Picture this: A traveler in chilly London daydreams about Bali’s sunny beaches. They grab their phone and search “best resorts in Bali.” Will they see your property? With the right Google Ads strategy, they absolutely can.
Welcome to our guide on using Google Ads to fill more rooms in your Indonesian hotel or resort. Whether you’re managing a boutique hotel in Ubud, a beach resort in Lombok, or a city hotel in Jakarta, we’re here to help you make the most of your advertising budget.
Understanding the Indonesian Tourism Landscape
Indonesia’s tourism sector is a vibrant tapestry of experiences, from the cultural richness of Yogyakarta to the diving paradises of Raja Ampat.According to the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, in 2023, Indonesia welcomed over 8.5 million international visitors, marking a strong recovery in the post-pandemic era. Domestic tourism has shown even more robust growth, with over 700 million domestic trips recorded in the same year.
But here’s the thing: with so many amazing destinations, standing out can be tricky. That’s where Google Ads comes in, helping you catch the eye of potential guests at just the right moment.
Picking the Perfect Keywords for Your Property
Choosing the right keywords is like selecting the perfect location for your hotel – it’s crucial. Here are some tips:
- Think like your guests: What would they type into Google? “Beachfront hotel Bali” or “Family-friendly resort Bandung” are good starting points.
- Include your unique selling points: “Eco-resort Sumatra orangutan watching” could set you apart.
- Don’t forget about local attractions: “Hotel near Borobudur” can catch people planning their itinerary.
Remember, it’s not about casting the widest net, but the right one.
Writing Ads That Make People Want to Book
Your ad is often the first impression a potential guest has of your property. Make it count:
- Highlight what makes you special: “Wake up to Mount Bromo views” is more enticing than just “Mountain view rooms available.”
- Mention any deals or perks: “Free airport transfer” or “Complimentary spa treatment” can tip the scales in your favor.
- Create a sense of urgency: “Last few rooms for New Year’s Eve” can prompt quicker bookings.
Making the Most of Google Hotel Ads
Google Hotel Ads show up when people search for hotels in a specific area. They’re a game-changer for the hospitality industry. Here’s how to use them well:
- Keep your rates up-to-date: Inaccurate prices lead to frustrated potential guests.
- Use high-quality photos: Show off your best rooms and facilities.
- Highlight your best reviews: Let your happy guests do the talking.
Changing with the Seasons
Indonesia’s tourism has its ebbs and flows. Use this to your advantage:
- Increase your budget during peak seasons: When demand is high, make sure you’re visible.
- Offer special packages in quieter periods: “Rainy season yoga retreat” could fill rooms in the off-season.
- Tailor your ads to events: During Nyepi in Bali, promote your hotel as a peaceful retreat.
Bringing Back Almost-Guests with Remarketing
Ever had a potential guest look at your website but not book? Remarketing lets you gently remind them about your property:
- Show ads with the specific rooms they viewed.
- Offer a small discount or perk to encourage booking.
- Highlight reviews or awards to build trust.
Getting Found by Nearby Travelers
“Hotels near me” searches are golden opportunities, especially for city hotels. Here’s how to make the most of them:
- Make sure your Google My Business listing is up-to-date.
- Use location extensions in your ads.
- Consider running ads specifically for “near me” searches during events or peak seasons.
Measuring What Matters
To make sure your Google Ads are working hard for you, keep an eye on these metrics:
- Cost per booking: How much are you spending to get each reservation?
- Return on ad spend: For every rupiah spent on ads, how much are you making in bookings?
- Click-through rate: Are your ads catching people’s eyes?
- Length of stay: Are your ads attracting the kind of guests you want?
Real Results: The Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort Story
Let’s look at how Google Ads made a real difference for one of our clients, Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort in East New Britain Province of Papua New Guinea.
The challenge: Kokopo Beach Bungalows is in a less-known part of Papua New Guinea. They were struggling to attract international guests and fill rooms during the off-season.
Our approach: We created a Google Ads campaign that:
- Targeted adventure travelers and diving enthusiasts
- Highlighted the resort’s unique experiences, like volcano tours and world-class diving
- Used remarketing to reach people who had shown interest in similar destinations
The results: Within six months, the resort saw:
- A 40% increase in international bookings
- A 25% rise in occupancy during the previously quiet months
- A return on ad spend of 15:1 – for every dollar spent on ads, they made $15 in bookings
This shows how, with the right strategy, Google Ads can help even off-the-beaten-path properties attract more guests.
Ready to Welcome More Guests?
Google Ads can be a powerful tool for filling more rooms in your Indonesian hotel or resort. But like any tool, it works best in skilled hands.
At Search Synergy, we specialize in creating Google Ads campaigns that work hard for hospitality businesses across Indonesia. We understand the local market, the international traveler, and how to bring them together.
Want to see how we can help you welcome more guests? Get in touch with us for a free consultation. Let’s work together to show travelers why your property should be their next destination.
Here’s to fuller rooms and happier guests!
