More people than ever are using the internet to search for hotels and motels. If you’re not taking advantage of websites that offer free advertising, you’re losing out to your competitors.
Here’s a list of 12 websites that offer free advertising. The more of these websites you’re listed on, the more likely you are to book rooms.
(None of them require you to have an existing website either!)
The first three websites will put you on the ‘Virtual Map.’ Each site allows you to create a webpage on their search engine (Google, Bing & Yahoo) so anyone searching for hotels in your area can find your business:
1) Google Places (see our previous post for more information about Google Places)
2) Bing Local Listing Center
3) Yahoo Local
4) Facebook – I’m sure you’ve heard of it, but have you setup a page? Facebook is the second most visited website, only behind Google. Your page can include property photos, directions, local attractions – or anything you want to tell potential guests about.
The next set of websites allows customers to review and recommend businesses. If your guests are generally happy their stay, give them a chance to review your business by listing your property:
5) Yelp
6) Mojo Pages
7) Kudzu
The next four websites are online business directories. They’re similar to the previous websites; they just lack some of the personalization options.
8) Hot Frog
9) Manta
10) Merchant Circle
11) Brown Book
And finally,
12) You Tube – Here’s an idea: Show potential guests how great you, your staff and your hotel are. Most digital cameras have a video recording function that you can use to easily make short videos. You can give a guided tour of your hotel rooms or record a welcome message – Or use it to show off other great things about your hotel, such as your high quality soaps, bedding or your continental breakfast. The possibilities are endless.
All of these sites are easy to use, and completely free. Use them to your advantage and start making more money!
