourage guest reviews and respond to them promptly and professionally.
- Utilize the posts feature for regular updates and special offers.
- Maintain up-to-date information, especially regarding operational changes.
It’s worth noting that an optimized GBP listing can significantly impact your online presence. A study by Moz found that Google Business Profile signals are the most critical factor for local pack rankings.
FAQ: Optimizing Your Google Business Profile
Q: What is the recommended frequency for posting updates on GBP? A: Aim for at least one post per week to maintain an active and engaging listing.
Q: Can I include a direct booking link on my GBP listing? A: Yes, you can add your booking link in the “Appointment URL” field for easy reservations.
Q: What are effective ways to encourage more reviews? A: Politely ask satisfied guests to leave a review and provide a direct link to your GBP listing to simplify the process.
Q: Should negative reviews be addressed? A: Absolutely. Respond professionally and demonstrate your commitment to improvement. This approach can often turn a negative experience into a positive impression.
Q: How can I highlight special features of my property on GBP? A: Utilize the “Attributes” section to showcase amenities such as “Free Wi-Fi” or “Pet-friendly” accommodations.
Maximizing the Power of Google Business Profile
In today’s digital era, a robust online presence is indispensable for B&B and Airbnb hosts. Google Business Profile serves as a powerful, cost-effective tool in your digital marketing arsenal. It’s user-friendly, impactful, and positions your property where potential guests are actively searching.
If you haven’t done so, claim and optimize your Google Business Profile today to start reaping its benefits.
Your occupancy rates will rise.
As Google’s own research indicates, “Businesses that verify their information with Google My Business are twice as likely to be considered reputable by consumers”[10]. This statistic alone underscores the value of investing time in your Google Business Profile.
More info on Google My Business
https://support.google.com/business/answer/3038063?hl=en
https://www.brightlocal.com/research/local-consumer-review-survey/
https://www.google.com/intl/en_us/business/ https://www.brightlocal.com/research/local-consumer-review-survey/
https://www.gybo.com/downloads/verification-benefits.pdf
This is my favorite – https://support.google.com/business/answer/7342169
https://moz.com/local-search-ranking-factors https://www.gybo.com/downloads/verification-benefits.pdf
