As an Innkeeper and business owner, you are undoubtedly familiar with the fact that Google allows you to claim your local business listing, and to customize the information people see when they conduct a search for lodging in your area. Through the Local Business Center, claiming your “Google Place” page allows you to add photos, video, hours of operation, highlight some of the special features of your Inn, and add custom description. In addition, you can create coupons, perhaps offering a bottle of wine with a two night stay in June, or theater tickets to the local production with a three night booking.

These days, one out of every five searches is location related, so having your local listing up to date and accurate is of the utmost importance.

And now, once you’ve claimed your local listing, you can download a “QR” (aka bar code) customized for your Inn from your Google Places dashboard. This eye-catching graphic can be placed in the window of your Inn or Restaurant, on business cards or other marketing materials. Customers scan the QR bar code with their mobile devices, and view the mobile version of the Place Page for your business.

Your Guest or Potential Customer Can:

• Read reviews to see what other users have to say about your Inn.
• Find a coupon that you’ve posted to your Places Page.
• Star the Inn to remember to check it out later, or to visit again.
• Leave a review of the Inn.

Garden House Map

Google Maps gives users of your website access to interactive content that you would otherwise not be able to provide them. Giving a visual representation of your business’ location and activities nearby is a powerful way to get users interested in staying at your destination.

More than just driving directions, a Google Map with local restaurants and things to do can really sell your property. The Garden House Inn, a very fun Key West Lodging has a great example of a map displaying proximity to local businesses. They are close to downtown and this map shows the many opportunities for guests to have fun and enjoy their time in Key West.

Inn at Cape Cod Map

If your business is not as close to the action, a Google Map can show the surrounding region as well. Maybe show all of the great golf courses nearby or lakes and rivers in which guests can fish and boat. Also, your map could show potential customers travel routes to and from your business like the the map we built for Inn at Cape Cod, a Cape Cod MA bed and breakfast.