Updating Your Google Business Profile
Learn how to update your Google Business Profile (GBP) – formerly known as Google My Business (GMB) – and why it’s important to keep it up-to-date. Where does GBP get its info? For most branded hotels, the brand’s main property information management system (i.e., Marriott > Product Catalog, Hilton > PiM, etc.) conveys main business […]
Case Study: Boosting Direct Bookings through Strategic SEO Optimization
Project Overview Over eight months, we implemented a strategic SEO optimization plan to help a hotel enhance its online visibility and drive organic search traffic for improved direct bookings. By focusing on technical audits, keyword strategy, on-page optimization, backlink development, and GBP/Google Maps revisions and citations, we transformed the hotel’s online presence and significantly increased […]
GEO vs SEO for Hotels: 10 Comparisons
Key Takeaway: Your GEO should build on top of your SEO strategy. Let’s break down what changes and what stays the same. This blog was written as of Jul 16, 2025, and we will try to keep it updated as we learn more. 1 Unique Selling Points and Differentiators This still matters. Clearly define your […]
The Evolving Commercial Landscape: Key Takeaways from HSMAI’s 2025 Strategy Conference
Three members of our leadership team from Cogwheel attended The HSMAI Commercial Strategy Conference in Indianapolis in June 2025. The conference was dominated by three major themes: artificial intelligence’s impact on marketing, the realignment of commercial strategy through data storytelling, and the growing need for authenticity in audience segmentation. Each insight reflects not only where […]
Backlinks – Importance in SEO Strategy
A key component in a comprehensive off-page SEO strategy includes backlinking. What is a backlink? A backlink is a link from another website to a page on your website. Backlinks are a key ranking factor for search engines like Google and Bing. The more ‘quality’ backlinks you have is a contributing factor to increasing your […]
Case Study: Unlocking Unprecedented Growth Through Strategic SEO
Overview An iconic hotel in the heart of Key West, Florida, partnered with Cogwheel Marketing to revitalize its online presence. Facing limited visibility in organic search, we undertook a comprehensive SEO campaign that would transform the hotel’s digital footprint. Despite initial hurdles, including low keyword rankings and minimal referring domains, our strategy led to a […]
Why Hotels Should Own Their Online Presence
Stephanie Smith, CEO of Cogwheel Marketing & Analytics, partners with The Hotels Network to emphasize the importance of hotels owning their online presence to maximize performance in their #OwnYourWebsite initiative. She explains why hotels should control their websites and social media channels, allowing them to collaborate with the best-suited agencies for specific needs like SEO, […]
How to Optimize for Marriott SEO
When optimizing for search engine optimization on a Marriott brand site, it is important to know the systems and limitations of EPIC, eFast and Brandworks.
Primary Local Listings Checklist for Hotels
It is imperative to tell a consistent story about your hotel across all channels. Storytelling can be told through content and images, but it is also about ensuring accurate amenities and offerings across all channels. To ensure higher guest satisfaction and higher conversion rates online, you should regularly audit your local listings as a part […]
Marketing a Dual Branded Hotel
Your dual brand hotel already offers separate public areas and room design, has separate budgets and maybe sales departments, but now you need separate addresses, phone numbers, websites and you guessed it, marketing plans.