How Resorts and Hotels in Davao Can Boost Bookings with Local SEO and Storytelling

Your next guest is already searching for “best resort in Davao” — will they find you?

In today’s travel landscape, your resort or hotel’s online presence is your strongest marketing tool. But
visibility alone isn’t enough — you need a story that makes travellers feel something and SEO that
ensures they can find you.

At Web Design Davao, we’ve helped tourism businesses combine local SEO strategies and emotional
storytelling to fill rooms, not just clicks. Here’s how your resort can do the same.

1. Why Your Resort Needs Local SEO More Than Ever

Travellers don’t search for resorts randomly — they look for location-specific experiences.

Optimising for local SEO ensures your resort appears in Google Maps, travel-related searches, and local
tourism guides.

To boost your visibility:

• Claim and optimise your Google Business Profile.
• Add your full address, contact info, and booking link.
• Use local keywords like “beach resort in Samal” or “Davao city hotel with pool.”
• Post regular updates and events to your GBP.

Fact: 78% of travellers who search for local hotels or resorts end up visiting within a week (Google
Travel Insights, 2025).

Pro Tip: Respond to every Google review — engagement signals trust to both guests and
algorithms.

2. Build Emotional Connection Through Storytelling

Guests don’t just buy rooms — they buy experiences.

Tell stories that capture your resort’s atmosphere, location, and values.

Examples:

• A family who found connection during their stay.
• A couple celebrating their anniversary with a sunset dinner.
• A team retreat that bonded through Davao’s outdoor adventures.
  Use NEPQ storytelling in your web content: – Problem: “Tired of city noise and stress?”
• Amplify: “You deserve a peaceful escape.”
• Solution: “Our beachfront resort offers the perfect getaway just minutes from Davao City.”
• Vision: “Imagine waking up to waves, coffee, and calm.”

Insight from Our Team:
“Emotion drives travel decisions — tell stories that help guests imagine their stay before
they book.” — Duarne Bernhagen, Founder of Web Design Davao

3. Invest in Visual Storytelling (Photos and Video)

Nothing builds desire like stunning visuals.

Include:

• High-quality drone footage and virtual tours.
• Professional photography showcasing your rooms, dining, and amenities.
• Short Instagram Reels highlighting experiences (e.g., diving, dining, sunsets).

Fact: Websites with professional video tours see a 41% higher booking rate (Expedia Trends, 2025).

Pro Tip: Optimise all images and videos for SEO by including location-based alt text and
descriptions.

4. Use On-Page SEO to Attract Organic Bookings

Don’t rely solely on OTAs (like Agoda or Booking.com). Your website can drive direct bookings with
proper SEO.

On-page SEO essentials for hospitality websites:

• Use targeted keywords like “affordable Davao resort” or “luxury hotel near Samal.”
• Create dedicated pages for rooms, dining, and experiences.
• Optimise meta titles and descriptions with emotional triggers.
• Include schema markup for hotel listings and reviews.

Fact: Resorts that invest in SEO generate up to 45% more direct bookings (TripAdvisor Business,
2024).

Pro Tip: Add a “Book Direct and Save” incentive — it motivates guests to skip OTA
commissions.

5. Create Local Content That Attracts Tourists

Google rewards websites that provide valuable, location-based content.

Add blogs or guides such as:

• “Top 10 Things to Do in Davao City.”
• “A Weekend Getaway Guide to Samal Island.”
• “Where to Eat, Stay, and Explore in Davao del Norte.”

This positions your brand as a local authority — not just a resort, but part of the Davao experience.

Pro Tip: Link your guides to your booking page with CTAs like “Book your stay near these
attractions.”

6. Leverage Social Proof: Reviews and Guest Stories Guests trust other guests.

Encourage satisfied visitors to share feedback on Google, Facebook, and TripAdvisor — and feature
their stories on your website.

Example: A Davao resort increased direct bookings by 38% after embedding recent Google Reviews
on its homepage.

Pro Tip: Always respond to reviews — gratitude builds loyalty, while professionalism
builds trust.

7. Speed, Mobile Design, and Seamless Booking Experience

Your website must load fast, look beautiful, and function perfectly on mobile. Most bookings now
happen on smartphones.

Ensure:

• Lightning-fast load times.
• Clear room information and real photos.
• Mobile-friendly calendars and payment gateways.

Fact: 68% of hotel bookings now happen via mobile devices (Booking.com Data, 2025).

Pro Tip: Add a one-click WhatsApp or Messenger chat button for instant guest inquiries.

8. Highlight Sustainability and Local Culture

Travellers today value authenticity. If your resort supports local communities or sustainability, make it
part of your story.

Examples:

• Featuring local Dabawenyo artisans or cuisine.
• Eco-friendly waste and water initiatives.
• Partnerships with nearby attractions or NGOs.

Fact: 70% of global travellers prefer eco-conscious accommodations (Booking.com SustainableTravel Report, 2025).

Pro Tip: Dedicate a “Sustainability & Community” page — it strengthens both SEO andemotional connection

9. Retarget Visitors Who Didn’t Book

Not everyone books on their first visit. Use remarketing ads or email sequences to re-engage visitors.
Ideas:

• Offer discounts to returning website visitors.
• Send follow-up emails with travel tips or seasonal offers.
• Promote last-minute deals on social media.

Pro Tip: Combine remarketing with a storytelling email campaign to remind visitors why
your resort is special.

The Bottom Line: Visibility + Emotion = More Bookings

Your website is more than a digital brochure — it’s your most powerful booking engine.

By combining local SEO, emotional storytelling, and seamless UX, your resort or hotel can rise above
the competition and inspire travellers to click “Book Now.”

Ready to Bring More Guests to Your Resort?

Book a free tourism SEO audit with Web Design Davao.
We’ll analyse your search visibility, brand storytelling, and booking funnel — and help you create an
experience guests can’t resist.

Contact Web Design Davao to get started today.

FAQs

1. How does local SEO help resorts in Davao?
   It improves visibility in searches like “best resorts near Davao,” helping travellers find and book your
   property.
2. What is storytelling marketing for hotels?
   It uses emotion and narrative to connect with guests, turning features into memorable experiences.
3. Can Web Design Davao manage my Google Business Profile?
   Yes — we optimise GBP listings for resorts, hotels, and local tourism businesses.
4. How long does SEO take to show results for hotels?
   Typically 3–6 months, depending on competition and consistency.
5. What makes a resort website convert better?
   Fast load times, clear photos, emotional copy, and easy booking options.