How to Create a Google Business Profile for your Campground

One of the more powerful tools in your campground marketing arsenal is a Google Business Profile for your campground. It's a free and easy-to-use platform that can help you attract more campers, boost your visibility in search results, and ultimately, grow your business.

Think of your Google Business Profile as your campground's summarised digital storefront. It's often the first thing potential guests see when they search for campgrounds online. A well-optimised profile can entice them to click through to your website, call you directly, or even navigate straight to your doorstep!

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of creating and optimising a Google Business Profile for my campground, complete with practical tips and tricks to make your listing shine. So, grab a beer/cuppa, settle in, and let's get started!

Step 1: Claim or Create Your Google Business Profile

To begin, head over to Google Business Profile and click on "Manage now." If your campground already has a profile (sometimes Google creates these automatically), you'll need to claim it. If not, you'll have the option to create a new one.

To claim an existing profile:

You'll be asked to verify your connection to the business, usually through a postcard with a verification code sent to your campground's address. Sometimes Google decides to skip this step – thank your lucky stars if this is the case, as postcards take time and can often get thrown in the trash if you don’t know what to look out for!

To create a new profile:

Enter your campground's name.

Choose your business type. The options are:
Online Retail
Local Store
Service Business
We recommend selecting Local Store.

Choose the appropriate category for your business. We recommend you select "Camping Ground," or "Caravan Park".

Add your business address

Add your phone number and web address. Don’t have a website yet? Reach out to us and we can build you one! Alternatively, add something like your Hipcamp landing page to the listing.

Step 2: Complete Every Section with Pizzazz!

Now comes the fun part! Fill out your profile with as much detail as possible. This is your chance to showcase what makes your campground unique and attract potential guests.
Business Description: Write a compelling description that highlights your campground's key features and amenities. Mention things like your location, types of campsites, onsite activities, nearby attractions, and anything else that sets you apart. Don't forget to sprinkle in relevant keywords for campground marketing, such as "family-friendly," "pet-friendly," "swimming pool," "hiking trails," etc.
Photos and Videos: A picture is worth a thousand words, and in campground marketing, visuals are king! Upload high-quality photos of your campsite, amenities, and surrounding scenery. Consider including a virtual tour video to give potential guests an immersive experience.
Amenities: Tick all the boxes that apply to your campground, such as toilets, showers, laundry facilities, fire pits, Wi-Fi, cellular reception and so on. The more amenities you offer, the more appealing your campground will be to potential guests.
Attributes: Attributes are additional features that can help guests quickly identify if your campground meets their needs. These might include "women-owned," "family-friendly," "accessible," or "eco-friendly."

Step 3: Choose Your Categories Wisely

Selecting the right categories is crucial for your Google Business Profile for your campground. It helps Google understand what your business is about and ensures you appear in relevant search results. Start with the most specific category that accurately describes your campground, such as "Camping ground" or "Caravan park." You can then add other categories like "Glamping Tents" or "Tourist attraction."

Step 4: Pinpoint Your Location with Precision

Ensure your campground's location is accurately pinned on the map. This helps guests find you easily and allows them to get directions directly from your Google Business Profile.

Step 5: Specify Your Operating Hours

Keep your operating hours up-to-date, especially during peak seasons and holidays. We recommend you set hours as 24 hours, 7 days a week to start with. Going away on a holiday? Make sure you change your hours on your Google Business Profile! Accurate operating hours help manage customer expectations and avoid unnecessary frustration.

Step 6: Encourage and Respond to Reviews

Reviews are social proof gold in campground marketing! Encourage happy campers to leave reviews on your Google Business Profile. Respond to all reviews, both positive and negative, in a professional and timely manner. This shows potential guests that you value their feedback and are committed to providing excellent customer service.

For more ways to ensure you get positive reviews from campers, be sure to read our guide to Creating Exceptional Campground Experiences.

Step 7: Post Regularly and Engage with Your Audience

Your Google Business Profile isn't a "set-and-forget" platform. To keep your listing fresh and engaging, post updates regularly. Share photos and videos of recent events, special offers, new amenities, or simply stunning shots of your campground. You can also use the "Questions & Answers" feature to address common queries and engage with potential guests.

Step 8: Leverage Google Posts for Campground Marketing

Google Posts are a fantastic way to share timely and relevant information with your audience. Use them to announce upcoming events, promote special offers, highlight seasonal activities, or share blog posts from your website. Make sure your posts are visually appealing and include a clear call to action.

Step 9: Track Your Results and Analyse Your Performance

Google My Business provides insights into how people are finding and interacting with your profile. Track key metrics like profile views, website clicks, direction requests, and phone calls. This data can help you understand what's working well and identify areas for improvement in your campground marketing strategy.

Optimising Your Google Business Profile for Campground Marketing Success

Creating a Google Business Profile is just the first step. To truly maximise its potential, you need to optimise your listing for search engines and user engagement. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Keyword Research: Identify relevant keywords that potential guests might use to search for campgrounds in your area. Include these keywords naturally in your business description, posts, and Q&A responses.
Consistent NAP Citations: Ensure your campground's name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across all online platforms, including your website, social media profiles, and online directories. This helps improve your local SEO and makes it easier for Google to verify your business information.
Local SEO: Claim your listing on other relevant online directories and review platforms. This helps build your online presence and improve your visibility in local search results.
Mobile Optimisation: More and more people are using their smartphones to search for campgrounds. Ensure your website is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate on smaller screens.
Accessibility: Make sure your profile is accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. Use alt text for images, provide captions for videos, and ensure your website is accessible.

Google Business Profile for your Campground: A Summary

A Google Business Profile for your campground is a powerful tool for attracting new guests, boosting your online visibility, and managing your campground's online reputation. By following the steps outlined in this guide and implementing the optimisation tips, you can create a compelling profile that drives bookings and helps your campground thrive.

Remember, your Google Business Profile is an ongoing project. Keep your information up-to-date, engage with your audience, and monitor your performance to ensure your campground marketing efforts are paying off.

Need help setting up or optimising your Google Business Profile for your campground? The team at Trekabout Marketing are experts in campground marketing and can help you get the most out of your Google Business Profile. Contact us today for a free consultation!