RezNEWS Feature Article:
Five tips for adding content to your website
Content is a fundamental element of the Internet. Before we make a decision to purchase anything online, we first search for information, also known as content, to help us make an educated buying decision.
At the same time, the search engines are becoming more and more adamant that website content be of high quality and updated on a regular basis to remain “fresh.” In fact, content can practically automate your Internet marketing efforts for little to no money. This month’s feature article will show you how!
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First, a little secret from RezNEWS…
The search engines will reward your website for fresh content and if that content is of a high value, other websites will link to you as well.
This is one of the best ways to rocket your website into the top rankings of the search engines. Here are five proven ways to improve the content on your hospitality website while rising above your competition at the same time.
- Build out your activity pages – Many lodging websites have an “activities” or “things to do” page. If you currently have information about golf, hiking, antiquing, shopping, foliage, or any popular attraction in your area listed on just one page, simply put each individual activity on its own page and expand upon each topic. You don’t have to write a dissertation on each subject, but approximately 300 words will do the trick. This is a quick and easy way to add five to ten pages of relevant content to your website that your visitors will appreciate. You can also do the same thing for annual seasonal events that occur in your area.
- Recipes – Many bed and breakfasts or inns have a collection of their favorite recipes. Quite often, guests are interested in those recipes. Another logical way to add content to your website is to place five to ten of your property’s most requested recipes, each on its own page. Your guests will love this and this action may garner a few links from other food websites.
- History - Almost every destination in the world has SOME history behind it. Your property may even have a significant part in that history. Write a few pages about the background of your property, then expand this information into more pages highlighting the history of your area. If you’re a history buff, you can write one page for each “era”. For instance, add even more content by focusing on the years 1800 to 1850, then 1850 to 1900, and so on.
- FAQs – Here’s one idea you may not have thought of. Set up a frequently asked questions page on your website. This could be on any topic that relates to your area or property. Questions like “Where’s a good place to eat?” or “What’s the secret behind the inn’s amazing apple pie?” These FAQ pages will not only help your web presence, but could be highly entertaining for your guests as well.
- Look at your competition – Websites that are outranking you in the search engines most likely have great content on their site. Take a look at what they’re doing. This can’t be overstated enough. By monitoring your competition on a regular basis, you’ll get creative ideas on how to add content, you’ll get to see what their specials are and how they market them, plus you’ll observe more examples of a successful website presentation. Part of your ongoing business practice should be to check how your competition showcases their property on the web.
In conclusion:
Implementing any one of these five tips in this list can add many pages of fresh content to your website. These types of content offer a double benefit as the search engines will reward you for the content, while the same content will be appreciated by your visitors. Your goal is to have your property’s website at the forefront of their minds so they will come back when they are serious about planning their next vacation. Updated and “fresh” content on your website is key for reservation results.
About the author
Dennis Miller is the Internet promotion manager for RezStream. Dennis has over four years Internet marketing experience in the hospitality industry. He is a leading expert in search engine optimization, pay per click services, and using the Internet to increase revenue for hospitality clients.
Click here to contact the author with comments or questions.
