If you're a hotel, B&B or guesthouse owner, then you know that Booking.com is one of your most important digital marketing channels. After all, this website is one of the most visited in the world, and it's a great way to reach potential guests looking for their next holiday. But simply having a listing on Booking.com isn't enough – you need to make sure that your listing is optimised so that it stands out from the rest and drives bookings.
Use Keywords to Your Advantage
When potential guests are searching for hotels, they use specific keywords. By using these same keywords in your listing, you can improve your ranking in search results and get more bookings. But how do you know which keywords to use?
When potential guests search for hotels on Booking.com, they'll enter relevant keywords such as "B&B in Paignton" or "pet-friendly hotels." If you want your listing to appear in these search results, then you need to make sure that you're utilizing targeted keywords throughout your listing – in the title, description, and even in the guest reviews. By doing this, you'll improve your chances of being seen by potential guests who are actively searching for hotels like yours.
Linktree also offers some additional features that allow users to track clicks, customize their landing page, add branding elements, and more. These features are available with a paid subscription.
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Property descriptions
Make sure your property description is clear and concise. When potential guests are scrolling through Booking.com, they will want to know the basics: what type of property it is, how many bedrooms and bathrooms it has, and what amenities are included.
Showcase your amenities
What sets your hotel apart from others in the area? Whether it's free breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi, or a unique location, make sure your potential guests know about it! By adding unique amenities to your listing, you'll be able to attract more guests and stand out from the competition. You don’t have to over complicate it – if you are a 2-minute walk to the beach, just say so!
Use high-quality Images
When potential guests are browsing Booking.com, one of the first things they'll notice (and be influenced by) is the photos that you've used to represent your property. That's why it's so important to use high-quality, professional photos that accurately depict what your hotel looks like. If your photos are outdated or poorly lit, potential guests will likely move on to a different listing.
If possible, hire a professional photographer to take some shots of your property. And be sure to include photos of both the exterior and interior of the hotel, as well as any common areas and guest rooms.
How to: Update your images
To add or update photos on Booking.com, simply log in to your account and navigate to the "Media" tab. From there, you can upload new photos or delete old ones as needed. Remember to add alt-text captions for each photo so that potential guests can get a clear idea of what to expect, even if the photo doesn't load properly or your guest is visually impaired.
Take Advantage of Guest Reviews
One of the great things about Booking.com is that guests can leave reviews after their stay at your hotel. These reviews provide valuable insights into what guests liked and didn't like about their stay, and they can also help boost your listing's ranking on the site. Make sure to encourage all of your guests to leave reviews, and take the time to respond to both positive and negative feedback in a professional manner.
Be creative with Special Offers
Booking.com offers hoteliers the ability to offer special deals and discounts on their listings, and taking advantage of this feature is a great way to attract attention from potential guests. Whether it's offering a percentage off for stays of a certain length or including breakfast with every booking, special deals and discounts are always eye-catching for potential guests – so make sure to take advantage of them! You don’t always have to take money off your offer, you could offer free parking, complimentary treats, or concierge services like luggage storage.
Flexible Policies
One way to make sure you're attractive to potential guests is by having flexible policies. For example, if you offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before check-in, you'll appear more appealing than hotels that don't offer this same perk. Additionally, it's important to make sure your check-in and check-out times are flexible so that guests can choose what works best for them.
Booking.com favours properties that have a high degree of flexibility when it comes to cancellations and changes. So, if you can be flexible with your cancellation policy, that's going to go a long way towards improving your property's page score.
Monitor External Prices
It is important to monitor external prices so that you can be sure that you are remaining competitive. There are a number of websites that allow you to track prices for hotels in your area. By monitoring these prices, you will be able to adjust your own rates as needed in order to remain competitive.
How to: Update your pricing
To update your rates on Booking.com, simply log in to your account and navigate to the "Pricing" tab. From there, you can adjust your prices for specific dates or periods of time. It's important to note that you should always check what other hotels in your area are charging before updating your own rates.
Booking.com takes a percentage, so put them to work!
If you want to optimize your Booking.com listing and drive more bookings for your hotel, make sure your Booking.com listing is up-to-date with high conversions. From using great photos, clever keywords, and special offers, these tips will ensure that your listing stands out from the rest and attracts attention from potential guests from looking for their next holiday.
Interested to learn more?
We can help you with professional descriptions, targeted marketing, photography and videography. Get in touch to learn more at hello@treattorbay.co.uk, or simply book into our diary for a chat today! We're here to help.