google listing

Google Visibility

If Google Can't Find You,
9 Out of 10 Guests
Won't Either

Your property isn't showing direct booking links on Google. If guests can't book directly from Google, they're far more likely to book through an OTA, and you'll pay commission on a booking that should have come straight to you.

See how to fix it →

Google provides the biggest source of visibility for businesses like yours; 9 out of 10 guests use Google in their travel planning. When Google has your rates and availability, it shows them across Google Search, Maps, Google Travel and your Business Profile. That level of visibility is impossible to achieve anywhere else.

OTAs like Booking.com and Expedia spend more on Google advertising than anywhere else; they know it's the only game in town. They're already advertising your property on Google and you're paying commission on those bookings.

Even if you have a better rate direct, you'll still lose to the OTAs because your rate is invisible. Guests searching for you see Booking.com first, and that's where they book.

Can guests see your direct rate on Google right now?

The red dot means a property has no direct rates connected; guests only see OTA options.

A property with no rates on Google
Google Maps showing Barriemore Oban marked as a property with no rates on Google
No rate — offers alternatives
Google search result for Barriemore Oban showing no direct rate and similar hotels nearby

Here's the good news: it's a simple fix.

Getting your direct booking link onto Google is quick and straightforward. Both options take just minutes to set up on freetobook and include full booking tracking, so you can see exactly how many direct bookings Google is generating.

Free to list

Google Free Booking Links

Google doesn't charge anything for Free Booking Links or the bookings that come through them. With freetobook it's a simple £5/month flat fee, regardless of how many direct bookings you receive.

Set up Google Free Booking Links →
Paid ads

Google Hotel Ads

Want even more visibility? Google Hotel Ads puts your direct rates in the paid advertising section alongside OTAs. With freetobook you pay a small 7% advertising fee, only on bookings secured through Hotel Ads.

Set up Google Hotel Ads →

More direct bookings. Less to OTAs.

  • Massive extra visibility on Google Search, Maps and Travel
  • Commission-free direct bookings
  • Your direct rate shown right next to Booking.com and Expedia
  • More loyal guests and fewer cancellations than OTAs
  • Control over the guest relationship — you keep their email and contact details
  • Less commission paid to OTAs

Don't Let OTAs Take Your Direct Bookings

If you aren't visible on Google, you are invisible to 9 out of 10 people looking for accommodation in your area. Making your direct booking option visible is one of the quickest ways to reduce OTA commission and take back control.

Get Your Property Connected to Google →

More about freetobook →