Boost visibility + direct bookings with SEO strategies

Optimize your site from Start to Launch:

• [ ] Domain Name

  Use your rental name and location, if possible.

• [ ] Keywords

  Choose 10–15 keywords and phrases your ideal guest would search for.

  • Use a tool like Keywords Everywhere or Google Ads Keyword Planner (just for research, you don’t need to pay for ads for this)
  • Focus on location-based keywords and phrases your ideal guests are using in searches.
  • Focus on unique keywords for each page on your site.

• [ ] Page URLs

  Keep it short and use keywords.

  • For SEO best practices, use between 4-5 words.

  • Use dashes between words.

    Example: /lake-tahoe-cabin-rental

  • Include location.

• [ ] Page Titles (50-60 characters) and Descriptions (150-160 characters)

  Make sure every page has an SEO title and meta description.

  • Use keywords and location.
  • Meta descriptions should include key features.
  • Note that it does sometimes happen that Google doesn’t show your SEO description but will pull content from the page. So make sure the first sentence of each page is clear and includes keywords.

• [ ] Headings

  Follow a type hierarchy to organize your content.

  • Only one Heading 1 style should be used per page.

• [ ] Optimize Images + Videos for SEO

  Use your visuals to boost your rankings.

  • Name image and video files appropriately using keywords (e.g., oceanfront-condo-algarve-portugal.jpg)

  • Add descriptive alt text with keywords.

  • Compress files for a smaller file size and faster loading time.

    For images, use tinyjpg.com or for bulk resizing and optimizing, use this PixResize* tool.

    For videos, use Veed compressor.

• [ ] Blog

  Rank for more keywords, help potential guests, and drive traffic to your site.

  • Write posts on local attractions, events, and tips.
  • Publish blog posts consistently.
  • Add internal links to your booking form.
  • Share blog posts via email or social media.

• [ ] Embed Google Map

  Include Name, Address, Phone Number (NAP)

  • To reinforce your location without exposing your actual address, use your city or region and a contact method, such as link to contact form or email.

• [ ] Mobile Friendly

  Make sure your site is user-friendly on mobile devices.

  • Test your site on multiple devices

• [ ] 404 Error Page

  Keep visitors from bouncing away from your site if they come across a page that doesn’t exist.

  • Create a custom page to guide visitors where to go when they get lost on your site.

• [ ] Add Social Sharing Buttons

  Link to your social sites to increase visibility.

  • Add your website to all your social accounts.

• [ ] Enable SSL

  Make sure your site is secure and set to https!