Record Breaking interactions in a single month.

A 31% year-on-year increase in Google Business Profile (GMB) interactions

THE RESULTS

Our strategy delivered remarkable outcomes:
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How Local SEO Boosted a Cotswolds Restaurant and Hotel’s Direct Bookings by 119%

Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, a luxury hotel and restaurant sought to elevate its digital presence. Despite being a sought-after destination for its stunning countryside location and cosy pub, they struggled to attract new customers through unbranded search terms and relied heavily on third-party booking platforms. That’s when they turned to On the Map for a tailored Local SEO strategy.

Our approach? Help this idyllic getaway dominate local search, grow organic traffic, and boost direct bookings via Google.

Why Local SEO is a Game-Changer for Hotels and Restaurants

For hospitality businesses, visibility in local search results is crucial. This hotel and restaurant faced the common challenge of competing for unbranded search terms like “Cotswolds countryside retreat” and “luxury hotels near Cirencester.” With third-party booking sites taking a hefty cut of revenues, the goal was clear: boost direct bookings and drive year-on-year growth through strategic Local SEO.

The Results Speak for Themselves

The combination of a data-driven Local SEO strategy and a focus on customer engagement delivered exceptional results:

  • 119% Increase in Direct Bookings: Guests were able to find and book directly via Google, reducing reliance on third-party sites.
  • Doubled Unbranded Search Rankings: Rankings for keywords like “luxury hotels near Cirencester” soared, increasing organic traffic.
  • 72% Year-on-Year Growth: Enhanced local visibility and SEO strategies drove significant growth across all digital metrics.

 

Tailored Local SEO Strategies That Deliver Results

Here’s how On the Map crafted a winning Local SEO strategy for this Cotswolds gem:

1. High-Intent Keyword Refinement
We focused on unbranded, location-specific search terms to attract travellers searching for countryside stays and luxury dining experiences. Keywords like “boutique hotels in the Cotswolds” and “pubs near Cirencester” positioned the property as a top choice for visitors.


2. On-Page and Off-Page Optimisation
To rank higher for local searches, we overhauled the website’s on-page elements, including meta descriptions, headers, and internal linking. Off-page optimisation included securing backlinks from trusted travel sites and local directories, increasing the website’s credibility and search authority.

3. Google Business Profile Enhancements
An optimised Google Business Profile (GBP) is a cornerstone of Local SEO success. We updated their GBP with accurate details, engaging descriptions, and professional photos that showcased the property’s charm. This led to more profile views and significantly increased direct bookings.

4. Engaging Local Content Creation
We developed a blog strategy that highlighted local attractions and events, targeting visitors planning Cotswolds getaways. From day trip guides to seasonal activities, each blog was optimised for search, driving organic traffic and keeping the property front of mind for potential guests.

5. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
SEO isn’t a one-and-done effort. By using tools like Local Falcon, we monitored keyword rankings and map pack performance. Adjustments were made regularly to ensure consistent growth and top results for relevant searches.

Why Local SEO is a Must for Hospitality Businesses

At On the Map, we understand the unique challenges of the hospitality industry. From optimising your Google Business Profile to crafting engaging local content, we specialise in helping hotels, restaurants, and pubs stand out in local search results.

Ready to elevate your digital presence and attract more customers? Let’s work together to create a Local SEO strategy tailored to your business. Get in touch with On the Map today and watch your bookings soar!

Dorian Kirk
Founder - Art Hospitality

We’ve worked with SEO agencies before, but On The Maps actually shows us the numbers that matter. Their reports are concise, easy to understand, and focus on real revenue impact—not just traffic. Thanks to their Local SEO strategy, we’re bringing in more direct bookings than ever.

Madeleine Smith
Head of Marketing at Grosvenor Inns

We didn’t just want more traffic—we needed more customers. On The Map focused on high-intent searches, making sure people who found us online actually booked a table or a room. Their data-driven approach proves the impact on our revenue every month.

Emma Stevenson
Marketing Director at Oak Taverns

Before working with On The Map, our pub was lost in the crowd on a busy high street. Now, we’re ranking at the top for local searches, and new customers are finding us daily. Their Local SEO strategy made sure we’re the go-to spot in the area

FAQs

What Is Local SEO, and Why Is It Important for Hospitality Businesses?

Local SEO is the process of optimising your online presence to attract more business from local searches on Google and other search engines. For hospitality businesses like hotels, restaurants, and pubs, 70% of local clicks come from Google’s Map Pack, making Local SEO critical for driving foot traffic, bookings, and revenue.

How Does Google My Business Help My Hospitality Business?

Google My Business (GMB) is a powerful tool that helps your business appear in local search results and Google Maps. By optimising your GMB profile with accurate information, high-quality photos, and weekly posts, you can:

 

  • Increase your visibility in Google’s Map Pack.
  • Attract more bookings and walk-in customers.
  • Engage with potential customers through reviews and updates.

How Long Does It Take to See Results from Local SEO?

Most businesses see noticeable improvements in 3-6 months with consistent Local SEO efforts. However, the timeline depends on factors such as your location, competition, and the quality of your current online presence.

Can You Help with Multi-Location Businesses?

Absolutely! We specialise in Local SEO for multi-location hospitality businesses such as hotel chains, restaurants, and pub groups. We create tailored strategies for each location, ensuring every venue ranks well in its local market.

What Is Included in a Local SEO Campaign?

Our Local SEO campaigns typically include:

 

  • Google My Business optimisation.
  • Local keyword research.
  • Onsite SEO (title tags, H-tags, local schema).
  • Citation building and directory management.
  • Content creation (blogs and FAQs).
  • Review and reputation management.
  • Each campaign is customised to meet the specific needs of your business.

What Is Local Schema, and Why Is It Important?

Local schema is structured data added to your website to help search engines understand your business details, such as location, opening hours, and services. Implementing local schema can:

  • Improve your chances of appearing in rich search results.
  • Boost your visibility for local queries.
  • Drive more targeted traffic to your site.

 

How Do Reviews Impact Local SEO Rankings?

Reviews are a significant factor in local search rankings. Businesses with:

  • Positive reviews are more likely to rank higher.
  • Engaged review responses build trust with customers and search engines.
  • We help you manage reviews to improve your online reputation and increase visibility.

 

What Are Citations, and Why Do They Matter for Local SEO?

Citations are online mentions of your business name, address, and phone number (NAP). These are crucial for Local SEO because:

  • Consistent citations improve your local rankings.
  • High-quality citations build trust with search engines.
  • We ensure your business is listed accurately on top directories such as TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Google.

How Do Blogs Help My Hospitality Business Rank Higher?

Blogs targeting local keywords (e.g., “best restaurants in [city]” or “top hotels near [landmark]”) can:

  • Drive more organic traffic to your site.
  • Showcase your business as a local authority.
  • Answer common customer questions, which improves engagement and time spent on your site.

Why Should I Choose Your Agency for Local SEO?

We specialise in Local SEO for hospitality businesses, with 15+ years of experience working with restaurants, pubs, and hotels. Our tailored strategies deliver measurable results, from increased bookings to higher foot traffic. We’re not just an SEO agency—we’re your partner in driving hospitality success.