A new tutorial on the Google Ads YouTube channel provides simple, step-by-step instructions for setting up free hotel booking links. This video aims to help Google Ads users take advantage of a feature that was launched within the past year.
Google introduced free booking links for hotels in March 2021, creating opportunities for both small boutiques and large chains across the country. These listings provide free traffic directly to your site and offer live updates and availability. Free booking links can also be used in conjunction with hotel ads to maximize exposure.
What Are Free Booking Links?
Free booking links appear on Google when users search for hotel prices and availability and review the details of a particular hotel. One key benefit is that they allow you to send users directly to a page of your choosing. When travelers search for a hotel on Google and click on “check availability,” they are directed to a page listing all options to book the selected hotel.
How Do Free Hotel Booking Links Work?
There are a few key differences between free booking links and paid booking links. A hotel ad is a paid link, ranked according to Google’s ad auction and algorithm. Free booking links, on the other hand, are unpaid and ranked based on their usefulness to users. Google sometimes displays free booking links alongside paid hotel ads.
What Do Hotel Ads Look Like?
Free booking links display similar information to paid hotel ads, including:
- Your site name (or hotel name)
- Room rate for dates selected
- Official site badge (if you are the hotel owner, direct supplier, or technology provider)
How To Set Up Free Booking Links
If you are a Hotel Center partner, you may already be showing up for free booking links. Hotels are automatically eligible to show free booking links if they meet the following requirements:
- Existing Hotel Center partner
- Currently participating in Hotel Ads
Any property that has a bid, available rates, and a dedicated landing page in existing hotel campaigns is eligible for free booking links. If you are a hotel or hotel partner and have not set up a Hotel Center account, that is the first place to start. Multiple guides are available depending on your hotel role, including:
- Hotel owner
- Connectivity partner
- Agency
The Hotel Center is the hub where you can manage your property’s online presence, with hotel information and management details confirmed through a Google Business Profile. Once this information is set up, you can opt to set up free booking links and/or run hotel ads. If your hotel uses a reservation system, it might already be connected to Google through that provider. It’s best to check with the provider to set up your free booking links.
Are Vacation Rental Homes Eligible?
Owners of individual vacation rental properties are ineligible for free hotel booking links from Google Ads. However, property management businesses may be eligible for a Hotel Center account if they meet the following requirements:
- Must be a registered property management business
- Need to have a direct booking website, or
- Be listed on a booking site integrated with Vacation Rentals on Google
For more details, check out the full video from Google.
Featured Image: PST Vector/Shutterstock
