Voice Search Optimization for Travel Queries: A Must-Have for Hotels
The way travelers search for accommodations is evolving, and voice search is taking the lead. Travelers now rely on devices like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant to ask questions like, “What are the best boutique hotels near me?” or “Hotels with rooftop pools in Miami.” To capture these voice-activated travelers, your hotel’s marketing strategy must include voice search optimization as part of an omnichannel approach.
Here’s how hotels can adapt to voice search and incorporate it across platforms to drive bookings.
Why Voice Search Optimization Matters
Voice searches are often conversational and longer than text-based queries. Travelers use natural language to ask for specific, actionable information, such as amenities, location, or services. Optimizing for these queries ensures your hotel appears when potential guests use voice assistants to plan trips.
Key Benefits of Voice Search Optimization:
1. Increased Discoverability: Capture travelers looking for nearby accommodations or specific amenities.
2. Higher Conversion Rates: Voice search users typically have immediate intent to book.
3. Improved Guest Experience: Clear, concise, and relevant answers build trust and interest in your property.
Incorporating Voice Search into Your Omnichannel Strategy
To maximize the impact of voice search optimization, it must integrate seamlessly across your website, social media, Google Business, Yelp, and OTA platforms like Hotels.com or Booking.com.
1. Optimize Your Website for Voice Search
Voice queries often include question-based, long-tail keywords. Focus on these to improve your site’s visibility.
• Actionable Steps:
• Create FAQ pages with natural-language queries such as, “What are the best hotels with rooftop pools near downtown Chicago?”
• Optimize meta titles, descriptions, and headers with phrases voice search users might say.
• Use schema markup to structure key information like location, amenities, and pricing for search engines.
2. Enhance Your Google Business Profile
Google Business is crucial for local voice searches like “hotels near me.” Optimizing this profile ensures your property appears in location-based queries.
• Actionable Steps:
• Keep your address, phone number, and business hours up to date.
• Include high-quality images of your hotel, rooms, and amenities.
• Use specific keywords in your description, such as “pet-friendly boutique hotel with ocean views.”
• Encourage guests to leave reviews, as voice search often highlights businesses with positive feedback.
3. Leverage Social Media for Voice-Friendly Queries
While social media isn’t directly searchable via voice assistants, it reinforces your brand visibility. Create posts and captions that reflect natural language queries.
• Examples of Optimized Posts:
• “Looking for a romantic boutique hotel in Napa Valley? We’ve got you covered with stunning vineyard views!”
• “Our rooftop pool and craft cocktails are ready to make your Miami stay unforgettable.”
4. Optimize Your Presence on Yelp and OTAs
Travelers frequently ask voice assistants for reviews, availability, and booking options. OTAs and Yelp play a big role here.
• Actionable Steps:
• Use detailed, conversational language in your property descriptions on platforms like Hotels.com or Booking.com.
• Highlight unique selling points like “luxury spa” or “family-friendly suites with kitchens.”
• Keep your profiles updated with accurate pricing, amenities, and availability.
5. Incorporate Local SEO
Voice search users often ask about nearby attractions or services. Use local SEO tactics to connect your hotel to its surroundings.
• Actionable Steps:
• Add content to your website highlighting local landmarks, events, and activities.
• Use phrases like “best hotels near [Landmark]” or “accommodations close to [Event Venue].”
• Collaborate with local businesses to feature your hotel in their promotions or listings.
Tools to Help with Voice Search Optimization
• AnswerThePublic: Helps generate long-tail keyword ideas based on voice-style queries.
• Google Analytics: Tracks voice-related search traffic and identifies popular keywords.
• Yoast SEO: Aids in optimizing content for conversational queries.
• Schema.org: Adds structured data to your site, making it easier for search engines to extract information.
How Golden Hour Co. Can Help
At Golden Hour Co., we specialize in helping hotels adapt to the latest marketing trends. From optimizing websites for voice search to enhancing your omnichannel presence on social media, Google Business, and OTAs, we’ll ensure your hotel captures every opportunity to connect with travelers.
Ready to optimize for voice search? Let’s make your hotel the go-to answer for every travel query. Get in touch to get started.
By integrating voice search optimization into your omnichannel marketing strategy, your hotel can connect with travelers where and how they’re searching, driving more bookings and creating unforgettable guest experiences.
