What is Google Boost? Can it help my hotel?
The big story in search for 2010 was local. With the introduction of Google Places, Google rewrote the rules for local search. Put simply, it’s more important than ever. As we move into the first part of 2011, marketers and business owners must focus on finding smart ways to take advantage of this new approach to search.
So, what is Google Boost and how can it help my hotel?
Google Boost is Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising that increases traffic to your local listing in Google Places, which in turn will “boost” traffic to your website. Google Boost works by placing ads pointing to your Google Places listing at the top and sides of local search results (see picture below).
Like all PPC campaigns, your ad will only appear on relevant searches, and you pay by the click, not the ad. Here’s what it looks like:
The two blue markers represent a Google Boost listing.
Is Google Boost hard to manage?
No. In fact, Google Boost is easier to manage than similar programs like Google AdWords, because it does most of the work for you. After setting up your account in Google Places, the only thing you have to decide is a monthly budget. The Google algorithm will decide where, how often, and on which searches to display your ad.
Google Boost offers simple tracking tools, so you can keep an eye on how your ad is performing.
Is it available in my market now?
Google Boost is not currently available in all markets. The service is available across Illinois, Texas, Washington, Virginia and Florida as well as: San Francisco, San Jose, Wichita, Atlanta, Chapel Hill, Washington D.C., Boston, Portland, Cupertino and Santa Clara. Google is expected to continue rolling out Boost to new cities and states throughout 2011.
If you have more questions about Google Boost or other ways of increasing your hotel’s online performance, Contact Us.
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