How and Why to List Your Airbnb on Google My Business

Are you finding it challenging to attract attention to your vacation rental among potential guests?

Google Business Profile (GBP), previously known as Google My Business is a free and powerful tool that empowers vacation rental owners to manage their online presence and connect with potential guests seamlessly.

Think of it as a digital billboard on Google Search and Maps showcasing your stunning property directly to travelers actively searching for their dream getaway.

Why List Your Airbnb on Google Business Profile?

Be seen by more travelers

Imagine potential guests searching for a place to stay in your area see your Airbnb pop up right at the top of their Google search results. Sounds amazing, right? Google Business Profile (GBP) helps your listing appear in local searches, maps and more, increasing your chances of being seen by travelers looking for a place just like yours.

Studies reveal that the first search result on Google captures 28.5% of all clicks, with clicks dropping way off for listings further down the list. Plus, an astounding 75% of people don't even bother looking past the first page of results. 

Show off your place in detail

Guests today are all about doing their homework before booking. They want to know everything — location, hours, contact info, reviews, you name it.

GBP acts as a bridge between Airbnb hosts and these info-hungry guests providing a complete platform to showcase all the important details about your property.

With GBP, you can share up-to-date info about your Airbnb, quickly answer any guest questions, display high-quality photos and even promote special deals or events. This makes it super easy for guests to find and understand your rental.

Plus, having all this information at their fingertips helps build their confidence in booking with you, leading to stronger relationships and more bookings.

Mobile-friendly for  on-the-go travelers

Everyone's practically inseparable from their phones, especially travelers hunting for a place to crash. Here’s the fun tidbit: over 60% of smartphone users reach for their phones for a quarter of their internet searches.

That’s where GBP listings come in handy. They dish out important info like your address, phone number and directions in a format that's as easy as pie to read on a phone. So, whether you're wandering the streets or chilling in a café, travelers can easily find and reach out to your Airbnb in a snap.

Reviews matter

Travelers rely on reviews to get the inside scoop before booking a stay. Studies show that around 93% of consumers read reviews to determine a business’s reputation and quality.

GBP lets Airbnb hosts showcase their customer reviews prominently giving potential guests valuable insights into the experiences of others. Positive reviews can instill trust and confidence while managing negative feedback effectively can show your commitment to guest satisfaction.

By using GBP, you're basically giving your Airbnb a big online thumbs-up from past guests. This translates to more happy travelers booking your place with confidence and less time spent wondering if it's the right choice for them.

Know what’s working and what’s not

Ever wonder how many people are checking out your listing online? GBP tracks how many clicks you get, how many phone calls, how many people ask for directions and even how many visit your website.

This treasure chest of data helps you understand your audience better and tweak your listing to attract even more guests.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Google Business Profile for Vacation Rentals

Step 1: Create or sign up in to your Google account

Head over to the Google Business Profile website and sign in with your Google account. If you don’t have one, create one first.

Step 2: Claim your business listing

Click "Manage now" and search for your Airbnb. If it doesn’t pop up, select "Add your business to Google."

Step 3: Provide accurate business details

Fill in your Airbnb’s name, address, phone number, website and don’t forget to pick “Vacation Rental” as your category.

Step 4: Verification process

Google needs to double-check your listing, so they’ll send a postcard to your Airbnb’s address with a secret verification code or via phone call or through email . Keep an eye out for it and follow the instructions to finish up.

Step 5: Profile optimization

Show off your place in style. Add snazzy photos, write up a killer description and make sure all your info is spot-on. Oh, and don’t forget to brag about your amenities and special features your Airbnb boasts.

Step 6: Encourage guest reviews

Ask your past guests to drop a review on your GBP. Positive reviews are like gold and make your place irresistible to potential guests.

Step 7: Maintain active engagement 

Regularly update your profile with new photos, respond to reviews and post updates or special offers. Keeping your profile active helps maintain interest and engagement.

Ready to Rocket your Airbnb to the Top?

Listing your Airbnb on Google Business Profile (GBP) is like giving your place a first-class ticket to online stardom. More travelers will see your place, you can show it off in style and those amazing reviews will build trust.

With our easy step-by-step guide, you can dive right in and start reaping the benefits. Before you know it, your place will be the top pick for travelers searching for their next awesome stay.

FAQs

1. Is Google Business Profile free to use?

Yes, Google Business Profile is completely free to use. It’s a great way to enhance your online presence without spending a dime.

2. How long does it take to verify my Google Business Profile listing?

The verification process can take a few days to a couple of weeks depending on the method you choose (postcard, phone call or email).

3. Can I manage multiple Airbnb listings with one Google Business Profile account?

Yes, you can manage multiple listings from one Google Business Profile account by adding each property as a separate location.

4. How can I remove bad reviews from my Google Business Profile?

Unfortunately, you can't delete bad reviews yourself. However, you can use the 'Flag' option to report any review that violates Google's community standards.

5. Do Google reviews impact ranking?

Absolutely! Google takes into account the location and the number of reviews when ranking local results. So, having more positive Google reviews can help your Airbnb appear higher in search results making it easier for potential guests to find and book your place.