What is the Free Google Listing

STAAH MAX V2 - What is the Free Google Listing

TIME TO REJOICE HOTELIERS! FREE GOOGLE LISTINGS JUST BECAME A REALITY…

STAAH’s partnership with Google following its announcement of free hotel listings promises increased reach and direct booking



After switching its shopping service and flights to mostly free listings, Google has announced another major update – free hotel listings on google.com/travel. The listings will appear below-paid results in Google hotel search.

To make the most of this new feature, leading hospitality distribution specialist, STAAH has completed its integration with Google. Partner properties can now push rates and availability in real-time to the search giant. The feature, called Get Google, is available to all STAAH Booking Engine customers.

“It’s easy to set-up, seamless and an opportunity that could bring fantastic results to properties who have faced a tough 12 months and keen to improve profitability by growing their share of commission-free direct bookings,” says Tony Howlett, Chief Operating Officer, STAAH Ltd.


                  

Pricing, click-through rates and landing experience have been identified as indicators that will be used to rank properties in the available spots for chosen keywords.

“Accuracy of availability and dynamic rate management via the STAAH booking engine helps properties bring their A-game to the metasearch giant and puts them in greater control of their guests’ online booking experience,” adds Tony Howlett, COO STAAH.

This latest move aims to create a comprehensive user experience, giving users more information so they can make confident choices, further establishing Google as their trusted source when searching for the best bookings options.

It’s a great change, at a point in time when the industry can take all the help it needs,” says Tony.

“It would be a pity for properties to miss this opportunity.”


Before activating Google for a property, please ensure the following guidelines are followed:

  • Property name on STAAH and Google business profile should be same.

  • Property address including street name and phone number on STAAH and Google business profile should be same.

  • The location of the property/maps including latitude and longitude should be updated on STAAH profile accurately.

  • If the property is a VR or holiday rental - Google will not work for those properties.

  • For group properties ensure the telephone should be different for each individual property.

  • The maximum permitted is 10,000 USD per night.

Https://support.google.com/hotelprices/answer/9970971?hl=en The link has a list of Hotels and VR properties. Please note that google and STAAH connection will not work if the property is a VR or comes under the VR list provided by Google.


How to get started?

The feature can be enabled for existing STAAH booking engine customers in approximately 7 days, subject to certain terms and conditions, and a nominal monthly service fee.

Go to mapping > Channel Password will be auto setup with all rooms selected > Next, click on ‘View Meta Partners’ > Select the MC and enable

Multi Currency support > Provides the property with the option to select its preferred selling currency through Google. This feature is only available to properties who have multi-currency feature enabled.

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During the connection process, option available to select currency.


Notes
Note: Google also has the provision to pass the favicon updated on STAAH to be sent to Google listing. But there are few guide lines.

Icon guidelines

Make sure your icons meet the following requirements before uploading:

  • Resolution of at least 72x72 pixels and no more than 1200x1200 pixels
  • Square dimensions only (1:1)
  • No more than 3 text characters per icon
  • PNG format
  • Transparent or on a non-white background
  • No alcohol, violence, or sexual content
  • Must match the favicon or artwork on the advertiser’s final URL

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Get started by enabling the feature in your STAAH Extranet or emailing the STAAH team at sales@staah.com with the subject line Get Google and your property details.

1.    Activate My Services



2.    Accept the Term & Conditions



New properties/ Non STAAH Customers can signup for STAAH Get Google feature here.