Introduction
It’s a dream to run a homestay in a scenic location like Vaikom or Munnar, but what if nobody on the internet can find the place?
In today’s competitive travel space, it’s not just about having a great property. It’s about being discoverable on Google when someone searches “best Ayurvedic homestay near me” or “budget stay in Vaikom.”
Here is where your local SEO works like your invisible sales person.
What Is Local SEO?
Local search engine optimisation involves optimising your online presence to win more business from local searches relevant to your business. These searches are done on Google and other sites such as Google Maps, TripAdvisor, and Booking.com.
It makes your homestay appear when someone enters:
“Homestay close to Kumarakom”
“Ayurveda treatment accommodation in Vaikom”
“AC rooms near Krishna Ayurveda Clinic”
It’s your way of standing out without spending thousands on ads.
Why Homestay Owners Should Focus on Local SEO ?
1. Boost Direct Bookings (Skip OTA Commission Fees)
Whenever someone books with an OTA (such as Airbnb or Booking.com), you lose 15–20% in commissions.
Local SEO = more direct bookings = more profit.
2. Appear on Google Maps & Local Search
Travelers will look for local places to stay directly from their phone. If you have already claimed and optimized your Google Business Profile, you will appear in the map pack — one of the most highly clicked areas on Google.
3. Optimize for High-Intent Local Keywords
Example: “Ayurvedic stay close to Krishna Ayurveda Va If you have this keyword on your homestay site or Google listing, Google will prioritize you when someone searches for it.
4. Build Trust by Using Reviews
Local search engine optimization is not just about getting ranked, but about managing Google Reviews, TripAdvisor reviews, and NAP consistency, as well.
Good reviews = greater trust = increased bookings.
5. Showcase Your Niche (e.g. Ayurvedic Wellness Stay)
If your homestay has particular guests in mind — such as those who receive Ayurvedic treatments — local SEO allows you to target precisely those guests with keywords, content, and schema.org markup.
Active Efforts: Niramaya Heritage Homestay, Vaikom
Take my own venture, Niramaya Heritage Homestay. By targeting keywords such as:
- “Ayurvedic homestay near Krishna Ayurveda”
- “Premium stay in Vaikom”
- “Doctor-on-call accommodation Kerala”
and by going live on Google Maps + and refreshing our business listing, we noticed:
Increase in map views
Improved click-throughs to our site
Additional calls by local treatment seekers
What You Need to Get Started ?
Here is a local SEO checklist for homestay owners:
- Google Business Profile (fully filled + updated)
- Consistency of NAP throughout web listings
- Quality photos of rooms & surroundings
- Your local keywords on the site
- Google, OTA, and TripAdvisor guest reviews
- Local backlinks (Kerala travel site listings, Ayurveda listings, etc.)
Final Thoughts :
Local SEO is not a nice-to-have — it’s a low-budget, big-action strategy that puts you in front of people when they’re about to book. For homestay owners who are close to treatment or tourist hubs, beating the OTA algorithm is your best chance of attracting the right guests.
Need assistance in optimizing your homestay for local search? I can assist you in getting listed, ranked, and booked.
Contact Me for a Free Local SEO Checklist
