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Why Regular SEO Audits Are Crucial for Travel Websites’ Long-Term Success

Published on by Ainslie Hone
▶ Table of Contents

Introduction

In a hyper-competitive digital travel marketplace, visibility equals viability. Whether you’re running a boutique hotel, tour operator, or destination marketing organization, showing up in the right search results can make the difference between a fully booked season and empty rooms. However, travel trends, search engine algorithms, and consumer behavior are constantly evolving. What ranked on page one last year might be buried on page three today.

That’s where regular SEO audits come in. Think of them as a health check-up for your website’s visibility, performance, and relevance. Just like your travelers wouldn’t set off on a multi-country adventure without some planning and route checks, your site shouldn’t go months without evaluating its path to traffic and conversions.

In this post, we’ll walk you through 10 compelling reasons why regular SEO audits are essential for long-term success in the travel industry. Plus, we’ll show how they tie directly into your bottom line and brand growth.

1. Algorithm Updates Can Instantly Impact Your Rankings

Search engine algorithms determine where your pages rank in search results, and updates to these algorithms can cause sudden changes in visibility. Search engines like Google update their algorithms frequently, and sometimes those changes are significant. A single update can alter how your pages rank, penalize outdated practices, or prioritize new ranking signals such as Core Web Vitals.

65% of marketers saw a significant impact on traffic due to algorithm updates. This indicates that relying on outdated strategies is risky—especially in fast-moving sectors like travel.

Use Google Search Console to monitor your site’s performance around algorithm updates. Log into your account and navigate to the Performance tab. Within the Pages section, you can pinpoint which URLs gained or lost visibility. Next, head to Indexing > Pages to uncover excluded or error-prone pages that may be affecting rankings. Finally, review the Core Web Vitals and Page Experience reports to assess if user experience metrics like load time or interactivity are dragging down your performance.

A luxury villa rental site in Bali saw a 35% drop in organic traffic after a Google core update emphasized mobile performance. An audit revealed poor mobile responsiveness on landing pages, which was quickly fixed, helping traffic recover within six weeks.

Regular audits ensure you adapt quickly to algorithm changes, avoiding sudden drops in visibility that can hurt your travel bookings.

Keyword trends reflect what your audience is searching for, and these trends shift with seasons, news, and emerging destinations. People search differently throughout the year—”summer getaways” become “winter escapes”. Keyword trends also change as new destinations become hot spots and travel habits evolve.

A report from TravelPerk notes that 72% of travelers preferred to book their trips online. This shift towards digital platforms underscores the importance of online presence and searchability for travel businesses.

Use Google Trends to explore current keyword popularity in your region. Type in phrases like “remote travel” or “digital nomad destinations” and compare them across countries or time periods.

During the rise of “workcations,” a remote travel agency adjusted its content strategy based on audit insights to focus on long-stay and coworking-friendly destinations, increasing qualified leads by 40%.

Audits help you align your content with current traveler intent, giving you a better chance of being found at the right time.

You might be interested in Wanderlust Keywords, our keyword research package.

Broken links and improper redirects confuse search engines and create poor user experiences, potentially causing traffic and ranking losses. Travel sites are often updated with new tours, hotels, or itinerary pages. Over time, outdated or deleted pages can lead to broken internal links or redirect chains, which frustrate users and hurt SEO.

A study by Semrush found that 42.5% of websites have broken internal links, identifying broken pages as one of the top technical SEO issues affecting performance.

Use Screaming Frog SEO Spider (free up to 500 URLs) to crawl your website and locate broken links and redirect chains. Download the report to prioritize high-traffic pages.

A UK-based walking tour operator discovered hundreds of broken links to seasonal pages no longer active. After cleaning up through an audit, bounce rate dropped by 19%.

Clean site architecture boosts both usability and rankings, making it easier for potential travelers to book with you.

4. Mobile Experience Is More Important Than Ever

Mobile usability includes load time, navigation, and content layout—all crucial for SEO and conversions. More than 70% of travel research and over half of bookings happen on mobile devices. An audit uncovers whether your site is mobile-optimized and if not, what’s causing performance issues.

Think with Google suggests that 67% of smartphone users are more likely to purchase from companies whose mobile sites or apps allow them to find answers quickly.

Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test to identify mobile issues. Simply enter your URL and get instant feedback on whether your page passes Google’s mobile criteria, along with suggestions for improvement.

A Costa Rican eco-lodge site optimized its mobile layout and reduced load time after audit findings, which led to a 28% increase in mobile bookings in two months.

Mobile audits are essential for conversion-focused design, especially when so many travelers are researching and booking on the go.

5. Page Speed Directly Impacts Conversions

Page speed measures how quickly content loads on your site and directly affects bounce rates and SEO rankings. Speed is a major Google ranking factor and a crucial part of user experience. Slow sites lead to lost opportunities—especially when users are planning their dream vacations.

A 1-second delay in load time can reduce conversions by 20%, which could mean thousands in lost revenue for travel sites.

Use Google PageSpeed Insights to identify and fix speed issues. Paste your URL and review suggestions under the “Opportunities” and “Diagnostics” tabs.

A Caribbean cruise site improved its average page load time by 3 seconds, leading to a 15% increase in bookings.

SEO audits pinpoint performance bottlenecks that cost you conversions, especially during peak travel planning seasons.

You might like our post on website speed optimization.

6. Duplicate Content Can Confuse Search Engines

Duplicate content is identical or very similar content that appears on multiple pages, confusing search engines and weakening rankings. Travel sites often copy supplier-provided content or republish the same descriptions across multiple pages.

MoldStud suggests that approximately 29% of all websites suffer from some form of duplicate content, which can significantly impact SEO performance.

Use Siteliner to find duplicate content within your domain. Scan your site and export the report to identify pages that need rewriting.

A multi-destination trip planner was penalized for repeating the same itinerary blurbs across city pages. A content audit fixed this with unique, intent-aligned text.

Audits help identify and eliminate content that’s holding you back, giving each travel page its own unique SEO edge.

7. Local SEO Issues Block Visibility in Key Markets

Local SEO refers to optimizing your website to appear in geographically relevant searches, which is vital for location-based travel businesses. Regular audits assess NAP consistency, local citations, and optimization of your Google Business Profile.

Bright local consumer review survey found that 78% of local mobile searches lead to an offline purchase—crucial for hotels, tours, and attractions.

Use Moz Local (not a free tool) to check and fix local listing issues. Enter your business info and review consistency across directories like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Google Maps.

A boutique hotel in Lisbon wasn’t ranking for key local searches until an audit uncovered inconsistent address listings across directories. Fixing these led to a 22% rise in local search visibility.

Local audits are critical for location-based businesses that rely on nearby travelers to discover and book services.

Read our post: the ultimate guide to Local SEO.

8. Competitor Strategies Are Always Evolving

Competitor SEO analysis helps you identify what others in your niche are doing well and what opportunities you can capitalize on. Regular audits include competitive analysis to identify gaps, opportunities, and new content ideas that keep you ahead.

61% of marketers say competitor insights are critical to their SEO success, and in travel, new competitors emerge constantly.

Use Ubersuggest (free version) to track competitors’ keywords and content. Enter a competitor’s domain to see which pages perform best and what keywords they rank for.

A safari tour company discovered that a competitor was outranking them using FAQ schema and user-generated content. After adopting a similar strategy, the company regained its top-3 ranking.

Stay proactive, not reactive, with competitive audits that reveal what’s working and what’s missing from your strategy.

For tips about your competitors, check out our post: competitor identification.

9. Technical SEO Problems Often Go Unnoticed

Technical SEO includes elements like indexing, crawling, site structure, and metadata that support how well your site is understood by search engines. Issues like missing meta tags, improper hreflang implementation, crawl errors, or bloated sitemaps can limit your site’s performance without you realizing it.

A study by Conductor found that 44% of organizations reported over three high-impact SEO incidents on their most important pages in the last year. These incidents often go unresolved for weeks, potentially costing companies more than $10,000 in revenue.

Use Ahrefs Webmaster Tools (free account) to check for technical SEO issues. The tool flags crawl errors, missing metadata, and URL problems.

A travel blog with strong backlinks struggled to rank. An audit revealed conflicting canonical tags and blocked pages in the robots.txt file. Fixing these technical issues led to a 3x boost in traffic.

Even great content can fail without a healthy technical foundation, so audits keep your travel site structurally sound.

10. Consistent Audits Drive Long-Term Growth

Ongoing SEO evaluation ensures your site keeps up with digital changes, new competition, and evolving user behavior. SEO is not a set-it-and-forget-it tactic. The best travel brands treat it like a system—reviewing performance monthly or quarterly, acting on data, and optimizing iteratively.

7 Eagles report that regular SEO audits can boost organic traffic by as much as 61%, reduce bounce rates by up to 50%, and increase average time spent on site by 20-40%.

Set up automated monthly reports with Google Looker Studio (formerly Data Studio). Connect your Google Analytics and Search Console to monitor key KPIs.

A regional tourism board committed to quarterly SEO audits. In one year, they improved traffic by 87%, reduced their dependency on paid ads, and saw increased international bookings.

Growth compounds with consistent attention and action, and in travel, that consistency can lead to all-season success.

Conclusion

A travel website isn’t just a digital brochure—it’s your best salesperson, travel agent, and concierge rolled into one. But if it’s not regularly evaluated and optimized, you’re leaving opportunities on the table.

Regular SEO audits give you the insights and agility needed to respond to change, improve performance, and secure your position in a rapidly evolving travel market. From catching technical errors to seizing new keyword trends, audits are your map to sustainable growth.

Want to know how your travel website is really performing?

Wander Women Strategies offers free SEO audits specifically tailored for the travel industry. Our audits go beyond the basics to uncover hidden opportunities that drive bookings and build brand authority.

Request your free SEO audit today and start turning traffic into travelers.

Outreach Strategy Development: A Key SEO Tactic for Travel Companies

Published on by Ainslie Hone1 Comment
▶ Table of Contents
  1. Introduction
  2. What is Outreach Strategy Development?
  3. How to Develop an Effective Outreach Strategy
  4. Why Outreach Strategy Development is Important for Travel Companies
  5. How Wanderlinks Can Help with Outreach Strategy Development

Introduction

In the highly competitive travel industry, gaining visibility and establishing your brand as a trusted authority requires a multifaceted SEO strategy. While technical SEO, keyword research, and on-page optimization are important, outreach strategy development is a game-changer in building sustainable SEO success. Outreach is an essential component of link-building, content promotion, and brand awareness.

In this article, we’ll explore Outreach Strategy Development in detail and explain how travel companies can harness this tactic to build their SEO profile and drive more organic traffic to their websites. We’ll also introduce you to Wanderlinks, our all-in-one package designed to help travel businesses grow through targeted outreach and backlink building.

What is Outreach Strategy Development?

Outreach strategy development is the process of identifying, building, and nurturing relationships with relevant third-party websites, bloggers, influencers, journalists, and other content creators to promote your brand, gain valuable backlinks, and increase your reach. The ultimate goal of an outreach strategy is to create mutually beneficial partnerships that improve your website’s authority and visibility in search engines.

Effective outreach is not just about securing backlinks. It’s about building a reputation as a valuable and credible resource in your niche, sharing your content with the right audiences, and leveraging those relationships to boost your online presence.

The outreach process typically involves:

  • Identifying potential partners: Finding websites, influencers, and blogs relevant to your industry and audience.
  • Crafting compelling pitches: Reaching out to potential partners with personalized messages that emphasize the value of collaborating.
  • Building strong relationships: Engaging with your partners over time to foster trust and open communication.
  • Securing backlinks and mentions: Achieving the ultimate goal of gaining valuable backlinks, social media mentions, or guest post opportunities.

For travel companies, outreach is especially important as it helps establish credibility, fosters collaborations, and drives traffic from reputable sources in the travel industry.

How to Develop an Effective Outreach Strategy

An effective outreach strategy requires careful planning, research, and ongoing efforts. Follow these steps to develop a successful outreach strategy for your travel business:

Step 1: Set Clear Outreach Goals

Before launching an outreach campaign, define your goals. Are you seeking backlinks, guest post opportunities, social media mentions, or media coverage? Your goals will guide your outreach strategy and ensure you’re targeting the right people.

Some common outreach goals for travel companies include:

  • Building backlinks: Links from authoritative websites improve SEO rankings and increase your domain authority.
  • Promoting content: Increase visibility for new blog posts, destination guides, or promotional offers.
  • Partnerships and collaborations: Form partnerships with influencers, bloggers, or local businesses to boost brand exposure.
  • Media mentions: Gain media coverage from travel publications or influencers to establish credibility.

Clearly defined goals ensure that every outreach effort is purposeful and measurable.

Step 2: Identify Your Target Audience

The success of your outreach campaign depends on targeting the right websites, influencers, and content creators.

To identify the best targets for your outreach, consider the following:

  • Relevant industry websites: Look for travel websites, blogs, or tourism boards that share similar interests or cater to the same audience. For example, if you specialize in eco-tourism, focus on websites that emphasize sustainable travel or eco-friendly destinations.
  • Travel influencers and bloggers: Identify influencers in the travel niche who can amplify your message. You can use platforms like Instagram, X, or travel blogs to find influencers with high engagement rates and a genuine connection to their followers.
  • Travel-related media: Target journalists or writers from prominent travel publications such as Travel + Leisure, Lonely Planet, or National Geographic. Getting media coverage from these outlets can significantly increase your visibility and establish trust with your audience.
  • Competitors: Analyze your competitors’ backlinks to uncover their outreach targets. Use tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, or Moz to discover where your competitors are earning their links, and consider reaching out to the same websites for backlink opportunities.

Step 3: Craft Compelling Outreach Pitches

Once you’ve identified your outreach targets, it’s time to create personalized outreach pitches that will grab their attention. A well-crafted pitch is critical for establishing a connection and building a relationship.

Keep these tips in mind when crafting your outreach emails:

  • Personalize your message: Address the recipient by name and refer to specific content or topics that resonate with them. For example, if you’re reaching out to a travel blogger who recently posted about a destination you also offer tours to, mention that post and explain how your travel company could be a good fit for their audience.
  • Offer value: Be clear about the value you can offer to the recipient. Whether it’s guest blogging, sharing content, or a collaboration, make sure the pitch highlights how both parties will benefit from working together.
  • Be concise and clear: Don’t overwhelm the recipient with too much information. Keep your message concise, highlighting the key points of your outreach, such as the purpose of the collaboration and the benefits involved.
  • Include a call to action (CTA): Invite the recipient to take action, such as setting up a meeting, publishing a guest post, or linking to your content. A clear CTA ensures that the recipient knows exactly what you want from them.

Step 4: Build Relationships Over Time

Outreach is not just a one-time transaction; it’s about building lasting relationships. After your initial outreach, follow up with the recipient and engage with their content regularly.

You can:

  • Engage on social media: Share and comment on their posts, articles, and content to build rapport.
  • Offer value: If you come across content or a resource that would benefit the recipient, don’t hesitate to share it with them.
  • Stay in touch: Periodically check in with your outreach targets, offering new opportunities or content that might interest them. Keep the relationship positive and professional.

Step 5: Track Results and Adjust Your Strategy

An effective outreach campaign requires ongoing monitoring.

Track the success of your outreach efforts by measuring:

  • The number of backlinks acquired
  • Website traffic and engagement from outreach sources
  • Social media mentions or collaborations
  • The number of partnerships or media mentions secured

If certain tactics or outreach targets are working particularly well, double down on those efforts. If other strategies aren’t yielding results, adjust your approach to refine your outreach plan.

Why Outreach Strategy Development is Important for Travel Companies

An outreach strategy is crucial for travel companies for several reasons:

Improves SEO and Rankings

Backlinks remain one of the most important ranking factors for search engines. By securing backlinks from authoritative websites, travel companies can boost their domain authority and improve their SEO rankings. Outreach allows you to strategically build a backlink profile that will push your website higher in search results.

Increases Website Traffic

Outreach doesn’t just help with SEO; it can also drive direct traffic to your website. By partnering with bloggers, influencers, and media outlets, you increase the chances of your content being shared with their audiences, resulting in more traffic to your site.

Establishes Authority and Trust

Working with trusted websites and influencers helps build your reputation in the travel industry. When reputable sources link to your content or mention your business, it signals to both search engines and users that your website is credible and authoritative.

Expands Brand Awareness

A well-executed outreach campaign can expand your brand’s visibility. Whether through guest blogging, media coverage, or influencer mentions, outreach exposes your brand to new audiences, which can ultimately lead to more conversions and customers.

Fosters Long-term Partnerships

The connections made through outreach can lead to long-term partnerships that benefit your business in various ways. For example, forming relationships with influencers or travel media outlets can lead to ongoing collaboration, content opportunities, and brand advocacy.

At Wander Women Strategies, we specialize in helping travel companies develop and execute effective outreach strategies that drive results. If you want to ensure your backlink profile is clean, effective, and working for you, WanderLinks is the perfect solution for your travel company. Our WanderLinks package offers:

  • Backlink Audit: We complete a thorough backlink audit with actionable recommendations on your broken links.
  • Competitor Backlink Analysis: We identify your competitors, evaluate their backlinks, and provide valuable insight into backlink opportunities.
  • Outreach Strategy Development: We identify 10+ opportunities for guest posting and provide tips on best practices for your outreach strategy.
  • Local Link Building: We provide opportunities for local link building, including local tourism blogs & websites, local business partnerships, and local media.

By leveraging the insights and tools from WanderLinks, your travel company can create a more effective SEO strategy that attracts high-quality backlinks and drives more traffic to your website.

Let us help you harness the power of outreach to boost your SEO, increase website traffic, and grow your travel business. With Wanderlinks, you’ll have the tools and expertise to develop a winning outreach strategy.

Ready to Launch Your Outreach Strategy? Contact us today to get started with Wanderlinks.

5 Common Conversion Rate Mistakes Travel Websites Make (and How to Fix Them)

Published on by Ainslie Hone
▶ Table of Contents

Introduction

In the digital age, travel decisions are made in moments. Potential customers scroll through dozens of travel websites before making a choice, and even the smallest barrier to booking can send them bouncing to a competitor. Despite spending considerable budgets on SEO, design, and advertising, many travel companies still see suboptimal conversion rates. Why? Because their websites aren’t optimized to convert traffic into actual bookings.

Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) is the bridge between traffic and revenue. Without it, even the most beautifully designed travel site with compelling content can fall flat. This post outlines five of the most common conversion rate mistakes travel websites make and offers practical, actionable fixes for each. Backed by real-life examples and recent data, these insights are tailored specifically for travel brands looking to turn more clicks into customers.

Mistake #1: Slow Page Load Speeds

Why It Matters

Speed is no longer a luxury—it’s an expectation. Today’s travel consumers are used to instant results. When a travel site takes too long to load, users grow impatient and leave. This is especially problematic for sites filled with high-resolution images, videos, and interactive maps, which often bog down performance.

A study by Google and SOASTA found that “a 1-second delay in mobile load times can impact conversion rates by up to 20%”. That single second could be the difference between a sale and a lost opportunity.

A mid-sized adventure travel company in New Zealand struggled with high bounce rates. After optimizing their homepage load time from 5.3 seconds to 2.1 seconds using image compression and lazy loading, they saw an 18% increase in mobile conversions over two months.

How to Fix It

  • Compress and convert images to next-gen formats like WebP.
  • Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix, or Lighthouse for regular audits.
  • Implement lazy loading so that only on-screen content loads initially.
  • Utilize a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to serve content faster based on geographic location.
  • Minimize JavaScript and CSS files.

Read more about website page speed optimization here.

Mistake #2: Poor Mobile Optimization

Why It Matters

With over half of all travel bookings occurring on mobile devices, mobile optimization is non-negotiable. Yet, many travel sites are still primarily designed for desktop users. A poor mobile experience—like hard-to-click buttons or distorted layouts—can be incredibly frustrating for users and damaging to your bottom line.

According to Google, “Over 70% of travelers use mobile devices to research trips, and more than 50% complete bookings on mobile”.

A boutique hotel chain based in Italy revamped its website to prioritize mobile users. This included thumb-friendly buttons, simplified mobile booking forms, and responsive image scaling. As a result, direct bookings increased by 24% within three months.

How to Fix It

  • Design using mobile-first principles.
  • Use responsive design frameworks that adapt across all screen sizes.
  • Simplify navigation and eliminate unnecessary steps in the booking process.
  • Test regularly on various devices and browsers.
  • Use heatmaps and session recordings to identify mobile UX issues.

Mistake #3: Weak or Generic Calls-to-Action (CTAs)

Why It Matters

Your call-to-action (CTA) is one of the most powerful elements on your website. Generic phrases like “Click Here” or “Learn More” do little to entice a user to act. On travel websites, where emotion and aspiration play a big role, CTAs need to be dynamic, benefit-driven, and compelling.

HubSpot reports that “Personalized CTAs convert 202% better than generic ones”.

A travel agency specializing in Northern Europe tours A/B tested their CTAs. Replacing a generic “Learn More” button with “Plan My Iceland Adventure” increased form submissions by over 300% within a month.

How to Fix It

  • Use specific and benefit-driven phrases like “Get My Custom Itinerary” or “Start My Adventure.”
  • Align CTAs with the stage of the user journey (e.g., research vs. ready to book).
  • Use contrasting colors and strategic placement to make CTAs stand out.
  • Test different wording, design, and locations continuously.

For more about CTAs, check out our post: the importance of clear CTAs.

Mistake #4: Not Showcasing Trust Signals

Why It Matters

Travel is a high-investment and high-trust purchase. If users feel unsure about the credibility of your site, they will abandon the process. Missing trust elements like testimonials, verified reviews, or security badges can erode confidence and cost you conversions.

BigCommerce reports that “92% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase decision”.

A luxury safari company in South Africa integrated customer testimonials, Trustpilot ratings, and “As seen in” media logos across their landing pages. This boosted booking inquiries by 17% in just six weeks.

How to Fix It

  • Add real customer testimonials and verified reviews on key pages.
  • Highlight industry certifications, awards, and affiliations.
  • Display security badges on checkout pages.
  • Share traveler-generated content (photos / videos) for authenticity.
  • Make cancellation and refund policies transparent and easy to find.

Mistake #5: Ignoring SEO and Content Strategy Alignment

Why It Matters

Driving traffic to your site without aligning content to the right intent results in unqualified visitors who won’t convert. Travel sites often produce content that ranks but doesn’t resonate with the decision-making process of their ideal customer.

According to HubSpot, “61% of marketers say improving SEO and growing organic presence is their top inbound marketing priority”.

A destination marketing organization in Southeast Asia realigned their blog content strategy to match buyer intent—creating itineraries, seasonal guides, and comparison posts. Within three months, they saw a 32% increase in qualified leads and a 22% boost in average session duration.

How to Fix It

  • Map content to the buyer journey: awareness, consideration, decision.
  • Use tools like Semrush or Ahrefs to research intent-based keywords.
  • Create topic clusters that interlink around key themes (e.g., Bali travel guide, best time to visit, sample itineraries).
  • Regularly audit and refresh existing content to maintain ranking and relevance.
  • Add internal CTAs tailored to user stage (e.g., trip planner download, quote request).

Conclusion

In an industry driven by emotion, competition, and timing, optimizing your travel website for conversions is not just beneficial—it’s essential. From reducing page load times to refining your CTAs and aligning your content with search intent, each improvement has the potential to significantly impact your bottom line.

These five common mistakes often go unnoticed, yet they silently erode your revenue potential. The good news? Every one of them is fixable. Start with a simple audit of your current site against the points above, and prioritize changes based on impact.

If you need help identifying CRO opportunities or aligning your content with high-converting SEO strategy, our team specializes in helping travel companies turn traffic into bookings. Contact us today to see how we can help!

Competitor Backlink Analysis: Unlocking SEO Success for Travel Companies

Published on by Ainslie Hone
▶ Table of Contents
  1. What is Competitor Backlink Analysis?
  2. How to Perform Competitor Backlink Analysis
  3. Why Competitor Backlink Analysis is Crucial for Travel Companies
  4. WanderLinks: our Backlink SEO package

In the highly competitive travel industry, establishing a strong SEO strategy is critical to standing out from the crowd. One of the most effective ways to boost your search rankings is by conducting competitor backlink analysis. By understanding where your competitors are earning their backlinks, you can gain invaluable insights into how to improve your own SEO performance.

This process is part of the powerful suite of SEO services we offer at Wander Women Strategies: WanderLinks—a package tailored specifically for travel companies looking to strengthen their backlink strategy and enhance their overall online presence.

Let’s dive in and explore how competitor backlink analysis can provide a major SEO boost for your travel company!

Competitor backlink analysis is the process of evaluating the backlink profiles of your competitors to identify opportunities, gaps, and strategies you can adopt to improve your own SEO efforts. Backlinks (also known as inbound links) are one of the most significant ranking factors for search engines, such as Google. When authoritative websites link to your travel business, it signals to search engines that your site is credible, trustworthy, and relevant to the industry.

By conducting a competitor backlink analysis, you can:

  • Discover high-quality backlink opportunities that you may not have previously considered.
  • Understand which types of content attract the most backlinks in your industry.
  • Identify gaps in your own backlink profile and implement strategies to fill them.
  • Uncover your competitors’ link-building tactics and learn from their successes and mistakes.

In short, competitor backlink analysis is about strategically using data from your competitors to enhance your own backlink strategy and outperform them in search engine rankings.

Performing a competitor backlink analysis is a multi-step process that requires careful attention to detail and the right tools. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you conduct a thorough competitor backlink analysis for your travel company.

Identify Your Competitors

Before you can start analyzing your competitors’ backlinks, you need to identify who they are.

In the travel industry, your competitors may include:

  • Other travel agencies
  • Tour operators
  • Travel bloggers and influencers
  • Travel blogs and niche websites
  • Local businesses in your travel destinations

You can identify your competitors by searching for key travel-related terms and phrases on Google (e.g., “best tours in Bali” or “luxury hotels in Paris”). Take note of the websites that consistently appear at the top of the search results. These are the websites you will want to analyze.

There are several powerful SEO tools that can help you gather data on your competitors’ backlinks. Some of the most popular ones include:

  • Ahrefs: Ahrefs offers a robust backlink analysis tool that allows you to view the backlinks of any website, including your competitors. It provides detailed reports on the quality, quantity, and source of backlinks.
  • Semrush: Semrush’s Backlink Analytics tool provides a comprehensive breakdown of your competitors’ backlinks, helping you identify high-value links, referring domains, and more.
  • Moz: Moz’s Link Explorer lets you view the backlink profiles of competitors, including domain authority, page authority, and the anchor text used in backlinks.
  • Majestic: Majestic’s backlink analysis tools allow you to examine the backlink profiles of your competitors, with detailed metrics such as Trust Flow and Citation Flow to assess link quality.

Once you’ve selected your tool, enter the URL of your competitors’ websites to start gathering their backlink data.

You can analyze specific metrics, such as:

  • Number of backlinks: How many backlinks does your competitor have?
  • Referring domains: How many unique domains are linking to your competitor’s website?
  • Anchor text: What anchor text is used in the backlinks? Is it relevant and natural?
  • Backlink quality: Are the backlinks from authoritative, trustworthy sites?

Not all backlinks are created equal. When performing a competitor backlink analysis, it’s crucial to evaluate the quality and relevance of the backlinks.

Here’s what to look for:

  • High-authority websites: Backlinks from websites with high domain authority (DA) are more valuable and can improve your rankings significantly. Check the DA of the websites linking to your competitors using tools like Moz’s Domain Authority metric.
  • Relevant industry websites: Backlinks from websites that are related to the travel industry or your specific niche are more beneficial than links from unrelated sites. For example, a backlink from a popular travel blog or tourism board is much more valuable than a link from a general news website.
  • Dofollow vs. Nofollow: Dofollow backlinks pass on SEO value and help improve rankings, while nofollow backlinks do not directly impact SEO. While both types of backlinks are useful for driving traffic, prioritize dofollow links when possible.
  • Link placement: Where is the backlink placed? Is it within the body content of a relevant page, or is it buried in the footer or sidebar? Backlinks in the main content are typically more valuable.

One of the most important aspects of competitor backlink analysis is identifying backlink opportunities. By understanding where your competitors are earning their backlinks, you can uncover high-quality sites that may be willing to link to your travel business as well.

Look for:

  • Guest posting opportunities: Is your competitor contributing guest posts to popular travel blogs? If so, consider reaching out to those blogs for similar opportunities.
  • Resource pages and directories: Many websites in the travel industry have resource pages or directories listing relevant travel businesses. Look for these pages and see if you can get your website listed.
  • Influencer partnerships: Travel bloggers and influencers often link to companies they work with or review. Look for opportunities to collaborate with influencers in your niche.
  • Broken link building: Identify broken links on your competitors’ websites and offer your own content as a replacement. This tactic can be highly effective in earning high-quality backlinks.

After gathering insights from your competitor’s backlink profiles, it’s time to develop your own link-building strategy. The goal is to replicate your competitors’ successful strategies while also finding unique opportunities for your travel business.

Focus on:

  • Targeting high-authority websites in the travel industry.
  • Creating shareable content like infographics, destination guides, or travel tips to attract backlinks.
  • Engaging in guest posting on relevant blogs and publications.
  • Building relationships with industry influencers and bloggers.

Regularly tracking and optimizing your backlink strategy will keep your travel website ahead of the competition.

Competitor backlink analysis is especially important for travel companies because:

  • It reveals your competitors’ link-building tactics: By learning where your competitors are getting their backlinks, you can adapt these tactics and refine them to create your own successful strategy.
  • It helps you spot industry trends: By analyzing the backlinks of successful travel websites, you can identify industry trends and create content that’s likely to attract links from other high-authority websites.
  • It saves you time and resources: Rather than starting from scratch, competitor backlink analysis lets you build on existing strategies that have already proven successful in the travel industry.
  • It drives more organic traffic: The more high-quality backlinks you acquire, the more likely your travel business is to rank higher in search results, attracting more organic traffic and increasing your chances of converting visitors into customers.
  • It boosts your online reputation: Earning backlinks from reputable and authoritative sites in the travel industry enhances your website’s credibility and reputation.

At Wander Women Strategues, we offer a comprehensive backlink package designed to help your travel business stay competitive in the ever-evolving online space. Our WanderLinks package includes:

  • Backlink Audit: We complete a thorough backlink audit with actionable recommendations on your broken links.
  • Competitor Backlink Analysis: We identify your competitors, evaluate their backlinks, and provide valuable insight into backlink opportunities.
  • Outreach Strategy Development: We identify 10+ opportunities for guest posting and provide tips on best practices for your outreach strategy.
  • Local Link Building: We provide opportunities for local link building, including local tourism blogs & websites, local business partnerships, and local media.

Don’t let your competitors steal the spotlight. With Wanderlinks, you’ll gain a competitive edge and implement a robust backlink strategy that drives results.

Ready to Outperform Your Competitors?

Start your backlink analysis today with Wanderlinks. Our expert team will help you assess your competitors’ backlinks, uncover new opportunities, and build a powerful backlink profile that elevates your travel company’s SEO. Contact us now to get started!

The Importance of Clear CTAs for Travel Websites and How to Use Them

Published on by Ainslie Hone6 Comments
▶Table of Contents
  1. Introduction
    1. Family Travel
    2. Solo Travel
    3. Eco Travel
    4. Couple Travel
    5. Small Group Travel
    6. Large Group Travel
    7. Luxury Travel
    8. Budget Travel
    9. Honeymoon Travel
    10. Conclusion

Introduction

In the fast-paced digital world, travel websites must capture visitor attention immediately and guide them effortlessly towards booking or inquiry. One of the most powerful tools to do this is a clear, compelling Call to Action (CTA). CTAs serve as signposts, encouraging visitors to take the next step—whether it’s booking a trip, signing up for a newsletter, or requesting a quote.

But travel is diverse, and so are traveler needs. From families to solo adventurers, luxury seekers to budget travelers, the way you design and place CTAs can dramatically impact conversions. This article breaks down how to tailor CTAs for different travel segments, supported by data-driven insights on what works best.

Family Travel

What Family Travelers Are Looking For

Family travelers seek convenience, safety, and experiences that cater to all ages. Their priorities often include kid-friendly accommodations, flexible cancellation policies, and activities that entertain children and adults alike. Parents want assurance that their trip will be stress-free and fun for the entire family, so clear communication of family-oriented amenities and packages is critical.

How to Use CTAs with Family Travelers

CTAs for family travel should emphasize simplicity and reassurance. Examples include:

  • “Book Your Family Adventure Now”
  • “See Our Kid-Friendly Packages”
  • “Check Availability for Family Suites”

Placing CTAs near information about family perks—like free breakfasts for kids, playground access, or babysitting services—helps build trust. Using bright, inviting buttons and positioning them right after engaging family-focused content increases click-through rates.

According to Sixth City Marketing, personalized CTAs can convert 42% more visitors compared to generic ones. By addressing the specific needs of traveling families, these personalized messages can create a more engaging experience and significantly boost booking conversions.

Solo Travel

What Solo Travelers Are Looking For

Solo travelers often seek independence, self-discovery, and unique experiences. Safety is a top concern, but so is the opportunity to meet new people or explore destinations at their own pace. Many look for flexible itineraries, affordable options, and solo-friendly accommodations such as shared dorms, boutique hotels, or social hostels.

How to Use CTAs with Solo Travelers

CTAs aimed at solo travelers should emphasize empowerment and community. Examples include:

  • “Plan Your Solo Journey Today”
  • “Discover Solo-Friendly Stays”
  • “Join Our Solo Travel Community”

Incorporating CTAs within stories or testimonials from solo travelers encourages action. Highlighting special offers or group meet-ups designed for solo guests can also boost conversion. Buttons with dynamic language like “Start Your Adventure” invite exploration and personal growth.

Wisernotify’s compilation of CTA statistics note that using specific, clear CTAs can increase conversion rates by 161%. Applying this to solo travel, CTAs that directly address solo travelers’ needs can be more effective.

Eco Travel

What Eco Travelers Are Looking For

Eco travelers prioritize sustainability, environmental responsibility, and authentic local experiences. They seek accommodations that minimize their ecological footprint, such as eco-lodges or certified green hotels. Additionally, they want transparency about a company’s green initiatives, including waste reduction, renewable energy use, and community involvement.

How to Use CTAs with Eco Travelers

CTAs for eco travelers should highlight sustainability and impact. Examples include:

  • “Explore Our Eco-Friendly Tours”
  • “Book a Green Stay Today”
  • “Join Our Sustainable Travel Movement”

Position CTAs near content describing your environmental practices or certifications to reinforce credibility. Words like “Join,” “Support,” and “Discover” create a sense of community and purpose. Adding badges or icons to CTAs can visually emphasize your commitment to sustainability.

A survey by Booking.com found that 70% of global travelers want to make more sustainable choices and that websites emphasizing eco-friendly options saw a 15% boost in conversion rates after updating CTAs to focus on sustainability.

Couple Travel

What Couples Are Looking For

Couple travelers often seek romantic, intimate experiences that foster connection and relaxation. They look for cozy accommodations, private dining options, and activities that allow for quality time together—like spa treatments, sunset cruises, or scenic dinners. Personal touches and exclusive offers resonate deeply with this group.

How to Use CTAs with Couples

CTAs targeting couples should evoke romance and exclusivity. Examples include:

  • “Book Your Romantic Getaway”
  • “Discover Couples’ Retreats”
  • “Reserve Your Private Escape”

Place CTAs near imagery and content that highlight romantic settings or special couple’s packages. Using emotionally evocative language—words like “Escape,” “Indulge,” and “Unwind”—helps create desire. Limited-time offers with countdown timers can also prompt immediate bookings.

An article by Vye Agency suggests that button-style CTAs consistently perform the best, with an average click-through rate (CTR) of 5.31%. For travel websites targeting couples, using clear, visually distinct button CTAs—such as “Plan Your Romantic Getaway” or “Book Your Couple’s Escape Now”—can significantly boost engagement.

Small Group Travel

What Small Group Travelers Are Looking For

Travelers in small groups—whether friends or family—value shared experiences combined with flexibility. They look for accommodations that can comfortably host everyone, group discounts, and activities that promote bonding. Clear information about group-friendly amenities and customization options is essential for their planning.

How to Use CTAs with Small Group Travelers

CTAs for small groups should emphasize collaboration and personalization. Examples include:

  • “Plan Your Group Adventure”
  • “Get Group Discounts Now”
  • “Customize Your Group Trip”

Place CTAs alongside content describing group-friendly lodging or tours that allow personalization. Using action verbs like “Plan,” “Save,” and “Join” motivates groups to take the next step. Offering quick quote requests or instant booking options can simplify the process and reduce friction.

The median conversion rate for travel and hospitality landing pages is 4.8%, which is roughly 37% lower than the 6.6% baseline for all industries. Optimizing CTAs for small group travel can help improve these conversion rates by making the booking process more intuitive and appealing.

Large Group Travel

What Large Group Travelers Are Looking For

Large group travelers—think corporate retreats, reunions, or tour groups—seek streamlined booking processes, bulk discounts, and venues that can accommodate everyone comfortably. They also value clear communication about logistics, amenities, and group-specific policies to ensure a smooth experience for all attendees.

How to Use CTAs with Large Group Travelers

CTAs for large groups should emphasize simplicity and support. Examples include:

  • “Request a Group Booking Quote”
  • “Book Your Corporate Retreat”
  • “Plan Your Large Group Event”

Place CTAs near detailed descriptions of group packages, event spaces, and amenities like conference rooms or group dining options. Offering direct contact options or quick inquiry forms helps large groups get personalized assistance quickly. Use reassuring language like “Easy,” “Hassle-Free,” and “Tailored” to reduce booking anxiety.

Cvent’s 2023 Travel Manager Report highlights the importance of tailored marketing strategies in enhancing engagement and conversion rates. For instance, the report emphasizes that providing easy access to group specialists can significantly boost conversions, aligning with the notion that personalized CTAs can drive higher engagement.

Luxury Travel

What Luxury Travelers Are Looking For

Luxury travelers seek exclusivity, personalized service, and high-end amenities. They prioritize privacy, unique experiences, and flawless customer service. Whether it’s a private villa, gourmet dining, or bespoke excursions, these travelers expect a seamless, premium experience from start to finish.

How to Use CTAs with Luxury Travelers

CTAs for luxury travel should convey exclusivity and sophistication. Examples include:

  • “Reserve Your Luxury Escape”
  • “Experience VIP Treatment”
  • “Book Your Private Villa Now”

Position CTAs near content highlighting upscale features, personalized concierge services, and testimonials from high-profile guests. Elegant design with understated yet clear buttons—using words like “Reserve,” “Indulge,” and “Experience”—helps convey the premium nature of the offer.

Research indicates that using urgency-driven language like “Limited Time Offer” or “Ending Soon” can increase conversion rates by up to 332%. This heightened urgency taps into the psychological principle of “fear of missing out” (FOMO), compelling users to act swiftly to avoid missing exclusive opportunities. In the context of luxury travel, where exclusivity and time-sensitive offers are highly valued, integrating such urgency into CTAs can effectively drive immediate bookings.

Budget Travel

What Budget Travelers Are Looking For

Budget travelers prioritize affordability without sacrificing quality. They seek deals, discounts, and transparent pricing. Many look for budget-friendly accommodations, economical transport options, and value-packed experiences that fit their limited spending plans while still allowing meaningful travel.

How to Use CTAs with Budget Travelers

CTAs aimed at budget travelers should emphasize savings and value. Examples include:

  • “Find Best Budget Deals”
  • “Save on Your Next Trip”
  • “Explore Affordable Options”

Placing CTAs near pricing breakdowns, special offers, or discount codes captures their attention. Use action-oriented language like “Save,” “Book Now,” and “Grab Your Deal” to encourage immediate response. Highlighting limited-time offers or last-minute deals adds urgency.

Remote Marketers highlight that using a specific, clear CTA like “Save”, “Exclusive offer”, and “Discount” can increase conversion rates by 161%, with these CTAs performing 202% better than generic ones.

Honeymoon Travel

What Honeymoon Travelers Are Looking For

Honeymoon travelers seek romantic, unforgettable experiences that celebrate their new life together. They prioritize privacy, luxury, and personalized touches like couples’ spa treatments, private dinners, and unique excursions. Their ideal trip combines relaxation with special moments tailored to their relationship.

How to Use CTAs with Honeymoon Travelers

CTAs targeting honeymooners should evoke romance and exclusivity. Examples include:

  • “Plan Your Dream Honeymoon”
  • “Discover Romantic Getaways”
  • “Book Your Private Escape”

Place CTAs alongside emotional storytelling, beautiful imagery, and detailed descriptions of honeymoon packages. Using heartfelt and inviting language like “Celebrate,” “Escape,” and “Indulge” draws in couples looking for a meaningful experience.

Placing CTA buttons at the end of product pages can increase conversions by 70% is supported by research from WiserNotify. Their 2025 report indicates that using a specific, clear CTA can also increase conversion rates by 161%.

Conclusion

Clear and strategically crafted Calls to Action (CTAs) are the cornerstone of any successful travel website. Understanding the unique needs and desires of different traveler segments—from families and solo adventurers to luxury seekers and honeymooners—allows you to design CTAs that resonate deeply and drive meaningful engagement.

By tailoring your messaging and placement, you not only guide visitors smoothly through the booking journey but also build trust and excitement around the experiences you offer. Incorporating data-backed strategies, such as emphasizing convenience for families or exclusivity for luxury travelers, helps maximize conversions and boosts overall business performance.

In the competitive travel industry, where every click counts, clear CTAs ensure your website stands out and turns browsers into loyal customers. Prioritize clarity, relevance, and emotional connection in your CTAs—and watch your travel business thrive.

Contact us today to see how we can help your travel website soar!

Mastering Local Keyword Focus for Travel Companies

Published on by Ainslie Hone2 Comments
▶Table of Contents
  1. Introduction
  2. What is Local Keyword Focus?
  3. How to Do Local Keyword Focus?
  4. Why is Local Keyword Focus Important for Travel Companies?
  5. Get Started with Wanderlust Keywords

Introduction

For travel companies, one of the most powerful SEO strategies is the ability to target local search intent. Whether you’re a boutique hotel in Bali, a family-owned tour company in Paris, or a local travel agency offering day trips in New York City, focusing on local keywords can give your business a competitive edge. In this article, we’ll dive into local keyword focus, explain why it’s crucial for travel businesses, and provide actionable steps on how to implement it successfully with our Wanderlust Keywords package.

If you want your travel business to stand out in local searches and attract tourists who are searching for specific, location-based experiences, then it’s time to pay attention to local SEO. Let’s take a closer look at this concept and how it can skyrocket your bookings.

What is Local Keyword Focus?

Local keyword focus refers to the practice of incorporating location-specific keywords into your SEO strategy in order to attract visitors who are searching for travel services or experiences in particular geographical areas. These keywords not only include the city or region you’re based in but also add variations based on tourist attractions, destinations, and local experiences travelers are searching for.

For example, if you’re running a tour company in Rome, instead of just targeting broad terms like “Italy tours,” you would focus on specific, location-based phrases like:

  • “Rome city tours”
  • “Best Rome walking tours”
  • “Private tours in Rome”
  • “Rome sightseeing tours for families”

By using location-based keywords, you can make sure your content ranks higher in searches from people looking for services in your specific area, improving your visibility and attracting travelers who are interested in your offerings.

Why Local Keywords Matter

Local keywords are highly effective because they match the search intent of users looking for businesses, activities, or services nearby. Today, local search is a dominant force in consumer behavior, and more than 75% of mobile searchers visit a business within 24 hours of making a local search.

For travel companies, this means the potential to increase foot traffic, bookings, and brand awareness among travelers who are already in the area or planning to visit. By focusing on local keyword optimization, you can ensure that your business shows up in searches by travelers who need local services or recommendations—whether it’s hotels, guided tours, transportation, or dining experiences.

How to Do Local Keyword Focus?

To implement local keyword focus successfully, you need a well-planned approach that includes research, on-page SEO, and the use of the right tools to track and optimize local search.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Understand Your Location and Audience

The first step in local keyword focus is understanding your target location and the types of travelers who visit or plan to visit that location. Key factors to consider include:

  • Geographical location: Identify the city, region, country, or specific tourist attractions where your business operates. You may even want to focus on neighborhoods or landmarks in your area to capture searchers who are specifically looking for services near those locations.
  • Type of travelers: Consider the types of tourists your services attract. Are they luxury travelers, families, adventure seekers, or cultural tourists? Tailoring your keywords to these demographics will help you target the right audience.
  • Seasonality: The location and the time of year also impact keyword searches. For example, “best ski resorts in Aspen” may peak in winter months, while “summer vacation spots in Florida” will be more popular in the warmer months.

Once you have a clear understanding of your location and audience, you can identify local keyword opportunities that will resonate with potential customers.

Step 2: Perform Local Keyword Research

Next, you need to conduct thorough keyword research. There are several tools you can use to find location-based keywords, and these will help you build a list of local long-tail keywords to target.

Here’s how you can conduct local keyword research:

  1. Google Keyword Planner: Use Google’s Keyword Planner tool to find local keyword suggestions based on your region. Google Keyword Planner allows you to set your location and get keyword suggestions relevant to your target area.
  2. Google Trends: Google Trends is a great tool to find out what’s trending in specific locations. This can help you spot seasonal shifts and tailor your content and keywords based on the most popular searches.
  3. Local Listings & Google My Business: Use Google My Business (GMB) to optimize your listing and see which keywords are bringing traffic to your local page. By analyzing your GMB insights, you can identify the search terms your audience is using.
  4. Competitor Research: Use tools like Ahrefs to analyze the keywords your competitors are ranking for. This will give you ideas on how to tweak your own strategy, discover new keyword opportunities, and differentiate your travel business.
  5. Question-Based Keywords: Often, travelers will search using question formats like “What to do in Paris?” or “Best restaurants in Venice.” Use tools like Answer the Public to uncover these question-based keywords that your audience is asking.
  6. Leverage Local Terms: Use terms that reflect the local culture, language, and landmarks. For example, if your company offers tours of Paris, consider keywords like “Eiffel Tower private tours” or “Louvre Museum guided tours.”

Step 3: Optimize Your Content for Local Search

Once you’ve identified a list of local keywords, the next step is to optimize your website content. Here’s how you can do that:

  • On-Page SEO: Use local keywords in your title tags, meta descriptions, headers, and body content. Make sure to include them naturally so that your content reads well, without keyword stuffing. (You might be interested in our post: On-Page Keyword Optimization).
  • Google My Business (GMB): Ensure your business is listed in Google My Business with accurate location information, a detailed description, and relevant keywords. This is critical for improving local search rankings.
  • Local Reviews: Encourage your customers to leave reviews on Google and other platforms like TripAdvisor. Reviews with location-specific keywords will help improve your local rankings.
  • Local Landing Pages: If your travel company operates in multiple locations (e.g., different cities or regions), create dedicated landing pages for each one. Use local keywords relevant to each page, and include local attractions, places to visit, and other location-based details.
  • Mobile Optimization: With many travelers searching on mobile devices, ensure that your website is mobile-friendly and optimized for local search. Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites in its rankings, especially for local queries.

One of the most powerful ways to improve your local SEO ranking is by acquiring local backlinks. These are links from other local websites, businesses, or blogs that point back to your site.

You can build local backlinks by:

  • Partnering with local influencers and bloggers
  • Getting listed in local directories
  • Collaborating with local tourism boards, hotels, and restaurants
  • Getting involved in local community events and sponsoring them

By earning backlinks from authoritative local sources, you can boost your website’s credibility and ranking in local search results.

Why is Local Keyword Focus Important for Travel Companies?

For travel businesses, local keyword focus can be a game-changer for several reasons.

1. Increase Visibility Among Nearby Travelers

Local keywords ensure your business ranks well when tourists or travelers search for services in your area. For example, a search for “best day trips from Edinburgh” will lead travelers to your business if you optimize your content accordingly. This helps you attract nearby customers who are actively looking for things to do in the local area.

2. Appeal to Visitors and Locals Alike

Local keyword focus doesn’t just cater to tourists; it can also help you attract local customers who may be seeking weekend getaways, day trips, or local tours. Optimizing for “local experiences” makes your business appealing to both tourists and residents who might be looking for experiences they can enjoy close to home.

3. Higher Conversion Potential

Local searchers are often further along in the decision-making process, which means they are more likely to book or purchase. When someone searches for “private tours in New York,” they are likely looking to book a tour for the very next day or week. Ranking for location-specific keywords can help you capture these high-intent customers.

4. Stay Competitive in Your Region

For travel businesses, local keyword focus gives you a competitive advantage by helping you rank higher in local search results. As more businesses adopt local SEO, it’s important to stay ahead by optimizing for local keywords to avoid getting lost in the shuffle.

Get Started with Wanderlust Keywords

We created our mini keyword package with travel companies in mind. With Wanderlust Keywords, you’ll receive:

  • Initial Keyword Discovery: Top 5 Current Keywords & position in SERPs, Monthly Search Volume, Organic Traffic and Competition of these Keywords & Top 5 Rising Keywords & position in SERPs, Monthly Search Volume, Organic Traffic and Competition of these Keywords
  • Long-Tail Keyword Identification: 20+ Long-Tail Keywords, divided into Search Intent
  • Local Keyword Focus: 20+ Local Keywords, including Search Volume and Keyword Difficulty
  • Keyword Prioritization and Strategy: Local Keywords prioritized, 15 + Suggestions for new content based on Keyword Research

If you’re ready to take your travel company to the next level with local SEO, Wanderlust Keywords is the perfect solution to drive more bookings, higher traffic, and stronger visibility for your business. Contact us today to get started!

The Future of Travel SEO: What’s Changing and How to Stay Ahead

Published on by Ainslie Hone
▶ Table of Contents

Introduction

As the travel industry continues to rebound and evolve post-pandemic, so does the world of SEO. The landscape is no longer just about ranking for “best beaches in Europe” — it’s about understanding user intent, leveraging AI, optimizing for voice and local search, and adapting to how travelers search today. If you’re a travel brand or tour operator, the ability to stay ahead of SEO trends could mean the difference between a page-one ranking and being invisible.

Here are 10 key SEO shifts travel businesses must embrace, complete with current data, real-life examples, and actionable insights.

1. AI-Generated Search Results (Generative AI in SERPs)

  • Stat: By 2026, traditional search engine volume will drop by 25%
  • Example: Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) now delivers full travel summaries before organic results, answering queries like “best solo travel destinations for women in 2025” directly.
  • Insight: Traditional blue links are getting pushed lower. Travel brands must focus on E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trust) and optimize content for AI-generated snapshots. Structured data, FAQs, and authoritative content are key.
Infographic showing AI-generated search results, highlighting key data and trends in a visually engaging way.

Generative AI is reshaping how search engines display results, favoring AI-generated summaries over traditional listings. This has a profound impact on how travel companies need to craft content. Real-time answers to search queries reduce visibility for traditional SEO tactics, making it essential for travel websites to focus on E-E-A-T principles and structured markup. For instance, Google SGE might display a complete answer about “safe solo destinations for women” before any blog or booking site appears.

For travel companies, this means investing in highly informative and trustworthy content written by subject-matter experts, enriched with structured data to improve discoverability. Consider embedding FAQs, location-specific schema, and expert interviews to strengthen your content’s authority. Companies that adapt will continue to show up in AI summaries and featured results.

Responsible Travel revamped their destination pages with expert content and schema markup, helping them stay visible even as AI reshaped the SERPs. They now consistently appear in AI-generated answers for queries like “small group eco tours in South America.”

For more about AI, read our post: AI overviews SERP integration.

2. Voice Search Is Changing Keywords

  • Stat: 71% of users now prefer voice search over typing when planning travel
  • Example: Users are now asking “Where can I go on a beach vacation under $1000 with kids?” instead of typing “cheap beach vacations family.”
  • Insight: Optimize for natural language and question-based keywords. Tools like AnswerThePublic and Semrush’s Keyword Magic Tool can help capture long-tail, conversational phrases.
Infographic illustrating how voice search is transforming keyword research strategies for digital marketing.

Voice search has fundamentally altered how people look for travel information. Instead of fragmented keywords, travelers now speak in full, natural sentences when using digital assistants. This means your SEO strategy should pivot to accommodate question-based content and long-tail keyword phrases that reflect conversational search patterns.

For example, instead of optimizing solely for “Italy family vacation,” travel sites should include headers like “What are the best family-friendly destinations in Italy?” and answer them in a conversational tone. Including FAQs on your pages is a simple but powerful tactic to capture this traffic.

Kayak launched a voice search integration with Amazon Alexa, allowing users to inquire about travel information such as hotel bookings and flight statuses. This integration aimed to provide users with a hands-free way to access travel information.

3. Local & GEO SEO Are Rising in Value

  • Stat: “Near me” travel-related searches have grown over 900% in the last two years
  • Example: “Hidden beaches near Barcelona” or “best hikes near Innsbruck” are outperforming generic queries.
  • Insight: Travel businesses must optimize Google Business Profiles, add geo-specific landing pages, and focus on hyperlocal keywords to attract spontaneous and mobile travelers.
Infographic showing the increasing value of local and geo SEO strategies in digital marketing.

Location-based SEO has seen explosive growth, especially with mobile and last-minute travelers looking for options near their current location. Search phrases such as “best cafes near Eiffel Tower” or “affordable hotels near Grand Canal Venice” are increasingly common.

To take advantage, travel businesses should create location-specific content and landing pages that target hyperlocal keywords. Complete and maintain your Google Business Profile, encourage reviews, and use local schema markup to improve your visibility in local search results.

Pilote Consulting implemented a comprehensive SEO strategy for a hotel client, working on location-based and experience-based keywords resulting in a 38% increase in booking volume.

Read more in our ultimate guide to local SEO.

4. Search Intent Drives Content Strategy

  • Stat: 80% of consumers rely on AI-generated summaries that interpret search intent to answer queries.
  • Example: Queries like “family-friendly resorts in Mallorca” imply transactional intent, while “things to do in Mallorca with kids” is informational.
  • Insight: Travel companies must match content to intent—creating blog posts for informational searches and optimized landing pages for transactional ones.
Infographic showing how search intent drives content strategy.

Matching content type to search intent has never been more critical. Travelers today expect highly relevant and tailored content when searching for information. Misaligned content can lead to poor user engagement and lower rankings.

To serve each user stage, travel businesses should categorize keywords as informational, navigational, transactional, or commercial and tailor content accordingly. Informational queries deserve blog-style content; transactional keywords should land on booking pages.

VisitScotland created separate landing pages for “romantic Scotland getaways” and blog articles for “best places in Scotland to propose.” As a result, their site traffic increased for both transactional and informational terms.

5. Content Velocity and Freshness Influence Rankings

  • Stat: 50% Increase in click-through rates for updated content.
  • Example: A blog updated monthly about “summer festivals in Europe 2025” stays more visible than a static list.
  • Insight: Regularly updating and publishing content is vital. Google prioritizes fresher, regularly maintained pages.
Visual representation of content velocity and influence in rankings, emphasizing the importance of content freshness.

In the fast-moving world of travel, static pages go stale quickly. Google’s freshness algorithm rewards websites that update and add content frequently, especially around seasonal topics, trending destinations, or recent travel policies. Travel businesses should create a content calendar that aligns with peak travel seasons and emerging trends.

Freshness isn’t just about publishing new posts — updating old ones can give a major SEO boost. Add new statistics, improve readability, and refresh images. This signals relevance to Google’s algorithms.

The Travel Team experienced a remarkable 7.5x increase in organic traffic over a year by implementing a comprehensive content optimization strategy. This approach focused on updating existing content and creating new, relevant articles aligned with travelers’ search intent.

6. Core Web Vitals and Page Speed Still Matter

  • Stat: Sites that load in 5 seconds vs 19 seconds were observed to have 70% longer average sessions.
  • Example: A slow-loading photo gallery of Bali beaches drives users to bounce before viewing tours.
  • Insight: Optimize mobile performance, image sizes, and interactivity to meet Google’s Core Web Vitals standards.
Infographic highlighting the importance of website speed and core web vitals for optimal user experience.

Core Web Vitals continue to be a ranking factor. Fast-loading, mobile-optimized pages improve user experience and SEO. Travel websites with heavy visuals must especially ensure their image-heavy galleries don’t drag down load times.

Improvements like lazy loading, compressing images, and eliminating unused scripts can drastically improve speed. Google’s PageSpeed Insights and Semrush Site Audit are useful tools to monitor and optimize performance.

TourRadar cut homepage load time by compressing hero images and deferring non-essential scripts, which led to a rise in page views per session.

Check out our post on website speed optimization.

7. Video Content Boosts Engagement and Rankings

  • Stat: Pages with videos are 53 times more likely to rank on Google’s first page
  • Example: Travel vlog-style content like “A Week in the Dolomites” garners more engagement than text-only itineraries.
  • Insight: Embedding optimized video content improves SEO, increases dwell time, and appeals to visual learners.
Infographic illustrating how video content enhances engagement and improves search rankings for online platforms.

Video content resonates with modern travelers seeking immersive, real-world experiences before they book. Whether it’s a cinematic destination guide or a walkthrough of a resort, video can drastically improve engagement, boost time on page, and contribute to stronger SEO metrics.

To leverage this, travel brands should embed YouTube-hosted videos on their site with keyword-rich titles, captions, and schema markup. Platforms like Vimeo and YouTube also drive external traffic, while video snippets can appear directly in SERPs.

United Airlines used video to inspire wanderlust and in just one month noticed a 52% increase in conversions.

8. Zero-Click Searches Are on the Rise

  • Stat: Over 65% of Google searches now result in no clicks
  • Example: Google displays full answers to queries like “currency in Croatia” or “visa rules for Thailand.”
  • Insight: Optimize for featured snippets, FAQs, and schema markup to capture attention in zero-click environments.
Infographic showing the rise of zero-click searches, highlighting trends and statistics in search engine behavior.

With more searchers getting their answers directly on the results page, traditional click-through rates are declining. This trend is especially relevant for travel companies providing quick answers on safety, weather, or visa requirements.

To remain visible, optimize your content with structured markup, concise headers, and FAQ schema. Even if users don’t click, branded exposure in zero-click boxes builds trust and authority.

Rome2Rio dominates SERPs for “Paris to Amsterdam ways to travel” with their snippet-optimized route summaries, even when users don’t click through.

Read our post: AI Overviews & SERP integration.

9. Image SEO and Visual Search Are Expanding

  • Stat: 67% of users prefer visual search over text-based search.
  • Example: Users search “pink beach Bali” and click directly through from Google Images.
  • Insight: Use high-quality, optimized images with descriptive file names, alt tags, and geotags to increase discoverability.
Infographic illustrating the growth of image SEO and visual search in digital marketing strategies.

Images are becoming powerful entry points to websites. Travel is inherently visual, so optimizing imagery is no longer optional—it’s foundational. Google Lens and image SERPs can now drive considerable organic traffic.

To take advantage, use original, high-res images and add alt text, descriptive filenames, and geotags. Compress without compromising quality and organize media galleries with SEO in mind.

AirBnB optimized listings with location-tagged photos and saw higher visibility in image-based searches for “treehouse stays in Tuscany.”

10. Mobile-First Indexing and UX Are Non-Negotiable

  • Stat: over 70% of travelers use smartphones at some point during their travel journey.
  • Example: A slow or unresponsive mobile site can tank bookings from international users on the go.
  • Insight: Prioritize mobile design, streamlined UX, and cross-device compatibility to capture today’s travel planner.
Infographic highlighting the importance of mobile-first indexing and user experience in digital strategy.

Google has fully transitioned to mobile-first indexing, meaning your mobile site is the primary version used for ranking. For travel companies, this underscores the need for lightning-fast, easy-to-navigate mobile experiences.

Simplify mobile booking flows, ensure responsive design, and eliminate intrusive pop-ups. Mobile SEO is now table stakes—not a bonus.

TravelPass Group undertook a comprehensive optimization of their site, focusing on enhancing the mobile user experience. As a result of these optimizations, TravelPass Group experienced a 14% increase in phone call conversion rates from mobile users. Over the course of a year, continuous testing and refinement led to the doubling of their overall website conversion rates.

By adapting to these evolving SEO trends, travel companies can position themselves for long-term visibility and engagement. Whether you’re a boutique agency or a global OTA, understanding and implementing these tactics will future-proof your digital presence.

Need help future-proofing your travel brand’s SEO?

Contact us today to explore tailored packages designed for growth in 2025 and beyond.

Unlocking the Power of Initial Keyword Discovery for Travel Companies

Published on by Ainslie Hone
▶ Table of Contents
  1. Introduction
  2. Why Initial Keyword Discovery Matters
  3. Initial Keyword Discovery
  4. Wanderlust Keywords

Introduction

In the competitive landscape of the travel industry, staying ahead of the SEO curve is not just a strategy; it’s a necessity. Whether you’re a boutique tour operator or a global booking platform, discovering high-value keywords is foundational to achieving strong organic search visibility. This blog will walk you through the process of Initial Keyword Discovery and why it matters for travel businesses.

Why Initial Keyword Discovery Matters

Before creating content or optimizing existing pages, it’s critical to understand what your audience is searching for. Keyword discovery enables you to:

  • Identify what drives traffic to your competitors.
  • Understand search intent.
  • Focus on keywords with commercial value.
  • Build a robust SEO strategy rooted in data.

This process is particularly relevant for travel companies, where customer journeys vary from research to booking.

Initial Keyword Discovery

Step 1: Define Business Goals and Target Audience

Start by clarifying your niche within the travel sector:

  • Adventure travel?
  • Luxury escapes?
  • Budget backpackers?
  • Family holidays?

Understanding this helps narrow your keyword research to queries with high intent and relevance.

Step 2: Use Tools to Discover Data

Semrush

Understanding and leveraging keyword data is crucial for travel companies aiming to enhance their online visibility and attract more organic traffic. Tools like Semrush provide comprehensive insights into keyword rankings, organic search traffic, and SERP features, enabling businesses to make informed decisions.

Semrush’s Organic Research tool allows travel companies to identify the total number of keywords their website ranks for in Google’s top 100 results. This metric offers a snapshot of the site’s organic search visibility. For instance, a travel website might discover it ranks for over 50,000 keywords, indicating a broad reach across various search queries. Understanding this breadth helps in assessing the site’s authority and identifying areas for content expansion or optimization. By analyzing which keywords are driving traffic, companies can tailor their content strategies to focus on high-performing topics and fill gaps where potential customers are searching.

To learn how to do this, read Semrush’s Manual: Organic Research Positions Report

Monitoring monthly organic traffic provides insights into the effectiveness of SEO efforts and content performance. Semrush estimates the number of visitors arriving at a site through organic search, allowing travel companies to track trends over time. For example, a spike in traffic during a particular month could correlate with seasonal travel interests or successful marketing campaigns. Conversely, a decline might signal the need to update content or address technical SEO issues. Regularly reviewing this data helps businesses stay agile, adapting their strategies to maintain and grow their online presence.

SERP features, such as featured snippets, image packs, and local packs, enhance the visibility of search results beyond traditional listings. Semrush enables travel companies to identify which SERP features their site appears in and how these features impact traffic. Appearing in a featured snippet, for instance, can significantly increase click-through rates by positioning the content at the top of the search results. A study analyzing over 67,000 keywords found that SERP features can significantly influence click-through rates, either enhancing or diminishing them, depending on the feature type and placement. By optimizing content to target specific SERP features, travel companies can improve their chances of capturing user attention and driving more traffic to their sites.

SpyFU

SpyFu is a powerful tool that enables travel companies to identify the keywords driving the most organic traffic to their websites. By analyzing metrics such as keyword rank, search volume, estimated organic traffic, and competition level, businesses can gain valuable insights into their SEO performance. This information helps in understanding which search terms are most effective in attracting potential travelers, allowing for more targeted and efficient marketing strategies.

For travel companies, this data is crucial in a highly competitive digital landscape. Knowing which keywords are performing well allows businesses to optimize their content, focus on high-performing areas, and identify opportunities for growth. For instance, if a particular destination or travel package is attracting significant traffic through specific keywords, companies can create more content around those topics to capitalize on the interest. This targeted approach not only improves search engine rankings but also enhances user engagement and conversion rates.

The importance of keyword research is underscored by industry statistics. According to a study by BrightEdge, 53% of all website traffic comes from organic search, highlighting the critical role of SEO in online visibility. Furthermore, 75% of users never scroll past the first page of search results, emphasizing the need for travel companies to rank highly for relevant keywords. By leveraging tools like SpyFu to analyze and refine their keyword strategies, travel businesses can improve their online presence, attract more potential customers, and ultimately drive bookings and revenue.

Step 3: Discover Current Ranking Keywords

Identifying and leveraging their current top-ranking keywords is essential for travel companies aiming to enhance their online visibility and attract potential travelers. By focusing on high-performing keywords, businesses can tailor their content strategies to meet user intent, improve search engine rankings, and drive organic traffic.

By creating content around these keyword topics—such as blog posts, detailed destination guides, or time-sensitive promotional offers—travel companies can effectively target specific search intents and address the diverse needs of their audience. For example, a blog titled “Top 10 Affordable Beach Vacations for 2025” not only captures search traffic for that exact phrase but also speaks directly to budget-conscious travelers actively planning their trips. Similarly, publishing a comprehensive guide on “Family-Friendly Resorts in the Caribbean” helps position the brand as an authority and resource for family travel, increasing dwell time and user engagement. Promotional content optimized for terms like “Luxury Safari Tours 2025 Deals” can attract high-intent users ready to book. This type of content, when mapped to user queries and supported by keyword research tools, increases the chances of appearing in SERP features like featured snippets or “People Also Ask” sections, further boosting visibility and click-through rates.

The importance of targeting high-ranking keywords is underscored by SEO statistics. According to Backlinko, the top five organic search results on Google account for 67.6% of all clicks. This highlights the critical need for travel businesses to secure top positions in search engine results pages (SERPs) to maximize visibility and traffic. By consistently monitoring keyword performance and adjusting content strategies accordingly, travel companies can maintain a competitive edge in the digital marketplace.

Wander Women Hot Tip: Filter and group keywords by intent: informational, transactional, commercial and navigational.

  • Informational content targets users in the research phase—such as “How to travel solo safely in 2025.”
  • Navigational content helps users find a specific brand or service, such as “XYZ Travel’s Europe Tours.”
  • Transactional content is geared toward users ready to make a booking, like “Book luxury safari tours in Kenya.”
  • Commercial intent sits between informational and transactional—these users are considering their options but haven’t made a decision yet. Content like “Best travel insurance for digital nomads” or “Top-rated tour companies for Costa Rica” caters to this group.

For example, you might be ranking for “family friendly beaches”. Here are some content ideas:

Step 4: Discover Rising Keywords

Identifying and capitalizing on rising keywords is crucial for travel companies aiming to stay ahead in the dynamic digital landscape. Emerging search terms reflect evolving traveler interests and behaviors, offering opportunities to tailor content strategies accordingly. By focusing on these trends, businesses can enhance their online visibility, attract targeted traffic, and ultimately drive bookings.

For travel companies, these rising keywords offer a roadmap to align content strategies with current traveler interests. By creating targeted content—such as blog posts, destination guides, and promotional offers—centered around these terms, businesses can improve their search engine rankings and attract a more engaged audience. For instance, a blog post titled “Top 10 Solo Travel Destinations for 2025” can cater to the increasing number of individuals seeking solo adventures, providing valuable information and positioning the company as a trusted resource.

The significance of adapting to these trends is underscored by recent statistics. According to a report by Pinterest, interest in “quiet life travel” has surged, reflecting a broader desire for serene and less crowded destinations. Additionally, the concept of “destination dupes” has gained traction on platforms like TikTok, where travelers share alternatives to popular destinations, influencing travel choices and search behaviors. By staying attuned to these emerging trends and incorporating relevant keywords into their content, travel companies can enhance their online presence, meet evolving traveler needs, and drive sustained growth.

Step 5: Optimize Content

Optimizing existing content based on keyword research is one of the most effective ways for travel companies to increase visibility, traffic, and conversions. Once you’ve identified your top-performing content, map that content against both current and rising keywords.

For instance, if you already have a blog post titled “Top 10 Beaches in Thailand” ranking for “Thailand beach vacations,” and you’ve discovered that “affordable beach vacations” is a rising keyword, you can enhance the post by incorporating affordability tips, travel hacks, or budget-friendly resort recommendations. Updating the title and meta description to include these keywords can also improve click-through rates in the SERPs.

Next, focus on keyword placement within the content itself. Incorporate both high-ranking and trending keywords naturally in the introduction, headers (H2, H3), image alt text, and conclusion. For example, if “eco-friendly travel packages” is trending, and your company offers tours in Costa Rica, update your related page to highlight sustainable features such as local partnerships, carbon offsetting, and green accommodations. Use the keyword in section headers like “Eco-Friendly Tour Options in Costa Rica” and in internal links that guide users to booking or more detailed information. This not only enhances SEO but also aligns your content with users’ current search intent.

Don’t overlook the importance of content freshness. Search engines prioritize content that’s both relevant and current. Review older content and update travel dates, prices, visa information, and seasonal recommendations. Let’s say you published an article in 2022 on “Best European Cities to Visit.” With 2025 here and “solo travel destinations 2025” trending, revise the article to include sections for solo travelers, add current travel safety tips, and include new keywords like “solo travel-friendly” or “hidden gems for solo adventurers.”

These updates help retain rankings, regain traffic lost to competitors, and serve new audience interests.

Step 6: Create Content

Creating new content based on keyword research is a proactive way for travel companies to capitalize on current search trends and meet emerging customer demands. Once you’ve identified high-opportunity keywords—those with solid search volume, low to medium competition, and relevance to your audience, you can start organizing your content based around these keyword ideas. Building new content around these topics can help you rank early before they become saturated.

When planning new content, segment it by user intent: informational, navigational, transactional, and commercial.

Including all four types ensures you cover the full customer journey, from awareness to decision-making. This intent-based approach not only boosts visibility in search engines but also improves engagement by delivering the right message at the right stage of the buyer’s journey. For example, if “digital nomad visa countries 2025” is trending, you might create an informational blog titled “What is a Digital Nomad Visa?” followed by a commercial guide comparing the top five countries offering them, and finally, a transactional landing page for booking travel packages to those destinations. This layered content structure encourages return visits and nurtures users toward conversion.

Format also matters. Consider content types that match the format most likely to earn clicks in your niche. Listicles, itineraries, travel guides, and comparison posts perform well in the travel industry. A well-structured article titled “Top 10 Quiet Life Travel Destinations for Mindful Escapes” can include sub-sections on wellness activities, remote locations, and accommodation tips—each aligned with keyword insights. Embedding rich media like photos, videos, and interactive maps further enhances engagement and dwell time, both of which contribute positively to SEO performance.

Check out our post: 5 content types for travel websites.

Lastly, make use of SERP features and structured data. Tools like Semrush and SpyFu can tell you if your target keywords commonly trigger “People Also Ask” boxes, featured snippets, or image packs. Incorporate relevant questions as H2 or H3 subheadings in your new content to increase the chance of being selected for those features. For example, if “eco-friendly travel packages” often appears with FAQs, include sections like “What makes a travel package eco-friendly?” or “Are sustainable trips more expensive?” Optimizing for SERP features can greatly increase your click-through rate—even if you aren’t the number one result. In essence, by creating content based on keyword trends, travel companies can capture attention, build trust, and grow traffic in a targeted, measurable way.

Wanderlust Keywords

Now that you understand the importance of initial keyword discovery, it’s time to take action!

The Wanderlust Keywords package is designed to help travel companies like yours discover the most valuable, relevant, and high-converting keywords for your business.

By partnering with us, you’ll receive:

  • Initial Keyword Discovery: Top 5 current keywords, top 5 rising keywords, SERPs features, a free keyword checklist & more.
  • Long-Tail Keyword Identification: 20+ long-tail keywords, divided into search intent
  • Local Keyword Focus: 10-20 local keywords related to your niche, with metrics including search volume and keyword difficulty.
  • Keyword Prioritization and Strategy: current keywords, rising keywords, long-tail keywords, and local keywords are divided into search intent, and ideas for new content is provided.

Don’t let your travel business get lost in the noise of the online world. Get started with Wanderlust Keywords today and unlock the power of SEO to drive more qualified leads and increase your bookings!

Contact us to learn more about how we can help you embark on your journey to SEO success with the Wanderlust Keywords package.

How to Optimize Your Travel Blog for Location-Based Keywords

Published on by Ainslie Hone3 Comments
▶Table of Contents
  1. Introduction
  2. Wanderlust Keywords: Your Keyword Solution

Introduction

In today’s competitive travel blogging space, beautiful imagery and engaging storytelling are essential, but they’re not enough to get your blog noticed. To attract more readers organically, travel bloggers must embrace search engine optimization (SEO) strategies—specifically, the use of location-based keywords. These keywords help your content appear in front of people searching for travel tips about specific places. This guide walks you through six key steps to optimizing your travel blog using location-based SEO techniques, complete with practical examples, relevant statistics, and real-world insights.

Step 1: Conduct Comprehensive Keyword Research

Keyword research is the process of finding and analyzing terms that people enter into search engines when looking for travel-related content. For location-based SEO, the goal is to find keywords that include specific destinations, such as “backpacking Bali,” “things to do in Lisbon,” or “family vacation in Banff.”

Targeting the right location-specific keywords ensures that your blog posts appear in front of users searching for exactly what you offer. It aligns your content with user intent and drives qualified traffic to your site.

WordStream highlights that 46% of all Google searches are seeking local information, and 28% of local searches result in a purchase within 24 hours. These statistics underscore the importance of optimizing your content with location-specific keywords to enhance visibility in local search results.

“The Hawaii Vacation Guide” blog ranks highly for terms like “best time to visit Maui” and “Oahu travel tips” because it may use targeted keyword research tools such as Google Keyword Planner and Ubersuggest to pinpoint what travelers are searching for.

Step 2: Optimize On-Page Elements

On-page optimization refers to the practice of tweaking individual web pages to rank higher in search engines. This includes placing keywords in strategic areas such as titles, meta descriptions, headers, image alt text, and URLs.

These elements help search engines understand the topic and relevance of your content. They also improve the user experience, encouraging more clicks and longer time spent on your site.

According to a recent study by BrightLocal, 78% of local mobile searches result in an offline purchase, and nearly 60% of users click on the top three local search results.

“Spotted by Locals” includes destination names in their H1 tags, meta descriptions, and slugs (e.g., /athens/local-guide). This targeted use of keywords helps the blog appear in search results for specific cities.

Step 3: Create High-Quality, Location-Specific Content

This involves writing in-depth blog posts, guides, itineraries, and personal stories centered around specific destinations. The content should include natural mentions of the location, helpful tips, and experiences relevant to the region.

Quality location-based content provides value to your audience, which increases dwell time, engagement, and the likelihood of being linked to by other websites.

For instance, a study by BrightLocal revealed that 94% of high-performing brands have a dedicated local marketing strategy, compared to 60% of average-performing brands.

“Salt in Our Hair” is a travel blog that creates exhaustive guides such as “10-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary” or “Ultimate Guide to Nusa Penida.” Each post is full of local insights, maps, and tips—and ranks well because of its depth and relevance.

Step 4: Leverage Internal and External Linking

Internal linking connects related blog posts within your website, while external linking references reputable sources elsewhere on the web. Both enhance the authority and SEO structure of your blog.

Linking helps search engines crawl your site more effectively, keeps users engaged by pointing them to related content, and boosts your blog’s credibility.

Inbound links to Google Business Profile (GBP) landing page URLs from locally-relevant domains have increased by 257%, according to a study by whitespark. While overall link quantities are declining, local and industry-relevant links are becoming more valuable for boosting rankings.

“Nomadic Matt” uses internal links to guide readers through related posts (e.g., linking from “Things to Do in Bangkok” to “Bangkok Budget Guide”). He also links to trusted sources like Lonely Planet, reinforcing the credibility of his content.

Step 5: Utilize Local SEO Strategies

Local SEO involves optimizing your blog for search queries that include geographic location, such as city names, landmarks, or regions. Techniques include creating Google Business profiles (for tour services), embedding maps, and using structured data.

Local SEO makes your blog more discoverable by users planning trips to specific places. It increases your chances of appearing in “near me” or geo-targeted search results.

Locally.net.au emphasizes the importance of creating localized content and optimizing for local SEO to enhance visibility and engagement. Implementing strategies such as geotagging images, writing about local events, and crafting blog posts specific to each area can help boost engagement with potential customers and increase visibility on localized searches.

“Travel HerStory” optimizes her destination posts with embedded Google Maps, regional tags, and FAQs that reflect common local queries, such as “Is Santorini safe for solo female travelers?”

Step 6: Monitor Performance and Adjust Accordingly

Performance monitoring involves tracking key SEO metrics such as keyword rankings, bounce rate, average time on page, and click-through rates using tools like Google Analytics and Search Console.

Regular analysis allows you to identify which strategies are working and which ones need adjustment. It ensures your SEO efforts are continuously aligned with your audience’s needs and current search trends.

Search Engine Journal emphasizes the importance of regularly updating and improving existing content to boost traffic. This includes cataloging content, scoring its performance, and making necessary improvements to enhance its effectiveness.

“Dan Flying Solo” uses performance data to revise underperforming posts and boost top-performing ones with additional details, new keywords, or fresh photos—keeping content evergreen and competitive.

By applying these six SEO strategies consistently, travel bloggers can significantly improve their organic visibility, attract more engaged readers, and establish themselves as go-to sources for location-specific travel advice. SEO is not a one-time effort but a continuous process of research, optimization, and refinement.

Wanderlust Keywords: Your Keyword Solution

We created our mini keyword package with travel companies in mind. With Wanderlust Keywords, you’ll receive:

  • Initial Keyword Discovery: Top 5 Current Keywords & position in SERPs, Monthly Search Volume, Organic Traffic and Competition of these Keywords & Top 5 Rising Keywords & position in SERPs, Monthly Search Volume, Organic Traffic and Competition of these Keywords
  • Long-Tail Keyword Identification: 20+ Long-Tail Keywords, divided into Search Intent
  • Local Keyword Focus: 20+ Local Keywords, including Search Volume and Keyword Difficulty
  • Keyword Prioritization and Strategy: Local Keywords prioritized, 15 + Suggestions for new content based on Keyword Research

Need help with your SEO strategy? Check out our packages!

Contact us to see how we can help your travel brand soar!