Millions of travellers use search engines like Google to find and book accommodation every day. And, the number of searches with the intent of finding vacation homes is continuously increasing.
To respond to this demand, Google has created Google Vacation Rentals, a product that integrates short-term rental listings into Google’s travel search function.
As of 2019, vacation rental listings also appear in Google search results, making it easy for travellers to find and book alternative accommodation. Short-term rental listings are pulled from select listing sites or provided by Google’s trusted vacation rental technology partners, such as the Rentals United channel manager.
Rentals United is one of the few vacation rental channel managers that Google has chosen to work with. This means that by connecting your properties to Google through the Rentals United platform, you’ll start seeing them appear in search results in no time.
Accept direct bookings from Google on your own website. This allows your potential guests to get acquainted with your business and your brand.
Your logo appears in Google Vacation Rental search results, as well as the Google listing details page.
When a potential guest clicks the ‘Visit site’ button, they are redirected to the property page on your website, where they can complete the booking process or get in touch with your team.
Since the traffic goes directly to your website, you can use acquisition strategies to help you get more bookings, including presenting similar listings, newsletter signups and remarketing.
With the Rentals United connection, the traffic from Google comes at no additional cost per click.
Steps to connecting your vacation rentals to Google
1. Log into your Rentals United account and connect your properties to Google in just a few easy steps. Follow our checklist with detailed instructions.
2. Traffic redirects are configured using the Rentals United Gateway API. This will ensure your potential guests end up on the correct landing pages. In case you are not able to do it yourself, Rentals United can configure the redirects for you at an additional cost. Once you activate the connection, we send Google your availability and prices for 330 days (required by Google). Your ads go live within 2 days.
3. When a guest clicks your Google vacation rental ad, they are redirected to your website where they can complete the booking.
4. Charge the guest as specified in your own policy via your payment processor system of choice and manage guest relationships.
5. Grow your business with commission-free direct bookings from Google.
Once you activate the connection, we send Google via RU your availability and prices for 330 days (required by Google). Your ads go live within 2 days.