Google Business Profile for the Recreation Industry
Imagine you’re searching for a campsite or holiday park for your next vacation. What do you do? You open your phone, use Google, and search based on location, reviews (quantity and score), or specific amenities. Many people begin their search on Google Maps, especially to get an impression of the location and other people’s experiences.
This is when a well-set-up Google Business Profile can make a difference. Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) offers companies the chance to be visible at the moments that matter. For campsites, holiday parks, rental businesses, and even hotels, this is a powerful tool to be found and connect with potential guests. In this blog, we explain what a Google Business Profile is, why it's essential for the recreation industry, and how to set it up and optimize it successfully.
What is a Google Business Profile and why is it important for the recreation industry?
A Google Business Profile is a free online listing that makes your business visible on Google Search and Google Maps. It contains important information such as your business name, location, contact details, opening hours, reviews, and more. This makes it easier for potential guests to find your business and get in touch.
For recreation businesses like campsites, holiday parks, rental companies, and hotels, this is an essential tool to stand out to guests planning their stay. Many guests book well in advance and use Google Maps and search results to compare destinations. They focus on location, reviews, and amenities. A well-set-up profile ensures that your business is presented as trustworthy and appealing.
Why is a Google Business Profile important for the recreation industry?
In the recreation industry, a large part of bookings starts with online search behavior. Guests use Google Maps and search queries to find campsites and holiday parks that match their preferences. They don’t just search by location but also let the number and rating of reviews influence their decision. With an optimized Google Business Profile, you can ensure that your business stands out and builds trust with potential guests.
Key Benefits:
- Immediate visibility:
When guests search for your type of business in Google Search or Google Maps, your profile will appear directly in the search results. This increases the likelihood they’ll discover and book your business. - Local visibility:
With a Google Business Profile, you become more visible to customers in your region. - Trust through reviews:
Customers can easily see reviews and photos of your business, which enhances trustworthiness and appeal. - Direct contact:
Through your profile, customers can directly call you, navigate to your location, or make a reservation through your website.
How to Create a Google Business Profile?
Creating a Google Business Profile is simple and free. Follow the steps below to make your business visible to potential customers.
-
Create a Google Account (if necessary)
If you don’t already have a Google account, create one at accounts.google.com. This is required to create and manage your business profile. -
Go to Google Business Profile and Add Your Business
Visit Google Business Profile, log in with your Google account, and click “Manage Now.” If Google has already created a listing for your business, you can easily claim it by clicking “Claim this Business.” -
Enter Your Business Name and Choose a Category
Enter the real name of your business. Make sure not to add keywords that are not part of your business name, such as “holiday park Netherlands cheap stays.” Google may penalize this and harm your visibility.
Choose the relevant primary category that best matches your services, such as “Camping,” “Hotel,” or “Holiday Park.” You can add up to 10 additional categories later, but for now, focus on your main activities.
-
Add Your Business Address or Service Area
Enter your business’s exact address. This ensures that guests can find you via Google Maps.
Also, add a pin on the map so the location is clearly visible.
Tip: Make sure your address matches the information on your website and other platforms. -
Add Contact Information and a Website
Enter your phone number and website, and keep all information up to date. -
Verify Your Profile
Google will ask you to verify your business through a code sent by mail or phone. Once your profile is verified, it will become visible to customers.
Making the Most of Your Google Business Profile for Your Organization
- Get Good Reviews
- Ask guests to write a review, either during their stay or after checking out.
- Actively respond to reviews: thank guests for positive feedback and respond professionally to complaints.
Tip: Encourage satisfied guests to specify what they liked, such as “Lovely stay in a safari tent with a fantastic view.” This helps Google link your profile to relevant searches.
- Upload Attractive Photos
Visually appealing photos make a big difference. Regularly upload new images, such as:- Rooms, safari tents, or other accommodations.
- Swimming pools, restaurants, or other facilities.
- The surroundings, like nature, beaches, or attractions.
Tip: Use high-quality photos with descriptive titles, such as “luxury-safaritent-camping-veluwe.jpg.”
- Keep Your Business Information Up to Date
- Adjust opening hours, especially during the off-season or holidays.
- Highlight special offers, such as “Last-minute discount in March.”
- Use Posts
Google Business Profile allows you to share updates like:- Events: “Join our barbecue night!”
- Offers: “Book now and receive 15% off.”
- Tip: Keep posts short, engaging, and use relevant keywords.
- Optimize for Local Keywords
Include keywords in your descriptions and posts that match your location and audience, like:- “Cozy campsite in Drenthe with spacious pitches.”
- “Family-friendly hotel in Zeeland with sea views.”
- Analyze and Improve
Use Google My Business insights to track your profile’s performance, such as:- How often your profile is viewed.
- Visitor actions, like website clicks or phone calls.
- Use these insights to refine your strategy.
A Google Business Profile is an essential tool to increase the visibility of your campsite, hotel, or holiday park. Whether attracting travelers on the go or accommodating business stays, a well-set-up and optimized profile ensures you remain on the radar.
Want to learn more about making the most of your Google Business Profile? Or need help setting it up? Contact our marketing experts at Recranet. Together, we’ll ensure your business excels on Google!