How to attract more guests on Google?
Discover how to optimize your hotel's Google Business Profile, enhance your visibility on Google Maps, and convert more local searches into direct bookings.
Very often, it starts directly on Google.
A traveler might search for “hotel in Dakar”, “hotel with pool in Douala”, “hotel near Cotonou airport” or directly search your property's name.
In these searches, your Google Business Profile can become one of the primary gateways to your hotel.
A well-optimized profile helps you rank on Google Maps, receive more phone calls, drive more traffic to your website, and, above all, generate more direct bookings.
What is Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile is your property listing displayed across Google Search results and Google Maps.
For a hotel, it can showcase your name, address, phone number, website, photos, amenities, guest reviews, and exact location.
It is far more than a basic directory listing. It acts as a true digital storefront for your hotel on Google.
Complete your profile thoroughly
The first step is providing Google with accurate, consistent information about your establishment.
- Official hotel name
- Address
- Phone number
- Website
- Google Maps Location
Avoid artificially modifying your business name to stuff it with keywords.
If your hotel is named Hotel Baobab, use its real name rather than an artificial phrase like “Hotel Baobab Best Cheap Hotel Dakar”.
Add professional photos
In the hospitality industry, visuals are crucial. Before booking, travelers want to see the property.
- Exterior
- Front Desk
- Rooms
- Bathrooms
- Restaurant
- Breakfast
- Swimming pool
- Common Areas
Don't just showcase your best rooms. Guests should be able to get a clear sense of the overall experience your property offers.
Manage and optimize your Google reviews
Reviews are exceptionally important in the hospitality sector.
Picture two comparable properties. The first has only a handful of reviews. The second boasts hundreds of recent reviews along with an excellent rating.
Many travelers will already form a strong preference before even visiting either website.
Hello Mrs. Diallo, we hope you enjoyed your stay with us. Thank you for choosing our hotel. If you have a few seconds, sharing your review on Google would mean a lot to us.
Respond to reviews, including negative ones
Thank satisfied guests and provide a professional, composed response to unhappy customers.
When addressing negative feedback, never respond defensively or aggressively.
Your response is not just for the reviewer; it will also be read by your future guests.
Link your profile to your official website
A traveler discovers your hotel on Google Maps, browses your photos, reads your reviews, and decides they want more information.
Ideally, they should land directly on your hotel’s official website.
Make contacting your hotel seamless
Not all travelers are ready to book on the spot. Some want to ask questions first.
- Do you offer an airport shuttle?
- What time does the restaurant close?
- Can I check in after midnight?
- Do you have family rooms?
Make sure your contact details are accurate and your team is ready to respond promptly.
Work on your local SEO
Having a Google Business Profile does not automatically guarantee excellent visibility.
Your strategy needs to be more comprehensive.
The right local ecosystem
Google Business Profile + optimized website + local content + guest reviews + consistent information across the entire web.
Leverage your hotel’s location
Location is one of the top criteria when choosing a hotel.
Don't just mention your city's name. Highlight what is nearby your property.
- Airport
- Business district
- Beach
- Shopping mall
- Convention center
- Tourist attractions
Keep your information consistent
A common mistake is displaying conflicting information across different platforms.
- A different phone number on Google
- Another number on Facebook
- An outdated address on the website
- An old name on Instagram
Make sure your information remains consistent everywhere.
Turn visibility into bookings
Being visible on Google is not the ultimate goal.
The goal is driving revenue.
Google Business Profile + SEO + Website
Google Business Profile is especially powerful when integrated into a broader acquisition strategy.
Take the example of a traveler searching for “hotel in Douala Bonanjo”.
They discover your property on Google Maps, browse your photos, and read your reviews.
They then click through to your official website, view your rooms, check availability, and book directly.
Conclusion
For a hotel, a Google Business Profile shouldn't be treated as a set-it-and-forget-it listing.
It is a true local acquisition channel.
Complete your profile details, regularly post high-quality photos, generate authentic guest reviews, respond to feedback, optimize your local SEO, and link your profile to a website built to convert visitors.
Your goal isn't merely having a presence on Google.
Your goal is converting that visibility into direct bookings.
Is your hotel visible enough on Google?
The African Hotelier supports African hotels with their Google Business Profile strategies, local SEO, Google Ads, website design, and direct acquisition.
Contact us