Friday 26 March 2010

Are you using Google local business centre to promote your hotel?

I've been been doing some work on Google Local Business Centre (LBC) in the last week or two and it amazes me that so many hotels still do not manage and update their details on a regular basis on what is a FREE service and is a sure fire way to get your website into the top section of Google search result pages.

LBC returns search engine results for most geographical based search phrases as part of Google maps which usually appear just below the Pay per click sponsored search links.

To edit and maintain your entry your either need to create it or if there is one already online then claim it. The system is easy to use and there is a multitude of information that can be completed, not least images, business categories, description and video.

And then theres more as it also allows you to enter Coupons for promotions. These are not being widely used in the UK - yet - but are sure to catch on soon. Read more about it here or view this online video
and I think they could prove really effective in terms of local F&B marketing promotions.

Google also appear to be planning on using Google Maps (and LBC data) more in the future by providing hotel information and online bookings. Read this article.

Hotels not working with these free Google tools and services are definitely missing a trick - are you one of them?

Robert Smith

2 comments:

  1. Stuart Saunders13 May 2010 at 20:10

    Dear Robert

    Hope you are well..

    I too decided to move on shortly after the purchasing of Paten by BDL select to take on my first GM position a little closer to home (as opposed to driving backwards and forwards to Bedford).
    I read your blog with much interest, and congratulations on the purchase of a new hotel and your consultancy business.

    Kind regards

    Stuart Saunders

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  2. Google local business center is a very nice option for small size companies. Nice post Robert!

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