Seekom and Trees That Count helping NZ accommodation guests to give back

We’ve joined forces with Trees That Count to make it easy for Seekom properties to achieve their sustainability goals by supporting efforts to plant native trees across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Trees That Count supporter

Trees That Count is a registered charity in New Zealand that connects donations for native trees with experienced and passionate planting groups across the country. Seekom is supporting the initiative by making it simple for Seekom users and guests at their accommodation to donate to native tree planting if they choose to do so.

“We’re thrilled to champion Trees That Count to our users across the New Zealand accommodation industry,” says Seekom General Manager Nicole Irschick.

“This is a fantastic way for accommodation providers and guests to help offset emissions and contribute to the environment by planting a tree in New Zealand’s big backyard. Over time we’d love to explore similar initiatives overseas for Seekom users in other countries.”

While there are a variety of ways New Zealand Seekom users can support the scheme, one of the easiest and most powerful is accepting optional Trees That Count donations from guests when they make an online accommodation booking or check in at reception.

Seekom has created some easy instructions (see below) for users who want to set up a ‘Trees That Count Donation’ as an optional add-on for guests and staff to select during the booking process.

Once registered with Trees That Count, Seekom users can access supporter graphics to promote their involvement and keep track of the number of trees they and their guests have funded via a leaderboard in the supporters’ section of the Trees That Count website.

Trees That Count has the largest network of planting projects in New Zealand and accommodation providers supporting the initiative can decide which region of the country the trees they and their guests fund are planted in.

Every $10 donated funds planting of a native tree in a restoration project in New Zealand and contributes to the goal of greater biodiversity outcomes, cleaner waterways, habitats for native species, carbon sequestration and stronger, healthier communities.

Trees That Count at a glance:

  • Every tree makes a difference: whether you’re funding 10 trees or 10,000, you’ll join the Trees That Count leaderboard and receive a supporter toolkit to help you spread the word about backing New Zealand’s environment. It’s a highly visible way to make a difference.
  • Tax deductible: as a registered charitable organisation, all of your donations are tax deductible.
  • Mitigate your CO2 emissions: Trees That Count has the latest science to calculate how many carbon emissions you’ll mitigate during the lifetime of your trees growing.
  • They’ll do the work for you: Simply donate or gift native trees online, and they’ll get them planted for you by expert planters in a region of your choice.
Seekom & Trees That Count Helping NZ Accommodation Guests Give Back
  • Flexible: Donate as you like, facilitate donations from guests using the Seekom online booking screens or when they check in, or set up a monthly donation so you can set and forget. You could even let guests know that if they decide to skip housekeeping for a day, you will make use of the savings on cleaning products and laundry to fund planting of a native tree on their behalf. Get creative!
  • Put the tree-planting power in guest’s hands: Giving guests the opportunity to help plant a native tree during their online booking makes it easy for them to make a positive environmental difference during their trip away. Guests love to support accommodation providers that are championing sustainability and regenerative tourism.
  • Trusted by tourism businesses: Trees That Count works with Tourism New Zealand and is helping tourism businesses across Aotearoa take action for nature.

Get started today. Sign-up with Trees That Count and find out more on the Trees That Count website.

How to: Adding a ‘Trees That Count donation’ option to your Seekom account

Step 1:

Make sure you are registered as a Trees That Count supporter! Visit the Trees that Count website and sign-up.

Step 2:

Decide how you want to donate. If you want to facilitate donations from guests, either when they book online or arrive at reception, you can do that in Seekom iBex by navigating to ‘Extras’ and selecting ‘Add Extra’. Just add a ‘Trees that Count donation’ option, describe the Trees That Count initiative and set a price of $10 per tree donated, with the option of donating as many trees as a guest wants to add.

Trees That Count setup in ibex
Trees That Count added extra on booking screens

Step 3:

Click save and check the add-on option is live and available to guests during the booking process. Example below:

Step 4:

At the end of each month, donate the money your guests have contributed, plus anything else you have pledged, via your account on the Trees That Count website.

Trees That Count added extra on booking screens detail

General information about creating optional bookable extras for guests staying at your accommodation is available in our help section.

Comprehensive Content Template for Motel, Hotel, Campgrounds, B&B Websites

General Best Practices:

  • Focus on Clarity: Ensure your content is clear and straightforward. Use simple language that your audience will understand.
  • Target Keywords: Include relevant keywords naturally in your content to improve SEO.
  • If you are in Nelson (Nelson accommodation is a relevant keyword). Think about what your visitors might use to search for an accommodation option.
  • Engaging Headlines: Use engaging headlines with your target keywords. Headlines should be descriptive and entice the reader to continue reading.
  • Content Structure: Use headings (H1, H2, H3) to structure your content, making it easier for both users and search engines to navigate.
  • Image Optimization: Use alt tags for images, describing the image content. This improves accessibility and SEO.
    Call to Action (CTA): Include clear CTAs to guide users on what action to take next, such as booking a stay or contacting for more details.
  • Make sure each page has at least 800 - 1000 characters of text (google can only read and present text when users search for relevant content). Having text helps Google understand the context.

Page-specific Guidance:

Home Page

  • H1 Tag: Your main headline, include your primary keyword, e.g., "Comfortable & Affordable Motel in [Location]".
  • Introduction: Briefly introduce your motel, focusing on unique selling points.
  • Sections: Use H2 tags for section headings like 'About Us', 'Our Rooms', 'Facilities', etc.
  • Content Flow: Ensure the content flows logically, guiding visitors from an introduction to exploring rooms, facilities, and finally to booking.

Booking Page

  • H1 Tag: Clear and inviting, e.g., "Book Your Stay at [Motel Name]".
  • Instructions: Provide simple, step-by-step instructions for booking.
  • Details: Include information on cancellation policies, payment methods, etc.
  • CTA: "Book Now" buttons, prominently displayed.

Contact Us

  • H1 Tag: "Contact [Motel Name]".
  • Content: Include different ways to contact (phone, email, contact form).
  • Map: Embed a Google Map with your location.
  • CTA: Encourage visitors to get in touch with any questions or to book directly.

Facilities

  • H1 Tag: "Explore Our Facilities".
  • Description: Detailed descriptions of your facilities, including any unique features or amenities.
  • Images: Use high-quality images of your facilities with descriptive alt tags.

Accommodation Options

  • H1 Tag: "Our Accommodation Options".
  • Room Types: Describe each room type, including amenities, prices, and suitable for (e.g., couples, families).
  • CTA: Direct links to book specific room types.

Attractions

  • H1 Tag: "Local Attractions Near [Motel Name]".
  • Content: Provide information on local attractions, distance from the motel, and why they're worth visiting.
  • Images: Include images of attractions with alt tags describing them.
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Note: Something you may not know, is that we also build websites. Many of our customers have Seekom built, fully managed websites which we maintain, including SEO management. If you’re interested in finding out more about this, get in touch.

Example:

Home Page:

  • H1: Welcome to [Motel Name], Your Home Away from Home in [Location]
  • Introduction: Discover the perfect blend of comfort and convenience at [Motel Name]. Nestled in the heart of [Location], our motel offers affordable accommodation with easy access to the city's must-see attractions.
  • Facilities (H2): From our refreshing outdoor pool to free Wi-Fi, we've got everything you need for a relaxing stay.
  • About Us (H2): Learn more about our family-run motel and our commitment to providing exceptional service.
    • Tips:

      • Consistency: Keep your tone and style consistent across all pages.
      • SEO: Use keywords naturally and focus on creating content that adds value to your readers.
      • Updates: Regularly update your content to keep it fresh and relevant.

This template serves as a guideline. Customise the content to match the unique aspects of your motel and local area, making sure to highlight what sets you apart from competitors.

Home Page Example:

H1: Welcome to Sunshine Motel: Your Relaxing Retreat in Miami Beach

Introduction: Step into the warmth and charm of Sunshine Motel, your go-to haven in Miami Beach. Offering cozy rooms, top-notch amenities, and a prime location just steps from the sandy shores, we promise an unforgettable stay at unbeatable value.

About Us (H2): Family-owned since 1998, Sunshine Motel prides itself on creating a welcoming atmosphere where every guest feels at home. Our dedicated staff goes above and beyond to ensure your stay is comfortable and memorable.

Why This Works: The home page immediately highlights the motel's unique selling points (USPs) - location, value, and personal touch. This not only improves SEO by incorporating relevant keywords but also engages potential guests by addressing their primary needs: comfort, convenience, and experience.

Booking Page Example:

H1: Secure Your Stay at Sunshine Motel

Instructions: Choose your dates, select your room, and complete your booking in just a few clicks. Enjoy flexible cancellation policies and the best rates when you book directly with us.

CTA: Book Now - Start Your Beach Getaway Today

Why This Works: A straightforward booking process reduces friction, making guests more likely to complete their reservations. The clear CTA stands out, encouraging immediate action. Highlighting benefits like flexible cancellation policies and best rates addresses common booking concerns, increasing conversions.

Contact Us Example:

H1: Get in Touch with Sunshine Motel

Content: Have questions? We're here to help! Call us at [Phone Number], email [Email Address], or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to making your Miami Beach visit exceptional.

Map: A Google Map pinpoints the motel's location, showing proximity to major attractions.

Why This Works: Providing multiple contact methods caters to different preferences, ensuring potential guests can easily get in touch. The map boosts local SEO and helps travellers gauge the motel's location, reinforcing the decision to book.

Facilities Example:

H1: Discover Our Amenities at Sunshine Motel

Description: Dive into our crystal-clear outdoor pool, stay connected with free high-speed Wi-Fi, and start your day with complimentary breakfast. At Sunshine Motel, every detail is designed for your comfort.

Why This Works: Detailed descriptions and high-quality images of facilities can sway potential guests' decisions. By focusing on amenities that matter most to travellers (like free Wi-Fi and breakfast), motels can stand out from the competition, improving the likelihood of bookings.

Accommodation Options Example:

H1: Choose Your Perfect Room at Sunshine Motel

Room Types: Whether you're visiting solo, as a couple, or with family, we have the ideal room for you. Our King Suite offers luxury and space, while the Double Queen Room is perfect for families. All rooms feature modern amenities and comfortable bedding.

Why This Works: Clear, descriptive information about room types allows guests to easily find a room that meets their needs, making them more likely to book. Including keywords related to room types and amenities also enhances the page's SEO, attracting more organic search traffic.

Accommodation Options Example:

H1: Choose Your Perfect Room at Sunshine Motel

Room Types: Whether you're visiting solo, as a couple, or with family, we have the ideal room for you. Our King Suite offers luxury and space, while the Double Queen Room is perfect for families. All rooms feature modern amenities and comfortable bedding.

Why This Works: Clear, descriptive information about room types allows guests to easily find a room that meets their needs, making them more likely to book. Including keywords related to room types and amenities also enhances the page's SEO, attracting more organic search traffic.

Attractions Page Example:

H1: Explore Miami Beach Attractions Near Sunshine Motel

Content: From the vibrant art deco district to the tranquil Botanical Gardens, Miami Beach is bursting with attractions. Enjoy easy access from Sunshine Motel to everything this dynamic city has to offer.

Why This Works: Showcasing local attractions not only provides value to potential guests but also improves local SEO by including relevant, location-based keywords. This can attract visitors looking for accommodations near specific attractions, increasing bookings.

Impact on Visitors and Bookings:

  • Enhanced SEO: By incorporating targeted keywords and providing valuable, engaging content, these strategies improve the motel's visibility on search engines, attracting more organic traffic.
  • Improved User Experience: Clear, informative content and easy navigation enhance the user experience, reducing bounce rates and encouraging visitors to explore the site further.
  • Increased Conversions: Direct CTAs and streamlined booking processes reduce barriers to booking, leading to higher conversion rates.
  • Builds Trust: Providing detailed information about the motel, from accommodations to local attractions, builds trust with potential guests, making them more likely to book.

Implementing these content strategies not only attracts more visitors through better search engine rankings but also converts more of those visitors into bookings by addressing their needs and making it easy for them to take the next step.