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In today’s digital era, online presence is crucial for small hotels and accommodation businesses. While booking portals like Booking.com and Airbnb undoubtedly play a significant role in guest acquisition, you should not underestimate the power of your own website, especially the importance of Search Engine Optimization (SEO). In this blog post, we will explain why it’s worth optimizing your hotel website for SEO to generate more traffic and become less dependent on booking platforms.

1. More Control Over Your Brand

Your own website is your digital business card and provides you with the opportunity to present your brand exactly as you wish. On booking portals, presentation options are limited, and you must adhere to the platform’s guidelines. With a well-optimized website, you can better convey your brand, services, and uniqueness.

2. Better Visibility in Search Results

When you optimize your website for search engines, you improve your chances of ranking higher in Google’s and other search engines’ organic search results. This means that potential guests searching for accommodations in your region are more likely to come across your website. This can lead to a steady flow of organic traffic not mediated by booking portals.

3. Reduced Costs and Fees

Using booking portals can be expensive, as they often demand high commissions and fees. By increasing organic traffic to your own website, you can reduce these costs and retain more revenue directly.

4. Enhanced Target Audience Engagement

Through SEO, you can tailor your website to specific keywords and target audiences. This allows you to conduct targeted marketing campaigns and reach potential guests who are actively searching for what you offer.

5. Long-Term Investment in Your Business

Optimizing your website for search engines is a long-term investment. While booking portals can provide short-term guest bookings, SEO offers long-term results and a sustainable online presence. The more time and resources you invest in optimizing your website, the more you will benefit from it.

Conclusion

There’s no denying that booking portals play a significant role in guest acquisition. However, small hotels and accommodation businesses should not rely exclusively on these platforms. By technically optimizing your website for search engines, you can strengthen your brand, increase visibility, reduce costs, and attract more guests in the long run. SEO is an investment in the future of your business that pays off in the long term. If you recognize and leverage these benefits, you will enhance your independence from booking portals and elevate your hotel business to the next level.