Many international guests discover accommodations through Google Maps and local searches. Before revamping your website, optimizing your Google Business Profile (GBP) in English is crucial.
In summary, GBP serves as a free visibility tool. By organizing essential information, photos, Q&A, and reservation links in English, you can significantly improve your chances of being found. Here’s a practical checklist tailored for GBP in English and multilingual settings for ryokans.
1. Basic Information in English
- Ensure your business name is easily recognizable for international guests (avoid overly complicated English names that could harm your brand).
- Select categories that closely align with accommodations and ryokans.
- Include details about your location, type of accommodation, and core experiences (such as onsen, meals, and traditional rooms) in the description.
- Verify that your address, phone number, and website URL are accurate.
- Confirm that your business hours and check-in times reflect reality.
When crafting your description, prioritize clarity about what type of accommodation you offer and who it is for rather than writing lengthy essays about tourism.
2. Photos and Posts
- Include a variety of photos showcasing the exterior, guest rooms, baths, meals, and surrounding areas.
- Ensure that the images are current and not outdated.
- Provide visuals that effectively communicate how to use the facilities for English-speaking guests.
- Regularly update posts about seasonal events or activities.
Photos should not only be visually appealing but also alleviate potential concerns guests may have before booking, such as room size and bath types.
3. Q&A
- Proactively register answers to frequently asked questions (parking, luggage storage, English support, meals, tattoo policy, etc.).
- Ensure responses are clearly understandable in English.
- Regularly check for outdated or incorrect information.
The Q&A section is crucial for building trust in search results and on maps. Neglecting it may lead to inaccurate responses from guests.
4. Reservation URL
- Ensure that the reservation and website buttons direct users to your official English booking page.
- Avoid linking solely to OTAs (if using strategically, include your official site as well).
- Confirm that the linked page allows for booking completion on mobile devices.
Even if guests find you, if the next step leads only to phone or Japanese-only options, direct bookings will not increase.
5. Review Responses
- Respond to English reviews in English.
- Express specific gratitude for positive reviews and address factual concerns for negative ones while showing a willingness to improve.
- Avoid generic templates; maintain the unique tone of your ryokan.
Responding to reviews is more about building trust and encouraging repeat visits than SEO, but it significantly influences the overall impression of your GBP.
Quick Steps to Improve Today
- Clarify your description and categories in English.
- Update your reservation URL to direct to your official English booking page (or English inquiry page).
- Preemptively register the top five FAQs in the Q&A section.
- Cultivate the habit of responding to English reviews.
Next Steps
If you want to assess the international readiness of your entire site, including GBP, consider using the free HAKO Scan to identify weaknesses in visibility, trust, and reservations.
Studio HAKO — Japan, ready for the world.