A How-To Guide for Travel Companies: Mastering Online Marketing in a Google-Indexed World

July 18, 2025

In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, staying ahead of the curve is not just an advantage; it's a necessity. For travel companies, this is truer than ever. The recent announcement that Google will now be indexing Instagram and Threads content is a seismic shift in the digital landscape. This game-changing development presents a golden opportunity for savvy travel brands to amplify their reach and connect with a wider audience. But how can you, as a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) in the UK travel industry, harness this new power?


Fear not! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to not only understand this change but to leverage it for your business's success. We’ll break down what this means for you and provide a step-by-step guide to supercharge your online marketing efforts.


The Instagram Indexing Revolution: What's all the Fuss About?


Previously, your beautifully curated Instagram feed, showcasing stunning travel destinations and happy customers, was largely confined to the Instagram app. While a powerful tool for engagement within the platform, its reach into the wider web was limited. Now, with Google indexing Instagram posts, your content can appear in Google search results. This means that when a potential customer searches for "boutique hotels in the Cotswolds" or "adventure tours in Scotland," your relevant Instagram posts could be right there, front and centre.


This is a monumental shift because it merges the visual, aspirational world of Instagram with the intent-driven world of Google search. For an industry as visually driven as travel, this is a match made in heaven. It’s an opportunity to capture the attention of potential customers at the very moment they are dreaming, planning, and searching for their next getaway.


Key Takeaways:


  • Your Instagram is Now a Search Engine Powerhouse: Treat your Instagram content with the same seriousness and SEO consideration as your website. It’s no longer just a social media platform; it’s a direct funnel from Google to your brand.
  • Visuals are Your New SEO: High-quality, engaging visuals are more important than ever. A stunning photo or a captivating Reel can now outrank a traditional blog post if it better matches the user's search intent.
  • Authenticity is King: In a world of AI-generated content, authentic, user-generated, and behind-the-scenes content will stand out. This is your chance to showcase the real, human side of your brand, building trust and connection with your audience.


A Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering Your New Online Marketing Strategy


Ready to dive in and make the most of this new digital landscape? Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:


Step 1: Audit and Optimise Your Instagram Profile


Think of your Instagram profile as your new mini-homepage. It needs to be polished, professional, and optimised for search.


  • Professional Account: Ensure your Instagram account is set to a "Business" or "Creator" profile. This is essential for the indexing to work and gives you access to valuable analytics.
  • Public Profile: Your account must be public for Google to index your content.
  • SEO-Friendly Bio: Your bio is prime real estate. Use keywords that describe your niche and location. For example, instead of just "Travel Agency," try "Bespoke Luxury Travel Agency in London" or "Specialists in Scottish Highland Tours." Include a link to your website or a specific landing page.
  • Profile Picture: Use a high-quality logo that is easily recognisable.


Step 2: Rethink Your Content Strategy


It's time to think like a search engine. Your content should not only be visually appealing but also answer the questions your potential customers are asking.


  • Keyword Research: Identify the keywords and phrases your target audience is using to search for travel experiences. Think about destinations, activities, and types of travel. Use these keywords naturally in your captions and hashtags.
  • Engaging Captions: Your captions are now more important than ever. Treat them like mini blog posts. Tell a story, provide valuable information, and answer potential questions. Instead of a short caption like "Beautiful sunset," try something more descriptive and searchable like "Experience the breathtaking sunsets over the Isle of Skye from our charming coastal cottages. #IsleofSkye #ScotlandTravel #SunsetLovers."
  • Harness the Power of Hashtags: Use a mix of broad, niche, and location-specific hashtags. For example, alongside #travel, use more specific tags like #UKStaycation, #FamilyFriendlyHolidaysUK, or #DogFriendlyCottagesCornwall.
  • Embrace All Formats: Don't just stick to single photos. Use a mix of carousels, Reels, and Stories to keep your content fresh and engaging. Reels, in particular, are getting a lot of love from both Instagram and Google.


Step 3: Master the Art of Alt Text and Geotagging


These two features are your secret weapons for discoverability.


  • Alt Text: Alternative text is a short description of your image that helps search engines understand what your content is about. It also makes your content more accessible to visually impaired users. Be descriptive and use relevant keywords.
  • Geotagging: Always tag your location in your posts. This is crucial for local SEO and will help your content appear in location-specific searches. Tag the city, region, and even the specific hotel or attraction.


Step 4: Review and Refresh Your Existing Content


Don't forget about your past posts! Go back and apply these new principles to your existing content.


  • Update Captions and Hashtags: Review your most popular posts and update the captions and hashtags to be more search-friendly.
  • Add Alt Text: Add descriptive alt text to your existing images.
  • Archive Outdated Content: If you have posts that are no longer relevant or don't align with your current brand image, consider archiving them.


Step 5: Integrate Your Instagram with Your Website


Your Instagram and your website should work together seamlessly to create a cohesive customer journey.


  • Link in Bio: Use a tool that allows you to have multiple links in your bio, directing users to different pages on your website, such as specific itineraries, blog posts, or your contact page.
  • Embed Your Feed: Embed your Instagram feed on your website to showcase your latest posts and encourage website visitors to follow you on social media.
  • Make it Bookable: This is where Travelgenix comes in. All your marketing efforts should ultimately lead to bookings. With a Travelgenix website, you can turn your inspiration into instant bookings. Our websites are not just beautiful; they are powerful booking engines that allow your customers to book their dream holiday directly from your site, 24/7. No more missed opportunities or manual booking processes.


How Travelgenix Can Help


At Travelgenix, we understand the challenges faced by SME travel companies in the UK. That's why we've built a suite of tools designed to help you thrive in the digital age.


  • Bookable Websites: We create stunning, modern, and fully bookable websites that are designed to convert. Whether you need a full website or just want to add our powerful booking widgets to your existing site, we have a solution for you.
  • Dynamic Packaging: Our platform allows you to dynamically package flights, hotels, transfers, and experiences from a wide range of suppliers, giving you the flexibility to create unique and competitive travel packages.
  • Marketing Tools: We offer a range of marketing tools, including AI-powered SEO and content tools, to help you attract more customers and grow your business.
  • Expert Support: Our team of experts is always on hand to provide you with the support and guidance you need to succeed.


5 Actionable Tips for SME Travel Companies in the UK


  1. Optimise Your Instagram Profile Today: Don't wait! Update your bio, ensure your account is professional and public, and start thinking like a search engine.
  2. Create a Content Calendar: Plan your content in advance, focusing on keywords and topics that your target audience is searching for.
  3. Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments and messages, run polls and Q&As in your Stories, and build a community around your brand.
  4. Track Your Performance: Use Instagram Insights and Google Analytics to track your performance, see what's working, and adjust your strategy accordingly.
  5. Invest in the Right Technology: A beautiful Instagram feed is great, but if it doesn't lead to bookings, it's a missed opportunity. A Travelgenix website can turn your social media success into real business growth.


The digital landscape is constantly changing, but with the right strategy and tools, you can not only keep up but thrive. This new era of Google and Instagram integration is a golden opportunity for travel companies to showcase their unique offerings and connect with a whole new world of customers. Embrace it, be creative, and get ready to watch your business soar.

Follow Us on Social Media

Contact Us

By Robin Humphreyies February 9, 2026
This is a subtitle for your new post
January 23, 2026
Launching a travel website is a bit like owning a Ferrari—looks great, loads of potential, but it’s only valuable if you actually take it out for a spin. In today’s ultra-competitive travel market, having a slick website isn’t enough. You need to drive traffic, speak directly to your audience, and make the booking process irresistible. Here’s how to ensure your travel website doesn’t just sit pretty—it delivers results. 1. Drive Traffic: Don’t Let Your Website Gather Dust A beautiful website with no visitors is like a Ferrari left in the garage. To get your travel business moving, you need people—lots of them—visiting your site. Here are three actionable tips: Leverage Social Media Consistently Post regularly on platforms where your audience hangs out (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) Use behind-the-scenes content, customer stories, and travel tips Invest a small budget in targeted ads to boost reach Optimise for Search Engines (SEO) Research and use keywords your ideal customers are searching for (e.g. “tailor-made holidays UK”) Write detailed, helpful blog posts answering common travel questions Make sure your site loads quickly and works on mobile Collaborate & Network Partner with travel bloggers, influencers, or local businesses for guest posts or shout-outs List your site on relevant directories and travel forums Attend industry events and promote your web presence 2. Make Your Website Relevant: Know Your Traveller Driving traffic is only half the battle. If your content doesn’t connect with your audience, they’ll bounce faster than a budget airline’s refund. Here’s how to keep them engaged: Create Traveller Personas Identify your main customer types (solo adventurers, families, luxury seekers) Tailor your homepage, imagery, and offers to their needs Use real customer feedback to refine your messaging Personalise Content Feature relevant deals and destinations based on seasonality or trending interests Use dynamic content (like “Top Destinations for Families in 2026”) Segment your email marketing to match traveller types Clear, Actionable Information Make it easy to find what matters: search, filters, FAQs, and contact details Use plain language—ditch the jargon Regularly update your content to reflect changes in travel trends or regulations 3. Pricing & Deposits: Be Clear, Be Competitive Travel is a big-ticket purchase, and customers shop around. If your pricing isn’t transparent—or if you don’t offer flexible payment options—you risk losing bookings. Here’s how to win trust and conversions: Show Prices Upfront Display total trip costs clearly, including any extras or fees Avoid hidden charges—customers hate nasty surprises Use comparison tables for different packages Offer Deposits & Flexible Payments Allow customers to secure bookings with a low deposit Clearly explain payment timelines and options Highlight flexibility—this can be the deciding factor for hesitant buyers Build Trust with Transparency Use customer testimonials and reviews Clearly state cancellation and refund policies Offer live chat or easy contact options for questions about pricing A tra vel website that drives traffic, connects with its audience, and makes booking simple is unstoppable. Treat your site like your best salesperson—give it the tools, clarity, and customer focus it needs to turn browsers into loyal bookers. Ready to take your travel business out of the garage and onto the open road? Let’s make it happen.
January 21, 2026
Why 30 years of travel experience matters more in 2026 Travel has always been a people business. But in 2026, it’s also a data business, a trust business, and a speed business. After 30 years in travel (and 20+ in travel technology), you start to see a pattern: the tools change fast, but the winners are the companies that stay relentlessly focused on what travellers and travel businesses actually need. At Travelgenix, we’ve supported 300+ active clients across 60+ countries (with 80% in the UK). That perspective gives you a front-row seat to what’s working right now — and what’s quietly breaking. The biggest shift in 2026: trust is the new conversion rate The last decade trained customers to compare prices. The next decade is training customers to compare confidence. In 2026, travellers are asking: Is this company real? Will someone help me if things go wrong? Are the terms clear? Can I change or cancel without a fight? For travel businesses, that means your website can’t just “look good”. It has to prove credibility at every step — with clear policies, genuine reviews, transparent pricing, and fast, human support. This is also why we still believe support is a product feature. When you’re selling travel, problems don’t arrive neatly between 9 and 5. Trend 1: AI is everywhere — but the winners use it to amplify humans AI isn’t new in 2026. What’s new is how quickly customers can spot lazy, generic AI output. The opportunity isn’t “use AI to replace marketing”. It’s: Use AI to speed up content creation without losing your voice Use AI to personalise messages by destination, season, audience segment, or budget Use AI to turn supplier content into customer-friendly copy Use AI to keep your social presence consistent even when you’re busy That’s why our AI focus is practical: helping travel businesses create better marketing faster — without needing a full-time content team. Trend 2: The booking journey is fragmenting — your site has to hold it together In 2026, customers might discover you on: TikTok or Instagram Google’s AI-driven search experiences Meta groups WhatsApp recommendations A niche blog or newsletter But they still need one place to land where everything makes sense. Your website has to do three jobs at once: Convert (make booking easy) Reassure (make trust obvious) Support (make help immediate) This is where “bookable” matters. If customers have to call you to finish the job, you’ll lose a percentage of them — even if they love you. Trend 3: B2B is having a quiet renaissance While consumer travel gets the headlines, B2B travel is getting sharper. More businesses want: Clear B2B vs B2C separation Better agent dashboards More booking control Cleaner workflows for quotes, deposits, and amendments We’ve seen this directly in feature requests — and it’s why B2B upgrades and supplier connectivity remain a core focus. Trend 4: “More suppliers” isn’t the differentiator — better merchandising is In 2026, access is table stakes. The differentiator is how well you present and sell what you have. Travel businesses need: Smarter filters and search Clearer inclusions/exclusions Better content around the product (not just the price) Upsells that feel helpful, not pushy Technology should make it easier to sell the right trip, not just any trip. Trend 5: Speed wins — but only if the experience stays simple Customers expect instant results. Travel businesses expect fast setup. We’ve learned that the best systems are the ones you can actually launch, train, and run without needing a technical team. That’s why our implementation is designed to get you live quickly (typically 4–6 weeks depending on complexity), with the essentials done properly: Live search and booking Responsive design Widgets and customisation B2B portals where needed The marketing foundations that help you get found and convert What hasn’t changed in 30 years (and never will) Here are the lessons that keep proving themselves: Trust beats cleverness. Clear beats complicated. Support is part of the product. Especially in travel. Technology should reduce workload, not add to it. Small businesses win when the tools are affordable and flexible. That last point is why our model is built around “more tools for less money”. We’ve watched too many good travel companies get priced out of the technology they need. The next 12–24 months: what we’re watching closely If you’re a travel business planning for 2026 and beyond, these are the signals worth paying attention to: AI-powered discovery changing how customers find travel brands A rising expectation for transparent policies and real-time support Increased demand for B2B functionality and control The growing importance of content quality (not just volume) The need to turn website traffic into bookings with fewer steps Closing thought: the future belongs to practical technology Travel doesn’t need more buzzwords. It needs tools that help real businesses sell travel online, stay credible, and grow. That’s what 30 years teaches you: the best technology is the kind you barely notice — because it simply makes everything easier. If you’re an independent travel business looking to compete with bigger brands, the goal isn’t to outspend them. It’s to out-execute them: faster, clearer, and more customer-focused. That’s the lane we’ve built Travelgenix for.
Show More