Imagine a tourist in Paris, planning their trip. They open Google and type: "charming riad with a pool marrakech" or "hotel with sea view agadir".
Appearing in the top three results for this search isn't luck. It's the result of a well-executed Local SEO strategy.
Local SEO is your most powerful tool to attract qualified customers who are actively searching for an establishment like yours. The good news: you don't need to be a technical expert to master the basics.
Here is a simple and practical checklist to turn your hotel or riad into a must-see on Google Maps and in local search results.
Step 1: Master Your Google Business Profile
This is your number one storefront on Google. It's free and it's the most important tool in this guide. If you only do one thing, do this.
- ✅ Claim and Verify Your Profile: Make sure you are the owner of your profile. Google often sends a postcard with a code to verify your address.
- ✅ Fill Out ALL the Information: Leave no field blank.
- Name: Your exact name (e.g., "Riad Al Mamoune," not "the best riad in marrakech").
- Category: Be specific ("Hotel," "Riad," "Guesthouse").
- Address: Your exact physical address. This is crucial.
- Service Area: If you're in Agadir, you can add areas like "Taghazout," "Tamraght."
- Phone and Website: Make sure they are correct. The link must point to your website's homepage, not to Booking.com!
- ✅ Add High-Quality Photos: This is your main selling point. Show off your most beautiful rooms, your pool, your terrace, your breakfast. Upload at least 20.
- ✅ Enable Messaging: Allow customers to send you a message directly from Google. Responsiveness is key.
Step 2: Collect and Respond to Customer Reviews
Reviews are the engine of your local reputation. They massively influence your ranking and customers' decisions.
- ✅ Systematically Ask for a Review: After a successful stay, send a simple email to your clients with a direct link to leave a review on your Google profile.
- ✅ Respond to ALL Reviews (Even the Bad Ones): A professional response to a negative review shows that you care about your customers. Always thank people for positive reviews. This shows Google that your profile is active and well-managed.
Step 3: Optimize Your Website's Key Pages
Your website must confirm the information on your Google profile to Google.
- ✅ One Page Per Service/Room: Don't put all your rooms on one page. Create a dedicated page for your "Royal Suite" and another for your "Superior Double Room."
- ✅ Integrate Local Keywords: Your homepage title shouldn't be "Home," but rather "Charming Riad in the Heart of Marrakech | Riad Al Mamoune." Your contact page title should be "Contact our Hotel in Agadir."
- ✅ Embed a Google Map: On your contact page, embed an interactive map of your location. This is a very strong location signal for Google.
The Essential Foundation: A High-Performing Website
All these optimizations will be for nothing if they direct visitors to a slow, insecure, or poorly functioning mobile website. Google will never feature a site that offers a bad user experience.
That's why, before even thinking about SEO, it is crucial to have a flawless technical base:
- Near-instant loading speed.
- Perfect adaptation to mobile devices.
- Rock-solid security.
This is the foundation upon which your entire local SEO strategy will be built.
By applying this checklist, you will give your establishment the visibility it deserves. You no longer depend on the major booking platforms; you become your own most powerful acquisition channel.