Hotels are upping the game by embracing voice search technology, making information and services readily available at the sound of a guest’s voice.
This isn’t just about convenience; voice search enhances accessibility for guests with visual impairments or those who may struggle with traditional interfaces. Here’s how hotels can leverage voice search in 2024 to create a truly inclusive and effortless guest experience:
Optimise Your Website and App for Voice Search
Think of your website and mobile app as a conversation. Just like optimising for search engines, voice search requires specific strategies. Here’s what you can do:
- Focus on natural language: People speak differently than they type. Use long-tail keywords that mimic how guests would naturally ask questions. For example, instead of just “restaurants,” consider “restaurants near the hotel serving Indian cuisine.”
- Prioritise mobile responsiveness: This technology is heavily mobile-driven. Ensure your website and app are mobile-friendly and load quickly for a smooth user experience.
- Structure with schema markup: Schema markup is code that helps search engines understand the content on your website. Implement relevant schema for hotels, including amenities, room types, and contact details
Embrace Voice Assistants and Smart Speakers
Guests who own smart speakers like Google Home or Amazon Echo can potentially access hotel information and book stays directly through voice commands. Partner with these platforms to ensure your hotel details are readily discoverable. You can even explore creating custom voice actions for booking or requesting specific services.
Implement Voice-Controlled Amenities in Rooms
Imagine adjusting the thermostat, turning on the lights, or even ordering room service – all with a simple voice command. In-room smart devices integrated with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant are becoming increasingly popular. This allows guests to control their environment with ease, particularly those with physical limitations.
Prioritise Accessibility Features
Voice search is a boon for guests with visual impairments. Ensure your website and app are compatible with screen reader software, and consider offering voice-enabled information kiosks in the lobby for easy access to hotel information and services.
Educate Staff and Guests
Train staff on the voice search capabilities available and how to best assist guests who might prefer this method. Inform guests about these features through signage in rooms, on the website, and during check-in.
By embracing voice search technology, hotels can cater to a wider audience, improve accessibility, and create a truly guest-centric experience. In today’s competitive hospitality landscape, voice search is no longer a futuristic gimmick – it’s a real-world tool for enhancing guest experience and staying ahead of the curve.
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