When people search “wedding venues near me” or “boutique hotels in [city],” they’re not scrolling through pages of blue links. They’re often looking directly at the map and the top results. Google Maps is one of the most powerful discovery tools for hospitality businesses. And yet, it’s often overlooked. For hotels, wedding venues, and event spaces, appearing at the top of the map can mean more bookings, more inquiries, and greater trust.

Here’s how to optimize your Google Maps presence so your business shows up, stands out, and gets picked.

1. Claim and Fully Complete Your Google Business Profile

This sounds basic, but you’d be surprised how many venues or small hotels skip this step, or leave their profiles half-finished. Make sure your:

• Address, phone number, and website are accurate
• Business category is correct (e.g., “Wedding Venue,” “Boutique Hotel”)
• Hours of operation are listed, even if they vary
• Business description includes your services, unique features, and keywords like “wedding venue in [city]” or “event space with lodging”

Use all available fields. The more complete your profile is, the more Google trusts it, and the more likely you are to rank.

2. Use High-Quality, Up-to-Date Photos

Photos aren’t just pretty visuals; they’re also a ranking factor. Add images that:

• Highlight your space (interior, exterior, ceremony setups, amenities)
• Showcase different seasons, lighting, and event styles
• Reflect recent updates or renovations
• Tell a visual story of what guests can expect

According to Google, listings with photos see 42% more requests for directions and 35% more clicks to their websites. Drive additional eyes to your photos and website by cross-promoting on social media. Weddings on Pinterest, in particular, are especially resonant. Posting pins regularly that contain relevant data and keywords is a great supplemental way to drive traffic to your latest photography.

3. Nail Your Categories and Attributes

Choosing the right primary and secondary categories can significantly boost visibility. If you’re a wedding venue with overnight options, don’t just list “Event Venue”—add “Wedding Venue,” “Hotel,” or “Resort” where applicable. Use attributes to signal things like:

• Wheelchair accessibility
• Outdoor ceremony space
• On-site lodging or spa
• Pet-friendly policies

Think of these like filters on a booking site. Adding them helps Google match your business to more relevant searches.

4. Collect (and Respond to) Reviews

Reviews serve as a trust signal and a key search ranking factor. The more recent, relevant, and positive your reviews, the better your odds of showing up higher on the map. Ask every client or guest to review your business shortly after their stay or event. Make it easy by:

• Sending an automated follow-up
• Including a direct review link
• Personalizing the ask

Always respond to reviews, both positive and negative. This shows that your team is engaged and builds credibility for future clients. With NurturePro, a wedding-specific CRM, many venue owners use automated email and SMS follow-ups to encourage reviews while the experience is still fresh.

5. Add Posts to Stay Active

Google Business Posts are a lesser-known feature, but they can help you stand out from the crowd. You can share updates, promos, event recaps, or seasonal highlights right on your listing.

Post ideas:

• “See our newest ceremony space layout”
• “Fall booking dates filling fast—schedule your tour today!”
• “Top 5 wedding trends we’re seeing in 2025”

Posting regularly signals to Google that your listing is active and trustworthy.

6. Keep NAP Consistent Everywhere

NAP = Name, Address, Phone Number

Ensure that your NAP information is identical across your Google profile, website, social media, and other online directories. Even small differences, like “Ave” vs. “Avenue,” can hurt your local SEO. Tools like Moz Local, BrightLocal, or manual audits can help maintain consistency.

7. Link to Your Google Maps Page from Your Website

Help search engines and users connect the dots. Include a “Get Directions” or “Find Us on Google” button on your site that links to your Maps listing. Additionally, consider embedding your Google Map on your contact page or footer to enhance the visibility of your location further.

More Visibility = Booking Power

When it comes to online visibility, your website matters, but so does where and how you appear on Google Maps. For hospitality businesses, it’s not just about showing up; it’s about showing up with confidence: beautiful visuals, glowing reviews, and the kind of local authority that builds trust.

Tools like NurturePro help wedding venues streamline client communication, automate follow-ups, and encourage timely reviews — all key components in a strong Maps strategy. Because at the end of the day, you can’t just hope people find you. You need to show up where they’re already looking and give them every reason to choose you.

Author Bio: Gabbi Rubino is a hospitality strategist and client success manager at Snowmad Digital, where she helps wedding venues and event pros grow their bookings through smarter systems and marketing strategies.