Optimising Your Marketplace Listing
A well-optimised listing doesn't just look good—it gets found. This guide shares proven strategies to help your business stand out in the Tourism Accelerator Marketplace and attract more visitors and partnership opportunities.
Why Optimisation Matters
With many wonderful tourism operators in the Marketplace, you want your listing to:
Appear higher in search results
Catch the eye of browsers
Convert viewers into enquiries
Build trust with potential visitors
The Complete Optimisation Checklist
1. Perfect Your Business Description
Your description is often the first thing visitors read. Make it count:
Do:
Start with a compelling opening sentence
Highlight what makes you unique
Include relevant keywords naturally
Break text into readable paragraphs
End with a clear call to action
Avoid:
Walls of unbroken text
Generic descriptions that could apply to any business
Excessive jargon or industry terms
Spelling or grammatical errors
Example of an optimised opening:
"Nestled in the heart of the wine region, our family-run cellar door offers intimate tastings of award-winning cool-climate wines. Join us for a personalised experience where you'll meet the winemakers and discover the stories behind each vintage."
2. Choose Strategic Keywords
Think about what visitors might search for:
Your location and nearby landmarks
Types of experiences you offer
Special features (family-friendly, accessible, pet-friendly)
Seasonal activities
Unique selling points
Weave these naturally throughout your listing.
3. Maximise Your Photo Impact
Photos are worth a thousand words—and potentially thousands of visitors:
Hero Image Best Practices:
Choose an image that captures your essence at a glance
Ensure it looks good at different sizes
Use bright, inviting imagery
Show people enjoying your experience (with permission)
Gallery Strategy:
Tell a visual story from arrival to departure
Include different seasons if relevant
Show variety in your offerings
Update regularly with fresh content
4. Complete Every Field
Listings with complete information rank higher and convert better:
Operating hours (including seasonal variations)
Price range indicators
Accessibility information
Parking availability
Booking requirements
Languages spoken
Payment methods accepted
5. Select All Relevant Categories
Don't limit yourself to just one category if your business spans multiple:
Primary category for main visibility
Secondary categories for additional exposure
Think about how visitors might search for you
6. Leverage Your Location
Make the most of geographic features:
Mention nearby attractions
Reference the region and local area
Note proximity to major landmarks
Highlight accessibility from main centres
7. Keep Information Current
Nothing damages trust like outdated information:
Update seasonal hours promptly
Reflect menu or offering changes
Add new photos regularly
Remove outdated promotions
Confirm pricing accuracy
Advanced Optimisation Strategies
Build Your Review Profile
Positive reviews significantly boost visibility:
Encourage satisfied visitors to leave reviews
Respond thoughtfully to all reviews
Address concerns professionally
Thank reviewers for their feedback
Earn Trust Badges
Badges signal credibility and quality:
Complete your profile verification
Maintain responsive communication
Gather positive reviews
Keep your listing active and updated
Connect with Other Operators
Partnership activity improves visibility:
Follow complementary businesses
Engage with the operator community
Participate in collaborative opportunities
Cross-promote with partners
Measuring Your Success
Track these indicators to gauge your optimisation efforts:
Profile views – How many people are finding you
Enquiry rate – How many viewers reach out
Search appearances – Where you rank for key terms
Review growth – Building social proof over time
Quick Wins to Implement Today
Add three new photos to your gallery
Expand your description by 100 words
Add two secondary categories
Update your operating hours
Review and refresh your contact details
Ongoing Optimisation
Optimisation isn't a one-time task. Schedule regular reviews:
Monthly: Update photos and check information accuracy
Quarterly: Refresh your description and review keywords
Seasonally: Adjust for changing offerings and availability
Annually: Complete overhaul and strategic review
Your listing is a living representation of your business. Keep it fresh, accurate, and compelling, and you'll continue to attract the visitors and partnerships you deserve.