If you're relying only on booking platforms and social media to attract guests, you're missing one of the most powerful free marketing tools available—Google Business Profile (GBP).
A well-optimized Google Business Profile helps your shortlet appear when people search for accommodation in your area. It also allows potential guests to see your photos, reviews, contact details, directions, and website before they even visit your site.
Whether you manage one apartment or a portfolio of properties in Lagos, Google Business Profile can increase your visibility and help generate more direct inquiries.
Why Google Business Profile Matters
When someone searches for:
- Shortlet apartments in Lagos
- Serviced apartments near me
- Luxury shortlets in Lekki
- Furnished apartments in Victoria Island
Google often displays local business listings before regular website results.
A complete profile can help you:
- Increase online visibility
- Receive more phone calls and WhatsApp inquiries
- Drive traffic to your website
- Build trust through guest reviews
- Appear on Google Maps
- Encourage more direct bookings
👉 For many travelers, your Google Business Profile is the first impression they have of your business.
1. Create and Verify Your Business Profile
The first step is creating your Google Business Profile and completing the verification process.
Make sure your profile includes:
- Business name
- Business category
- Phone number
- Website
- Email address (if applicable)
- Business hours
- Accurate location or service area
Verification helps confirm that your business is legitimate and allows you to manage your listing.
👉 A verified profile is more credible and gives you access to valuable management features.
2. Choose the Right Business Category
Selecting the correct category helps Google understand your business.
Choose the category that best reflects your services, then add relevant secondary categories if appropriate.
Avoid selecting unrelated categories simply to appear in more searches.
👉 The right category improves your chances of appearing for relevant search queries.
3. Add Professional Photos
Photos significantly influence booking decisions.
Upload high-quality images of:
- Living room
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms
- Kitchen
- Dining area
- Balcony or outdoor space
- Building exterior (where appropriate)
- Parking area
- Workspace
- Nearby attractions
Use bright, well-lit images that accurately represent the property.
👉 Businesses with quality photos often receive more attention than listings with few or outdated images.
4. Write a Clear Business Description
Your business description should explain:
- What you offer
- Who your services are for
- The locations you serve
- What makes your shortlet unique
Naturally include keywords like:
- Shortlet apartments in Lagos
- Luxury serviced apartments
- Furnished accommodation
- Business-friendly apartments
- Family shortlets
Avoid keyword stuffing and keep the description informative.
👉 A clear description helps both guests and search engines understand your business.
5. Keep Your Contact Information Accurate
Double-check that your:
- Phone number
- Website
- WhatsApp number (if listed)
- Business hours
are always up to date.
Broken links or incorrect phone numbers can lead to lost bookings.
👉 Make it easy for guests to reach you.
6. Encourage Guest Reviews
Reviews are one of the strongest trust signals on Google.
After a successful stay, politely invite guests to leave an honest review.
Positive reviews help:
- Build credibility
- Improve local visibility
- Influence future booking decisions
Respond professionally to every review—both positive and negative.
👉 Thoughtful responses show that you value guest feedback.
7. Post Regular Updates
Google Business Profile allows you to publish updates.
Share posts about:
- Seasonal promotions
- New amenities
- Property upgrades
- Travel tips
- Local events
- Guest testimonials
- Blog articles
Fresh content keeps your profile active and gives potential guests more reasons to engage.
👉 Regular updates demonstrate that your business is active and responsive.
8. Add Your Website and Booking Options
Your Google Business Profile should make it simple for guests to continue their journey.
Include links to:
- Your website
- Booking page
- Contact page
Direct bookings can help reduce reliance on third-party booking platforms.
👉 Remove unnecessary barriers between discovery and booking.
9. Answer Questions Promptly
Potential guests may ask questions directly through your profile.
Respond quickly to inquiries about:
- Availability
- Amenities
- Parking
- Wi-Fi
- Check-in times
- House rules
Fast responses create a positive first impression.
👉 Helpful communication can encourage more people to book.
10. Monitor Insights and Performance
Google Business Profile provides useful insights, including:
- How customers found your business
- Search terms people used
- Website clicks
- Phone calls
- Direction requests
- Photo views
Review these metrics regularly to understand what is working and where improvements are needed.
👉 Data helps you make smarter marketing decisions.
11. Keep Your Information Updated
Whenever your business changes, update your profile immediately.
Examples include:
- New phone number
- Website updates
- Additional amenities
- Holiday operating hours
- Renovations
- New property photos
An outdated profile can reduce trust and create confusion.
👉 Accurate information improves the guest experience before they even arrive.
12. Combine Google Business Profile with Your SEO Strategy
Your Google Business Profile works best when combined with:
- A fast, mobile-friendly website
- SEO-optimized blog articles
- Local landing pages
- Social media marketing
- Professional photography
- Strong guest reviews
Together, these channels help improve your online visibility and attract more qualified visitors.
👉 Think of your Google Business Profile as one part of a complete digital marketing strategy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid:
❌ Leaving your profile incomplete
❌ Uploading low-quality or outdated photos
❌ Ignoring guest reviews
❌ Allowing incorrect contact information to remain online
❌ Creating inconsistent business details across different platforms
❌ Forgetting to post updates for long periods
Final Thoughts
Google Business Profile is one of the simplest and most effective ways to promote your shortlet business online.
To get the best results:
✔ Verify your business profile
✔ Choose the right business category
✔ Upload professional photos
✔ Write a clear business description
✔ Keep contact information accurate
✔ Encourage honest guest reviews
✔ Publish regular updates
✔ Monitor your profile's performance
✔ Keep all information current
A well-managed Google Business Profile can improve your online visibility, strengthen your reputation, and increase direct booking opportunities.
Want to attract more guests to your shortlet property in Lagos?
LandMall Property Management helps property owners:
👉 Optimize their online presence
👉 Improve visibility in local search results
👉 Manage property listings professionally
👉 Increase direct booking opportunities
👉 Build trusted shortlet brands that guests can easily find
📩 Contact LandMall Property Management today and let us help you use Google Business Profile and other digital marketing strategies to grow your shortlet business.
Because when travelers search for accommodation, your property should be one of the first they discover.
For Inquiries / Inspection Reservations, please Call/WhatsApp:-
☎️ 09019001191
📧 landmallshortlets@gmail.com