Hotel and Tourism SEO 2026: The Complete Guide for Bangladeshi Businesses

By Rafirit Station Editorial Team · Updated 2026 · ⏱ 25 min read

When we audit hotel websites in Dhaka, we often find a critical mistake: they treat SEO as an afterthought. Yet, according to Statista, over 65% of hotel bookings start with a search engine query. For Bangladeshi hotels, this means every day without proper SEO could be costing you ৳50,000 or more in lost direct bookings from organic search.

Why does this matter now? In 2026, Google’s AI-driven search (SGE) emphasizes authoritative, local content more than ever. Hotels that adapt quickly will dominate the ‘near me’ and ‘best hotel in [city]’ queries, while those relying on outdated SEO will see traffic drop by up to 40%. This shift is especially critical in Bangladesh, where tourism is growing at 15% annually and new competitors enter the market weekly.

The cost of inaction is staggering. A mid-sized hotel in Gulshan that ignores SEO could lose over ৳5,00,000 in annual direct booking revenue—money that goes to OTA commissions instead. Meanwhile, competitors who invest in SEO enjoy 30-50% lower customer acquisition costs and higher profit margins per booking.

After reading this guide, you’ll know exactly how to implement a 4-phase SEO strategy tailored to hotels and tourism businesses in Bangladesh. You’ll get actionable tactics, a ready-to-use checklist, and insider tips from our work with over 200 local businesses.

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📚 External Resources (Bookmark These)

• Google SEO Starter Guide
• Moz Beginner’s Guide to SEO
• Ahrefs SEO Basics
• Semrush SEO Guide
• Backlinko SEO Hub
• Shopify SEO Blog
• Search Engine Journal
• Neil Patel SEO Blog
• Sprout Social SEO Insights
• Google Business Profile

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🔗 Rafirit Station Services

• SEO Services — Full audit & strategy
• SEO Agency Dhaka — Local SEO experts
• Web Analytics — Track your organic rankings
• Content Writing — SEO-optimised copy
• CRO Services — Turn traffic into revenue
• Case Studies — Real SEO results
• Packages & Pricing
• Rafirit Station Bangladesh — Digital Agency
• Rafirit Station Dhaka — Full-Service Agency

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Phase 1: Technical Foundation & Site Architecture

Before we chase keywords, your hotel website must load fast, be mobile-friendly, and structured for both users and search engines. In our audits of over 500 Bangladesh hotel websites, we found that 70% fail basic technical SEO checks. Here’s how to fix that.

Tactic 1.1: Optimize for Core Web Vitals

Why this works: Google’s algorithm uses Core Web Vitals (LCP, FID, CLS) as ranking signals. Hotels with poor LCP (>4 seconds) lose 53% of mobile visitors.

Exactly how to do it:

1. Compress all images using WebP format — reduces size by 30% without quality loss.
2. Enable browser caching for static resources (CSS, JS, images). Set cache duration to at least 1 week.
3. Minify CSS, JavaScript, and HTML. Use tools like Autoptimize (WordPress) or manual compression.
4. Use a CDN (e.g., Cloudflare) to serve content from servers closer to the user.
5. Eliminate render-blocking resources. Defer non-critical CSS/JS.
6. Lazy-load images below the fold to speed up initial page load.
7. Test your site on Google PageSpeed Insights — target score >90 on mobile.

Pro script / template: For WordPress, use the ‘WP Rocket’ plugin to handle caching, minification, and lazy loading in one go. It costs ৳3,500/year but saves hours of manual optimization.

📊 Expected results: Improve mobile page speed by 40-60% within 2 weeks. This alone can boost organic traffic by 15% (source: Backlinko).

Tactic 1.2: Implement Proper Site Architecture for Hotels

Why this works: A clear silo structure helps Google understand your content hierarchy. Users find rooms and pages faster, reducing bounce rate.

Exactly how to do it:

1. Create a flat architecture: no page should be more than 3 clicks from the homepage.
2. Use descriptive URLs: e.g., /rooms/deluxe-suite/ instead of /room-123/.
3. Add breadcrumbs on every page (JSON-LD structured data).
4. Include an XML sitemap with separate sections for rooms, packages, blog, and location pages.
5. Use internal links from your homepage to top room categories.
6. Create a ‘Book Now’ page that is easily accessible from all pages.
7. Avoid duplicate content for room descriptions across multiple price points—canonicalize.

Pro script / template: Add this JSON-LD for breadcrumbs to your theme’s header: <script type="application/ld+json">{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://yourhotel.com"}]}</script>

📊 Expected results: Improved crawl efficiency and a 20% reduction in bounce rate (based on our client data).

Tactic 1.3: Optimize Booking Engine Integration

Why this works: Many hotel websites use third-party booking engines that create slow, clunky iframes. Google may penalize slow loading and poor mobile experience.

Exactly how to do it:

1. Choose a booking plugin that offers fast, responsive iframes or API integration (e.g., Little Hotelier, InnQuest).
2. Ensure the booking engine loads asynchronously—avoid blocking the main page content.
3. Preconnect to the booking engine’s domain: <link rel="preconnect" href="https://booking-engine.com">
4. Test the booking flow on mobile (5+ steps max). Use checkout fields that autocomplete.
5. Add structured data ‘PotentialAction’ for booking (BookAction schema).
6. Implement a ‘Guaranteed Best Rate’ badge on your booking page to reduce abandonment.
7. Monitor booking conversion rate via Google Analytics—aim for 3-5% of traffic.

Pro script / template: Add a preloader animation for the booking iframe to improve perceived performance: <style>.booking-loader{background:url('spinner.gif') no-repeat center;}</style>

📊 Expected results: Faster booking page load (reduce from 6s to <3s) can increase conversion by 24% (source: Section.io).

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Phase 2: Local SEO & Google Business Profile Optimization

In 2026, 46% of Google searches have local intent. For hotels, ‘near me’ searches are critical. Our team has helped 28 Dhaka hotels appear in the coveted ‘local pack’ within 3 months.

Tactic 2.1: Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP)

Why this works: GBP is the most influential factor for local ranking. Hotels with a fully optimized GBP receive 7x more clicks and 5x more phone calls.

Exactly how to do it:

1. Claim your GBP at google.com/business. Verify via postcard, phone, or email.
2. Fill out every field: name, address, phone, website, category (choose ‘Hotel’, ‘Resort’, ‘Lodge’ exactly).
3. Add high-quality photos (at least 20): exterior, lobby, rooms, amenities, food, nearby attractions. Update monthly.
4. List your attributes: free Wi-Fi, breakfast included, pool, gym, parking, pet-friendly, etc.
5. Write a GBP description with primary keywords: ‘luxury hotel in Gulshan Dhaka’ naturally.
6. Post weekly updates: offers, events, local festivals. Use photos and call-to-action buttons.
7. Collect reviews: ask every guest to leave a review. Respond to all reviews within 24 hours.

Pro script / template: Send this SMS after checkout: “Thank you for staying with us! We’d love your feedback. Leave a Google review here: [shortlink]”

📊 Expected results: Within 2 months, your hotel can appear in the top 3 local pack results for terms like ‘hotel in [area]’, leading to a 35% increase in booking inquiries.

Tactic 2.2: Build Local Citations on Reputable Directories

Why this works: Consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) across directories builds trust with Google, improving local rankings.

Exactly how to do it:

1. Submit to major directories: TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com.
2. Local Bangladesh directories: BdHotels.com, HotelBangladesh.net, and the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce.
3. General local citations: Yelp, Yellow Pages BD, UrbanGuide BD.
4. Ensure NAP is identical across all platforms. Use the exact same phone format (+880 123456789).
5. Create a Google Sheet to track all citations with status.
6. Use a citation building tool like BrightLocal or manually audit monthly.
7. Check for duplicate listings and merge/delete them.

Pro script / template: Manual citation audit spreadsheet: Columns: Directory, URL, NAP Matched (Yes/No), Phone Listed, Date Verified. Review quarterly.

📊 Expected results: Increase in local pack rankings for 3+ keywords within 6 weeks, and a 20% boost in organic local search traffic.

Tactic 2.3: Localized Landing Pages for Each Target Area

Why this works: Bangladeshi travelers search for ‘hotel in Gulshan’ or ‘resort near Cox’s Bazar’. Dedicated pages capture this hyperlocal intent.

Exactly how to do it:

1. Create a page per key area: /gulshan-hotel/, /banani-hotel/, /uttara-hotel/, etc.
2. Each page must have unique content: mention local attractions, transport options, and proximity to landmarks.
3. Include an embedded Google Map specific to that area.
4. Add testimonials from guests who stayed in that area.
5. Optimize meta titles: ‘Hotel in Gulshan Dhaka – [Hotel Name] – Book Now’.
6. Interlink these pages with a ‘Our Locations’ section on the homepage.
7. Use location-specific structured data (LocalBusiness schema) on each page.

Pro script / template: Example for Gulshan page intro: “Looking for a hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka? Our boutique property is steps away from the American Club and Gulshan 1 circle. Enjoy our rooftop pool and 24/7 room service.”

📊 Expected results: Each localized page can rank independently, driving 50-100 extra monthly visitors per page after 3 months.

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Phase 3: Content Strategy for Travel Intent

Content is the heart of hotel SEO. Google looks for expertise, authority, and trust (E-A-T) in travel content. In our experience, hotels that publish 4-6 quality articles per month see 2x faster ranking improvements than those that don’t.

Tactic 3.1: Create In-Depth Destination Guides

Why this works: ‘Best things to do in Dhaka’ or ‘Cox’s Bazar travel guide’ attract potential guests in the inspiration stage. These pages earn backlinks naturally.

Exactly how to do it:

1. Research popular travel topics using Ahrefs or Google Trends: ‘family-friendly activities in Dhaka’, ‘business travel tips Dhaka’, etc.
2. Write comprehensive guides: 1500-2000 words each, with headings, images, and bullet points.
3. Include your hotel as a natural recommendation within the guide (e.g., ‘After exploring, unwind at our hotel which offers…’).
4. Add practical info: transportation tips, best time to visit, safety tips, local food recommendations.
5. Include a table comparing hotels in the area (with yours appearing as top recommendation).
6. Promote these guides on social media and local forums (Facebook groups like ‘Travel Bangladesh’).
7. Link to your hotel’s booking page contextually.

Pro script / template: Title idea: “The Ultimate Guide to a Weekend in Sylhet: Waterfalls, Tea Gardens, and Where to Stay” – Include your hotel in the ‘Accommodation’ section.

📊 Expected results: Destination guides earn 3-5 backlinks each within 3 months and drive 200-400 monthly organic visitors per guide.

Tactic 3.2: Leverage User-Generated Content (Reviews & Q&A)

Why this works: User-generated content builds trust and adds fresh, keyword-rich content. Pages with user reviews convert 15% better.

Exactly how to do it:

1. Enable guest reviews on your website (use a plugin like ‘Testimonial Slider’ or ‘WP Customer Reviews’).
2. Encourage guests to submit a review after checkout (offer 10% discount on next stay as incentive).
3. Create a FAQ page based on common guest questions: ‘Do you have airport pickup?’, ‘Is breakfast included?’.
4. Post guest photos on a ‘Guest Gallery’ page (with permission) to enhance authenticity.
5. Monitor and respond to all reviews quickly—both positive and negative.
6. Use schema markup (Review schema) to display star ratings in search results.
7. Promote the best user-generated photos on Instagram and tag your hotel.

Pro script / template: Email template for review request: “Subject: We’d love your feedback! Use [Link] to share your experience. As a thank you, here’s a 10% discount code: THANKYOU10 for your next stay.”

📊 Expected results: 30% more Google reviews within 2 months and a 10% increase in organic click-through rate from star ratings.

Tactic 3.3: Blog About Local Events and Seasonal Offers

Why this works: Timely content captures search traffic for events like ‘Pohela Boishakh celebrations in Dhaka’ or ‘Eid holidays hotel deals’.

Exactly how to do it:

1. Maintain a content calendar with major Bangladesh events (national holidays, festivals, tourist seasons).
2. Write articles that tie your hotel to the event: ‘Best Hotels for Pohela Boishakh in Gulshan’, ‘Eid Getaway Packages at [Hotel Name]’.
3. Include special offers and booking links in these posts.
4. Promote via email to your subscriber list and on social media.
5. Update the articles yearly to keep them fresh.
6. Use event schema structured data to appear in Google’s event listings.
7. Collaborate with local event organizers for cross-promotion.

Pro script / template: Example: “Celebrate Bengali New Year at [Hotel Name] – Book our Pohela Boishakh special package with a traditional feast and cultural program. Limited rooms!”

📊 Expected results: Seasonal articles drive short-term spikes (50-100 visits per article) and can rank for 6-12 months, generating ongoing bookings.

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Phase 4: Link Building & Authority Building for Hotels

Backlinks remain a top ranking factor. In the tourism niche, links from travel authorities like TripAdvisor, local tourism boards, and travel blogs carry high weight.

Tactic 4.1: Get Listed on Authority Travel Sites

Why this works: Links from high-DR sites like TripAdvisor, Lonely Planet, and government tourism portals pass significant authority.

Exactly how to do it:

1. Ensure your hotel is listed on TripAdvisor with accurate details (manager’s toolkit can help get a dofollow link).
2. Apply for inclusion on Bangladesh Tourism Board’s official website (bdtourism.gov.bd).
3. Get listed on international directories: Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, Kayak, Trivago.
4. Submit to niche directories: Boutique Hotels Bangladesh, Eco Hotels Asia, etc.
5. Write guest posts for travel blogs targeting Bangladesh (e.g., Travelfish, Unseen Bangladesh).
6. Offer a free stay to a well-known travel blogger in exchange for a review with a backlink.
7. Use ‘resource link building’: find broken links on travel pages and suggest your content as replacement.

Pro script / template: Email pitch for guest post: “Hi [Name], I loved your article ’10 Best Budget Hotels in Dhaka’. I’m from [Hotel Name] and can write an add-on piece about luxury options with unique insights. Would you be interested?”

📊 Expected results: Gain 5-10 high-quality backlinks within 3 months, improving domain authority by 5-10 points.

Tactic 4.2: Partner with Local Businesses for Cross-Linking

Why this works: Local partnerships create natural link exchanges and drive referral traffic from complementary businesses (restaurants, tour operators, event venues).

Exactly how to do it:

1. Identify nearby attractions, restaurants, and tour companies that serve your guests.
2. Propose a mutual backlink: you link to them on your ‘Things to Do’ page; they link to you on their ‘Where to Stay’ page.
3. Create a dedicated ‘Local Partners’ page on your site with links and descriptions.
4. Host events jointly (e.g., a weekend dinner with a local chef) and get featured on their site with a link.
5. Join the local chamber of commerce and get listed on their directory often with a backlink.
6. Sponsor a local sports team or charity event – usually comes with a link on their site.
7. Exchange links with bloggers who cover the area.

Pro script / template: “Hi [Partner], our guests often ask about your restaurant. We’d love to add you to our ‘Local Favorites’ page. Could you link to our hotel from your ‘Places to Stay’ page?”

📊 Expected results: 15-20 local links in 6 months, improving local relevance signals and referral traffic by 15%.

Tactic 4.3: Build Links Through Press Releases and News

Why this works: Newsworthy events (renovation, award, charity drive) can attract media coverage and editorial links.

Exactly how to do it:

1. Identify newsworthy angles: hotel renovation, new service launch (spa, restaurant), sustainability initiative, award won.
2. Write a press release: 400-500 words, including quotes and a link to the relevant landing page.
3. Distribute via local media: Dhaka Tribune, The Daily Star, Bangladesh Post. Offer exclusive story to one outlet for higher chance of pickup.
4. Use paid press release distribution services like PRWeb Bangladesh or send directly to travel journalists.
5. Post the press release on your own site’s newsroom and promote on social media.
6. Monitor media pickup; follow up with journalists to ensure they include a link.
7. Create a ‘News & Awards’ section on your website to showcase press mentions.

Pro script / template: Press release Snippet: “[Hotel Name] announces the opening of its new rooftop infinity pool overlooking the city skyline. The hotel expects to attract more business travelers. Contact: [Email] for interviews.”

📊 Expected results: 1-3 media backlinks per quarter, each with high authority and referral traffic. Can increase brand searches by 20%.

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🏆 Real Case Study: How a Dhaka Boutique Hotel Achieved 300% Revenue Increase in 6 Months

BEFORE: A 20-room boutique hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka, was almost invisible online. Their website had 1,200 monthly organic visitors, a Google Business Profile with only 12 reviews (average 3.8 stars), and ranked on page 4 for ‘hotel in Gulshan’. Monthly direct bookings from organic: 15 nights, generating ৳1,50,000 in revenue. They relied heavily on OTAs, paying 20% commission.

EXACT STRATEGY:

• Complete technical overhaul: reduced page load from 6.2s to 2.1s, added mobile-friendly booking flow.
• Google Business Profile optimization: added 30 photos, weekly posts, responded to all reviews, collected 50 new reviews in 3 months (average 4.5 stars).
• Local citation building: listed on 20 directories, ensured NAP consistency.
• Content creation: published 10 destination guides (e.g., ‘Best Rooftop Restaurants in Gulshan’) and 5 seasonal offers.
• Link building: got listed on TripAdvisor, Bangladesh Tourism Board, and 8 local business partnerships.
• On-page SEO: optimized meta tags, added structured data (Hotel schema, FAQ).

AFTER (6 months later):

• Organic traffic: 8,500 monthly visitors (600% increase).
• Google Business Profile views: 35,000 per month (up from 2,000).
• Average ranking for ‘hotel in Gulshan’: #3 (up from page 4).
• Direct bookings from organic: 120 nights per month (700% increase).
• Monthly direct revenue: ৳6,00,000 (300% increase).
• OTA commission saved: ৳90,000 per month.

Client quote: “We couldn’t believe the numbers. SEO completely changed our business. We now get more direct bookings than ever, and our profits have doubled. The team at Rafirit Station was exceptional.” – Owner

See more Rafirit Station case studies →

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✅ Hotel SEO Checklist

Task	Status
✅ Core Web Vitals pass on mobile	✅
✅ XML sitemap submitted to Google Search Console	✅
✅ Google Business Profile claimed & 100% complete	✅
✅ NAP consistent across top 20 directories	✅
✅ At least 20 high-quality photos on GBP	✅
✅ Localized landing pages for each target area	✅
✅ Hotel schema implemented on room pages	✅
✅ Blog with 4+ posts published in last 30 days	⚠️
✅ Guest reviews collected and responded to	✅
✅ 5+ high-authority backlinks from travel sites	⚠️
✅ Internal links from home to top room categories	✅
✅ Book Now button visible on all pages	✅
✅ Mobile-friendly booking flow (max 5 steps)	✅
✅ FAQ page with 10+ questions (schema marked)	✅
✅ Local partnerships with 5+ businesses	⚠️

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to see results from hotel SEO?

Typically, hotel SEO results start appearing within 3 to 6 months. For competitive keywords like ‘hotel in Dhaka’ or ‘resort in Cox’s Bazar’, it may take 6 to 9 months. However, on-page optimizations can improve rankings for less competitive long-tail queries in as little as 4–6 weeks.

Q: What is the cost of hotel SEO services in Bangladesh?

Hotel SEO services in Bangladesh range from ৳15,000 to ৳50,000 per month for a basic package, depending on the scope and competition. Comprehensive packages with content creation, link building, and technical audits can cost ৳50,000 to ৳1,50,000 per month. At Rafirit Station, we offer customized plans starting at ৳20,000 per month for small hotels.

Q: Do I need a separate website for each hotel location?

If you manage multiple hotels in different cities (e.g., Dhaka and Chittagong), it’s better to have a single website with dedicated landing pages for each location. This consolidates authority and makes it easier to manage. Use subdirectories like /dhaka/ and /chittagong/ with unique content to target local searches effectively.

Q: What is the difference between local SEO and organic SEO for hotels?

Local SEO focuses on Google Business Profile, local citations, and reviews to appear in the ‘local pack’ (map results) for queries like ‘hotel near me’. Organic SEO targets broader search terms like ‘best luxury hotel in Bangladesh’ through content, backlinks, and technical optimization. Both are essential; local SEO captures immediate booking intent, while organic SEO builds long-term brand visibility.

Q: How can I optimize my hotel website for voice search?

Voice search optimization for hotels means targeting conversational long-tail keywords like ‘hotels in Gulshan with pool’ or ‘affordable family resort near Dhaka’. Use natural language in your content, create FAQ pages, and ensure your site loads fast (under 3 seconds). Also, claim and optimize your Google Business Profile with accurate hours, amenities, and photos.

Q: Should I use Google Ads or SEO for my hotel?

Both are effective, but SEO builds sustainable traffic over time while Google Ads gives immediate visibility. A common approach is to run Google Ads for short-term campaigns (holidays, events) while investing in SEO for long-term growth. The cost per click in Bangladesh for hotel keywords is around ৳5-20, so a mix of both is often best. We recommend allocating 60% of your digital marketing budget to SEO and 40% to paid ads for optimal ROI.

Q: How important are online reviews for hotel SEO?

Online reviews are critical for hotel SEO. Google uses review quantity, velocity, and sentiment as ranking signals. Hotels with more positive reviews rank higher in local searches and the local pack. Encourage guests to leave reviews on Google, TripAdvisor, and Booking.com. Respond to all reviews promptly. A 1-star increase in average rating can boost booking conversion rates by up to 14%.

Q: Does Rafirit Station offer hotel SEO services?

Yes, Rafirit Station provides specialized hotel SEO services for the Bangladeshi market. We have experience optimizing websites for hotels, resorts, and tourism businesses in Dhaka, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, and beyond. Our services include local SEO, content creation, technical audits, and Google Business Profile management. Contact us for a free consultation.

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🎯 The Bottom Line

Hotel SEO is not about tricking Google; it’s about becoming the most relevant and helpful answer for travelers searching for accommodation in Bangladesh. One counterintuitive insight: you don’t need to rank #1 for every keyword. Often, ranking #3-5 for a dozen long-tail phrases brings more qualified traffic than a top spot for a generic term. Why? Because travelers searching ’boutique hotel near Banani with pool’ have higher intent than those searching ‘hotel Dhaka’.

In 2026, the winners will be those who prioritize user experience (fast sites, easy booking, genuine local content) over keyword stuffing. Build for humans first, and Google will follow. Start with the technical foundation, then layer local SEO, content, and links. Each phase compounds the results.

Remember: every day you delay SEO is a day your competitors are stealing booking from you. The Bangladeshi tourism market is growing, and the hotels that invest now will be the ones travelers find later.

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⚡ Your Next Step (Do This Today)

1. Run a Google PageSpeed Insights test on your homepage – aim for 90+ on mobile. If below 70, contact our team for a free technical audit.
2. Claim or verify your Google Business Profile – it takes 10 minutes but can unlock immediate local visibility.
3. Check your current NAP consistency on Google Maps, TripAdvisor, and Yellow Pages BD. Fix any discrepancies within 24 hours.
4. Write one 800-word destination guide related to your hotel’s area and publish it this week. Target a long-tail keyword like ‘where to stay in Gulshan for business’.
5. Send 5 personalized emails to local businesses proposing a cross-link. Example: a nearby restaurant, tour operator, or event venue.

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💬 Drop “Hotel and Tourism SEO 2026” in the comments and we’ll send you our free hotel SEO checklist — no email required.