What is SEO and why does it matter for your lodging?

Many lodgings depend on OTAs to attract bookings, but improving your SEO can help you regain control over your online visibility. In this guide, we explain how to optimize your website, content, and structure to appear at the top of search results without being a technical specialist.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a set of techniques that help your site appear among the top search results on search engines like Google. A good SEO strategy increases your lodging’s visibility without relying solely on paid advertising or third-party platforms like OTAs.

Fact: Over 75% of clicks on Google go to the top three results. If you're not there, you're likely losing bookings.

Also, ranking well doesn't just mean more visits, but higher quality visits: people who are genuinely looking for a place like yours.

How your guests (and Google) think

Your future guests aren’t just searching for “nice hotel in Lima.” They use phrases like:

• “lodging with breakfast included near the airport”

• “pet friendly hostel in Cusco”

This is called search intent. Understanding what the searcher wants to solve is key. Google rewards sites that respond clearly, quickly, and with good structure.

Practical tip: Ask your guests how they found you. Often, they’ll use phrases you can take advantage of as keywords.

On-page SEO: optimize your site without being an expert

Structure and headings:

• Use hierarchical headings (H1 for main title, H2 for subtitles, etc.) to make reading easier and help Google crawl your site.

• Don’t repeat the same title on multiple pages; each should have a clear objective.

Keywords:

• Include real phrases people would use to find you.

• Example: instead of “services,” use “what’s included in your stay” or “breakfast included.”

• Use synonyms and variations: Google understands context.

Speed and responsive design:

• Use tools like Google PageSpeed or GTmetrix to measure load speed.

• Optimize images, avoid heavy elements or unnecessary animations.

• Make sure your site looks good on phones and tablets.

Internal linking:

• Link your blog to service or contact pages.

• Create a content network that guides the user, keeps them browsing, and helps them convert.

Extra tip: Make sure each page has a single goal and a clear call to action.

Content that ranks: blogs, key pages, and descriptions

Creating useful and specific content is one of the most effective (and sustainable) ways to improve your SEO.

Blog ideas:

• “What to pack if you're traveling to the Sacred Valley in winter”

• “Differences between staying in Miraflores or Barranco”

• “5 places to visit near our hostel”

Tip: Use real questions from guests as titles. If someone already asked, others are probably Googling the same thing.

Key pages:

• Your homepage should explain who you are and what you offer.

• Room pages should have clear descriptions, photos, and updated prices.

• Add a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section to address doubts and add relevant content.

SEO tip: Include personalized descriptions for each room or service. Avoid copying the same text on multiple pages.

Local SEO: make your lodging appear in nearby searches

Many guests search using geographic terms. That’s where local SEO comes in.

Google Business Profile:

• Claim and complete your profile (formerly Google My Business).

• Add photos, hours, phone number, and a direct link to your site.

• Post updates and respond to reviews there.

Reviews:

• Ask guests to leave reviews on Google and other platforms.

• Always respond kindly, even to criticism.

Strategic location:

• Use phrases like “10 minutes from the historic center” or “oceanfront” in your texts.

Pro tip: Reviews also help with SEO because they include keywords written by users.

What to avoid: common SEO mistakes in lodgings

• Pages with little or duplicate content (Google penalizes them).

• No optimized mobile version.

• Keyword stuffing without context.

• Never updating content: Google prioritizes active sites.

• Using the same title or description on multiple pages.

How can Aloha help?

With Aloha, you can keep your site fast, with relevant content and a search engine–friendly structure. Plus, we give you tools to:

• Easily create and publish blogs

• Update room or service descriptions

• Connect everything in one place to enhance guest experience

Request a demo to see how we can help you scale your digital strategy without technical complications.