Continuing our mission to make your life easier, we’ve wrangled a swathe of popular Australian and New Zealand music, sports, cultural and other entertainment events into a handy calendar to help you plan your accommodation marketing efforts to attract the crowds.
Whether your guests are flocking to stomp to Shihad, swoon to Katy Perry, experience the cultural phenomenon that is Wellington’s CubaDupa, or represent the Barmy Army at the Ashes, they’ll appreciate a well-timed deal and some local knowledge during their stay.
This calendar complements our earlier ‘key dates for 2025’ calendar identifying public holidays, days of significance and school holiday dates for accommodation providers to consider in their marketing and promotion plans for the year ahead.
As the dust settles from the terrific tennis tussle that is the Australian Open and Chinese New Year celebrations continue, there’s a host of gigs, festival action and a three-day golf bonanza happening in February as summer gets into full swing.
Gigs and festivals rock, roll and pop off throughout March, with the WOMAD festivals attracting tens of thousands of world music enthusiasts and some huge names in music, both old and new, drawing in fans across Australasia.
April keeps the grooves going strong with legendary New Zealand funkateers’ The Phenomenon Tour in full effect and ZZ Top rocking Australasia. Some of Supergroove’s 12 gigs have already sold out and demand for accommodation is likely to spike as the band rolls through New Zealand cities.
The Australasian gig scene bubbles along nicely in May, with some iconic names gracing our shores and fittingly playing at venues that can accommodate thousands of fans, many of whom will be looking for a place to stay. On the other hand, the fiercely fought State of Origin battles will be a major drawcard for rugby league fans.
Entertainment acts including stellar pop sensation Katy Perry pack out high-capacity venues across Australia in June. In Hamilton, New Zealand the southern hemisphere’s largest agricultural event Fieldays usually hosts over 100,000 rurally inclined punters over four days.
From a live-music perspective, July is all about 10cc and their Ultimate Ultimate Greatest Hits Tour – maybe all the other bands are taking a ‘dreadlock holiday’. In any case, many of the band’s fans will be revving for the ultimate accommodation solution. Additionally, Melbourne will be under the spell of the Melbourne Magic Festival – the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere.
August attracts visitors to Brisbane and Hamilton Island with Australia’s largest offshore keelboat regatta, while Sydney expects to host an estimated 90,000 fun runners – with a bit of leg work some of them could be your guests.
With the AFL Grand Final and rugby union Bledisloe Cup clash having topped the 100,000-attendance mark previously, the ball is in your hands if you want to make a pass for the hordes of fans looking to stay in September.
Melbourne is the place to be for league fans in early October, and with attendance records for NRL fixtures increasing year-on-year it’s a smart move to make a play for their custom so you can be ahead of the game. All Blacks and Wallabies supporters will pack out Perth’s Optus Stadium to witness the epic Bledisloe Cup around the same time.
In November Melbourne hosts the quintessential Australian sporting event – the race that stops a nation – with hundreds of thousands attending over the four-day Melbourne Cup Carnival around cup day on the fourth of November. Gigs to suit all types of music afficionados welcome fans, while the first Ashes test kicks off late in the month and you can bet on England’s Barmy Army looking for somewhere to stay.
High-profile cricket matches are the sporting order of the month in December, while the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race will bring in thousands of spectators plus sailors and support crews to Sydney. Dates for the start of Auckland’s ASB Classic tennis tournament at the end of 2025 have not been announced yet, but New Zealand’s biggest annual sporting event will be a magnet for tennis fans across New Zealand looking for accommodation.
Seekom’s flexible functionality makes running and promoting special offers simple all-year round.
Our user-friendly platform lets you send automated or group emails and SMS messages to let people know about your special offers, use promo codes for seasonal deals, or create banners to advertise offers or promotions on your online booking screens.
If your new year’s wish is for data-driven pricing to magic up your profit margins, revenue-management system RoomPriceGenie can help. This savvy service can monitor bookings to identify demand patterns, optimise pricing to increase profits and track your competitors’ moves for you. RoomPriceGenie can be easily integrated with Seekom to make your life easier, and more profitable, than ever.
Contact our friendly team today to discover how Seekom can boost your marketing and promotions throughout 2025 and beyond.
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Organic traffic to your website is considered the gold dust of digital interactions. While the term might sound fancy, it refers to a visit to your website or app by somebody who has searched and found it by using a search engine like Google or Bing.
When it comes to accommodation businesses, people who visit your website in this way are actively seeking a place to stay, making them likely to book your accommodation if they like what they see.
After a deep dive into data for the websites we managed for accommodation businesses in 2024, we found that just over half of the visits came from organic traffic. That’s well above the travel and hospitality industry average of 31% – a result we’re proud of. Organic traffic doesn’t involve paid advertising, but it does require an investment in effort to
ensure your website’s online presence is powerful enough to pull in the traffic you’re angling for.
In this month’s article, we explain why organic traffic matters and how to boost the number of people finding your website via organic search.
Our data reveals that organic traffic not only makes up the lion’s share of visits to the websites we manage, but the people arriving in this way are 23% more likely than other visitors to view photos, check room availability, make a booking or submit an enquiry.
These are the visitors you really want because they are more likely than others – including those arriving at your site by clicking a link from another website or arriving via paid advertising – to interact deeply and to make a booking to stay at your accommodation.
Out of the 290,838 total number of visits to the websites we managed in the year to November 2024, the number of new users was 224,620 – a whopping 77%. Organic traffic brought in a significant portion of these new users, helping to make potential guests aware of accommodation offerings and creating opportunities for them to book.
According to the 2024 Organic Search Traffic Benchmarks Report, organic traffic makes up 31% of website activity in the travel and hospitality sector, while organic traffic for websites Seekom manages sits at a significantly higher 50.4%.
This is a result we are thrilled with – by funnelling unpaid, high-intent traffic to client websites, we can be sure we are delivering real value to their businesses.
Our approach to improving website search results focuses on key areas that help businesses show up more often when people search online. If you manage an accommodation website, there’s no reason why you can’t use the same techniques to your advantage.
We write helpful, interesting content that relates to what people are searching for. This means when someone looks for information about travel, accommodation, or services, the content is easy to find and appears in the right place.
We design websites that are simple to navigate, work well on phones and tablets, and help search engines understand how everything connects. Think of it like creating clear road signs that guide both customers and search engines smoothly through your website.
We make sure websites load quickly, have clean and professional behind-the-scenes coding, and are set up in a way that search engines like Google or Bing can easily read and understand. Slow load speeds, messy code or poor website architecture can result in a website appearing lower down in the search results – often outside of the first page – which makes finding it more difficult. There are some important online tools you can use to achieve this including schema markup, Google Business Profile and similar platforms.
Imagine giving search engines a cheat sheet about your business. Schema markup is like that – it helps search engines show interesting and relevant information about your property when people search online. Instead of just seeing a boring website link, potential guests can see your business name, photos, ratings, or special offers in their search results, making people more likely to click on your listing. We’ve previously written about the value of schema markup in our blog – have a read if you want to harness it for your website.
We use several online tools to help people find your business more easily including, Google Business Profile, Bing Places, Webmaster Tools and IndexNow. These platforms help us share your website and information across the internet, making sure you show up prominently in search results, including local ones.
When someone types "affordable motels near me" into Google or Bing, the page of results they see is a search engine results page (SERP). The higher your business appears on this page, the more likely people are to notice you and have a closer look at your accommodation offerings. It’s like having a well-presented shop in a prime location on the main road of a city – everyone’s going to notice you.
By focusing on the actions mentioned above for the websites we manage for accommodation providers, we help them show up more often in search results, thereby nurturing organic growth to attract more potential customers, and boost their business through online bookings.
If you’re thinking that doing all this yourself sounds a bit too technical, why not let us handle the heavy lifting? Our team offers tailored strategies that combine content, structural, and technical expertise to drive organic traffic to your website and lift online engagement.
A growing number of accommodation businesses around the world trust us to take care of their websites with fully-managed search-engine-optimisation plans. Find out how you can too by contacting us today. We’d love to help.
Smarts to help you operate more effectively and efficiently. From guides of our systems and integrations to tips and tricks you can use every day - we've got you covered.
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PO Box 9300, Marion Square, Wellington 6141
Phone (NZ) : +64 4 974 9588
Phone (UK) : +44 20 3835 5939
Support: support@seekom.com
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Copyright 2024 © Seekom Limited (NZ owned)
Running a motel, hotel, or campground in today’s world means you’re not just managing your property—you’re also navigating the online landscape. With so many travellers relying on Google to find their next stay, how your business shows up in search results can have a big impact. That's where Google’s EEAT standards come into play. These standards help make sure your website doesn’t just get seen but is also trusted by potential guests.
In this post, we’ll break down what EEAT means and why it matters to your business. We’ll also show you how using these standards can help you create content that connects with your customers and ultimately drives more bookings.
EEAT stands for Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. These are the key factors Google considers when deciding how to rank websites. In simple terms, the better your website content meets these standards, the higher it could appear in search results.
Let’s break it down:
Does your content demonstrate that you have firsthand experience in the subject you’re talking about? For motels, hotels, or campgrounds, this could mean showcasing your personal knowledge of hospitality, guest care, or location-specific advice.
Are you a knowledgeable authority in your field? For example, if you run a campground, content that reflects your deep understanding of the local area, camping tips, or eco-friendly practices can show your expertise.
Do others see you as a reliable source? Reviews, testimonials, partnerships with trusted travel websites, and mentions from well-known sources can establish your authority.
Can customers trust the information you’re providing? Honest reviews, clear policies, secure transactions, and up-to-date contact information build trust with your audience and with Google.
So, why should motels, hotels, and campgrounds care about EEAT standards? Simply put, it helps you get noticed online. By adhering to these guidelines, your website is more likely to rank higher on Google, which means more potential guests will see your business when they search for accommodation.
Key Benefits:
The higher your website ranks in search results, the more traffic it can receive. EEAT content helps Google recognise your website as a credible source, boosting its visibility.
When potential guests find you quickly and trust your website, they are more likely to make a booking. Trustworthiness and expertise in your content encourage them to choose your property.
Content that reflects experience and expertise builds a positive image for your motel, hotel, or campground. It positions your business as knowledgeable and reliable, which can lead to more word-of-mouth referrals and returning customers.
In the short term rental industry, trust is everything. Guests need to know they are booking with a reliable business. By focusing on transparency and authority in your content, you make it easier for customers to trust you before they even step through the door.
Creating content that follows EEAT principles is not as complicated as it sounds.
Here are a few practical steps:
Write blog posts, guides, or videos sharing personal experiences that relate to your property. For example, talk about the best local attractions or how your team goes the extra mile to ensure guest comfort.
Provide tips or advice that shows you know your field. If you run a campground, write about the best camping gear, local wildlife, or safety tips. If you manage a hotel, highlight your experience with managing guest services, cleanliness, or luxury amenities.
Encourage guests to leave positive reviews on trusted sites like TripAdvisor or Google Reviews. Partner with local tourism boards or collaborate with travel bloggers to get mentions and backlinks to your website.
Clearly list your prices, policies, and contact details. Make it easy for visitors to find everything they need and feel secure when booking with you.
Incorporating EEAT standards into your online content may seem like an extra step, but it’s a powerful way to boost your business. Whether you’re running a small motel, a bustling hotel, or a serene campground, aligning your website with Google’s EEAT principles can bring long-term benefits—more bookings, better reputation, and increased visibility.
So, take some time to ensure your online content reflects your experience, expertise, authority, and trustworthiness. In the digital age, this small investment in your content can pay off in a big way!
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PO Box 9300, Marion Square, Wellington 6141
Phone (NZ) : +64 4 974 9588
Phone (UK) : +44 20 3835 5939
Support: support@seekom.com
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Copyright 2024 © Seekom Limited (NZ owned)
At Seekom, we’re always striving to make managing your accommodations easier and more efficient. One of the latest enhancements we’ve integrated into your setup is the Ecommerce report feature in Google Analytics 4 (GA4). If your website is part of our managed service, you’ll want to pay attention—this new feature can provide valuable insights into your booking performance.
The Ecommerce report in GA4 is a powerful tool that allows you to see how many bookings were made directly from your website and their total dollar value. It tracks all online transactions, so you can monitor your performance at a glance. You’ll get real-time data on your revenue, the number of transactions, and even which accommodations are performing the best.
This report helps you understand your business’s sales trends, allowing you to make informed decisions that could boost your bookings and revenue. Think of it as a bird’s-eye view of your website’s sales activity, all in one convenient place.
This link will help you understand important metrics.
With this data at your fingertips, you can:
By keeping an eye on these metrics, you can make smart, data-driven decisions that enhance your business's overall performance.
To make things even more accessible, Google has launched a new mobile app for Google Analytics. This app gives you real-time access to your data, no matter where you are. It’s perfect for checking in on your business performance while on the go. Whether you want a quick overview or detailed insights, the app lets you stay on top of things with just a few taps.
For our fully managed website's customers, we’ve already integrated the Ecommerce report, and now we’re excited to offer you access to the real-time Google Analytics app. All you need to do is download the app and provide us with your email address. We’ll add your email to your GA4 account, and voila! You’ll be able to see your live data directly on your phone.
Download the Google Analytics app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Send us your email address so we can give you access or talk to Support.
Once added, you’ll be able to log in and start tracking your bookings and revenue in real time.
Smarts to help you operate more effectively and efficiently. From guides of our systems and integrations to tips and tricks you can use every day - we've got you covered.
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Contact Us
PO Box 9300, Marion Square, Wellington 6141
Phone (NZ) : +64 4 974 9588
Phone (UK) : +44 20 3835 5939
Support: support@seekom.com
Websites: webhelp@seekom.com
Copyright 2024 © Seekom Limited (NZ owned)
In the fast-paced landscape of digital marketing, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for short-term rental businesses, motels, hotels and campgrounds. One powerful tool to enhance your online presence and improve search engine visibility is the use of schema tags (also known as schema markup or structured markup). But what exactly are schema tags and how can they benefit your business?
Schema tags are pieces of code designed for Google and other search engines to read that can be added to your website to improve the way it’s represented in search engine results lists. Using schema tags helps search engines understand the content and context of your site, leading to better visibility and more accurate search results – an online win-win for your business.
You can manually add schema tags using Google Tag Manager or, depending on the compatibility of your website, use other third-party plugins. If you’re not the technical sort and your website is fully managed by Seekom, our web team can help (find out how below).
Schema tags are different from meta tags in that schema tags tell search engines how to understand the information provided by giving them the context behind it. A schema tag does this by explaining what the piece of information is, whether that be the address of a hotel, or its website, so the search engine understands its relevance.
Local business schema tags are details about your business, including your location, hours of operation, contact information, website or social media platforms, and reviews, which search engines use to optimise your online presence.
At Seekom we’re dedicated to helping our customers maximise their online potential. That’s why we’re excited to announce the start of a new project aimed at enhancing the digital presence of our fully-managed plan customers through the implementation of schema tags.
Starting soon, Seekom customers on our fully-managed plan will have schema tags created and added to their websites by our expert team to give you the online edge. This will give you the following advantages:
If you’re a Seekom customer on a fully-managed plan, you don’t need to take any immediate action. Our team will be coding and executing the schema tag for you through Google Tag Manager.
For those not yet on the fully-managed plan, now is the perfect time to upgrade and take advantage of this and other exclusive benefits designed to boost the online presence of your hotel, motel, campground or any other service you offer.
Smarts to help you operate more effectively and efficiently. From guides of our systems and integrations to tips and tricks you can use every day - we've got you covered.
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Contact Us
PO Box 9300, Marion Square, Wellington 6141
Phone (NZ) : +64 4 974 9588
Phone (UK) : +44 20 3835 5939
Support: support@seekom.com
Websites: webhelp@seekom.com
Copyright 2024 © Seekom Limited (NZ owned)