Google My Business (GMB) is a powerful platform that allows businesses like yours to increase their online presence. For hosts, managing your GMB listing is essential for appearing in Google search results and attracting guests. This blog post will discuss everything you need to know about Airbnb marketing and how to get started.

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!

What Exactly is Google My Business?

Google My Business is a free tool provided by Google that allows businesses to manage their presence on Google Search, Ads, Maps, and other products. GMB listings include important information about your business, such as contact details, opening hours, reviews, and more. GMB also provides hosts an easy way to post updates and engage with customers.

Why GMB Marketing is Important for Hosts

Learning how to work with a Google My Business account is essential for hosts. GMB marketing can help you attract more guests and improve your online presence. Here are some of the benefits that GMB provides:

Increased visibility

Hosts should utilize GMB for Airbnb marketing to increase their visibility and attract more guests. GMB listings appear prominently in Google search results, so having an up-to-date GMB listing is essential for reaching potential customers and sending them to your direct booking site.

Another way to engage with potential guests

GMB also provides hosts with an easy way to engage with potential guests. For example, GMB allows you to post updates and respond to guest reviews, which can help drive more traffic to your GMB listing.

Access to your GMB Insights

GMB Insights provides hosts with valuable data on how customers find and interact with their GMB listing. GMB insights offer a range of performance metrics, such as:

• How many people have viewed your listing

• How people are finding your short-term rental

• What do potential guests do when they get to your direct booking site

• And more!

The information gleaned from Google My Business will help you better understand your audience and adjust your GMB strategies accordingly.

GMB Basics: Setting Up & Optimizing a GMB Listing

Setting up your GMB account is simple. Follow these steps:

Create an account

Visit google.com/business to get started.

Add your business information

Once signed in, enter the necessary information about your short-term rental, such as an address, contact info, opening hours, etc.

Verify your property

Google will need to verify that the address you have provided exists and that you receive mail there. Once you receive a verification code via postcard from Google, enter it into GMB, and your profile will be verified and published. Postal verification could take anywhere between 10-14 days.

Start managing your GMB listing

Now that your short-term rental has been verified, you can add a proper listing description, up to 50 photos, virtual tours, and more. GMB also offers a range of features, such as GMB Messages, GMB Posts, GMB Q&As, that you can use to engage with potential guests.

GMB Marketing Strategies for Hosts

Once your rental is verified on Google My Business, it’s important to learn to maximize Airbnb marketing strategies with GMB to get as many eyes on your property as possible.

Use GMB Posts

GMB posts are an effective way to engage with potential guests and promote your short-term rental. These posts can include images, videos, offers, events, etc. The posts appear on the GMB listing and in Google search results.

Encourage reviews & respond promptly

Reviews help potential guests to make an informed decision when booking a short-term rental. GMB allows you to respond to reviews, so encourage guests to leave reviews and be sure to respond promptly.

Pay attention to your Google Insights

Your GMB Insights can provide valuable insight into how customers are finding and engaging with your GMB listing. Make sure you look at GMB insights regularly to track performance and make adjustments as necessary.

Google Insights will show you where to target potential customers based on location and interests.

Create Google Ads

Google Ads can help you reach potential customers and drive more traffic to your GMB listing. GMB ads appear prominently in both GMB listings and Google search results, so they are a great way to increase visibility for your short-term rental.

Final Thoughts

Google My Business is a powerful tool for hosts to increase visibility, engage with guests, and track performance. GMB posts, reviews, insights, and ads are key elements of GMB marketing that will help you draw attention to your short-term rental. Utilizing GMB for Airbnb marketing can help you optimize your online presence and reach more potential guests.

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!