As a hotelier, it's crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest changes in online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia. One significant update that can impact your hotel's visibility and bookings is Expedia's Search and Sort Factors update. In this eight-step guide, I will explain this update in detail to help you navigate its implications effectively.
- Understanding the Search and Sort Factors Update Expedia periodically updates its search and sort algorithm to ensure a better user experience and provide travelers with more relevant results. The sort and search factors aims to match travelers' preferences and needs by considering various factors when displaying search results.
- Guest Reviews and Ratings One essential factor in Expedia's update is the emphasis on guest reviews and ratings. Positive reviews and high ratings play a significant role in determining a hotel's position in search results. Therefore, as a hotelier, it is crucial to actively encourage your guests to leave reviews and provide feedback on their experiences.
- Competitive Pricing and Value Expedia's algorithm now takes into account competitive pricing and value when ranking search results. This means that hotels offering competitive rates and attractive value propositions are more likely to appear higher in search results. Ensure that your pricing strategy aligns with market trends and offers a compelling value proposition to potential guests.
- Availability and Booking Options The availability of rooms and flexible booking options are essential considerations for travelers. Expedia's update takes these factors into account, favoring hotels that have a wide range of available rooms and offer flexible booking options such as free cancellation or flexible check-in/check-out times. Make sure your hotel provides a variety of room options and offers flexible booking terms to improve your search ranking.
- Location and Proximity The update also considers the proximity of a hotel to the traveler's desired location. Expedia's algorithm favors hotels that are closer to popular attractions, business districts, transportation hubs, or other relevant points of interest. If your hotel is well-located, highlight its proximity to key landmarks or attractions in your property description.
- Property Quality and Amenities The quality of your property and the amenities you offer have a significant impact on search results. Expedia's algorithm considers factors such as star ratings, property facilities, and amenities when ranking hotels. Ensure that your property is well-maintained, offers desirable amenities, and provides accurate information about your property's features.
- Brand Trust and Engagement Brand trust and engagement play a crucial role in Expedia's search results. Hotels with a strong brand presence, positive reputation, and active engagement with travelers are more likely to rank higher. Actively respond to guest reviews, engage with potential guests through Expedia's messaging platform, and maintain a positive online reputation to improve your search ranking.
- Regular Monitoring and Optimization Expedia's search and sort factors are subject to change, so it's essential to regularly monitor your hotel's performance and adjust your strategy accordingly. Stay updated with Expedia's announcements, review your performance metrics, and make data-driven optimizations to maximize your visibility and bookings on the platform.
Summarily, Expedia's Search and Sort Factors update considers various factors such as guest reviews, competitive pricing, availability, location, property quality, and brand trust to determine search rankings. By actively managing these factors and adapting your strategy, you can enhance your hotel's visibility on Expedia and attract more bookings. Stay informed, engage with your guests, and continuously optimize your approach to make the most of this update.