Importance Of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) In The Travel Industry

In order to attract prospective customers in the travel industry, it is indispensable to appear on the first page of search results, because no one has sufficient time to go beyond it. According to a survey, over 93% of the online experiences begin with a search engine and 95% of natural clicks come from page one of Google, Yahoo and Bing. So, are you still hesitant to embrace SEO, in this world filled with competition? If so, then you must espouse it without any second thoughts. Because you simply cannot miss out on those 93% potential visitors, who are looking to hire your services.

Well, if this is not convincing enough, below are some of the other reasons that will compel you to use SEO services, immediately.

1. Increases traffic that converts

The ultimate goal of any business operating online is to increase the check-ins and to convert them into revenue. Since the travel industry is wide and the competition is increasing by leaps and bounds, Search Engine Optimization is one of the most efficient ways to serve this purpose. With keywords being at the center of the SEO strategies, the chances of attracting website traffic that will convert is higher.

For instance, certain website uses the keyword ‘cheap destinations for vacation’. Now, if a patron is searching with the same keyword, it probably means that he/she is looking for affordable place where he/she can actually plan a trip. Hence, the set of keywords you use defines the services you are offering and ultimately attracts audience who is looking for same.

2. Leverages Social Media Platforms

Social media is to the businesses what oxygen is to the humans. As accurately said by Sean Gardner, Forbes #1 Social Media Power Influencer and Head of Digital Marketing at World Communication Forum - ‘Social media is not just an activity; it is an investment of valuable time and resources’. Leveraging these social media platforms is done effectively through SEO by running advertisements. Travel industry marketing can be best done on social media, because the number of visitors on a daily basis cross millions and the possibility of content getting viral is high as well, adding to your popularity and brand recognition.

3. Constructs a Pleasant User Experience

According to the survey conducted by Hubshout, 67% of mobile users will leave a website if they become frustrated with the site’s navigation. Now, SEO doesn’t only mean optimizing for search engines. It also aids in simplifying the structure of the website making navigation through the web pages easier. This helps the users to find what they are exactly looking for without much hassle, giving them a pleasant experience.

Remember, more the complex structure, more will be the bounce rate of your site. As the website is eventually built for the customers to know about you and stay informed about your services. If they don’t find what they are looking they will head off to your competitor. Because believe it or not, customers have an array of options to choose from.

4. Creates Brand Awareness

Most of the people unconsciously trust search engine results. If something appears on top of the search list, then an immediate perception formed is - ‘This is the Best’. Although, not everyone will head straight away to deal with the first option. They will search thoroughly before finalising anything. Now, if you are using SEO for your travel website, how frequently do you think you will appear in their search results? Even if the ratio is 6 is to 10, you can rest assured that your website has created an appealing impression upon them.

5. Attracts Local Patrons & Increases Offline Sales

A survey says that 46% of the total Google searches consist of the local queries. Moreover, 76% of those local searches result in a phone call. One can deduce, with such a high weightage given to the local queries, that local SEO services form an important part of your online marketing strategy. It not only helps you create brand awareness but also augments offline sales.

6. Cheaper and Effective Marketing

'On a broad scale, I see SEO becoming a normalized marketing tactic, the same way TV, radio, and print are traditionally thought of as marketing tactics’, says Duane Forrester, a former SEO at MSN and Bing webmaster tools launcher. To claim their presence and enhance the brand awareness in front of the audience, many big companies choose advertisement through media, which is way too expensive (costing almost millions). Whereas SEO can achieve similar or even more effective results at a lesser price. All it requires is high-ranking keywords and strong strategies.

It is a ubiquitous fact how the adoption of SEO techniques have changed the fortune of several businesses. If you are someone who takes marketing of your company seriously, then Search Engine Optimisation is not something you can afford skipping because the benefits of SEO will always outweigh the cost incurred upon it.