“How can I increase my direct bookings?” It’s a question many independent hoteliers ask themselves. To provide them with not only an answer but also an effective and affordable solution, trivago developed Rate Connect.
So, what is Rate Connect exactly? What are the benefits? And how much does it cost? You’ll find the answers to these and more below in the top 10 questions hoteliers ask about trivago’s Rate Connect.
#1 What is Rate Connect?
trivago’s Rate Connect is designed to help independent hoteliers like you increase direct bookings and lower distribution costs. The way to do that is by enabling you to promote your website rates on trivago (with a link to your booking page).
When travelers click on your advertised website rates, trivago will send them straight to you to complete the direct-booking process. This allows you to own the guest relationship, build your brand, and generate repeat business.
#2 What are the benefits of Rate Connect?
trivago is a leading global hotel metasearch where travelers worldwide go to find their ideal accommodation by comparing millions of deals from hundreds of booking sites online.
When you begin promoting your website rates on trivago with Rate Connect, you open a new channel to create a healthier balance between direct and indirect booking distribution. Why is this mix essential?
The more travelers book directly with you via trivago, the less you rely so heavily on third-party bookings. Plus, you attract potential guests who prefer to book directly with the property that ticks all the right boxes for their next trip.
Promote your official direct rates to boost bookings
#3 What are the requirements to have Rate Connect?
- You’re registered on trivago Business Studio.
- You have a booking engine from a connectivity provider that partners with trivago.
To find out if your connectivity provider has the technical setup with trivago, check the list by clicking here.
#4 How much does Rate Connect cost?
Rate Connect offers three types of campaigns: pay-per-click, pay-per-booking, and pay-per-stay (their availability depends on the setup with connectivity providers).
When you opt for pay-per-click, you set the monthly budget that’s right for you and only pay for the clicks you receive on your website rates. These may amount to the budget you allocate, or they may be less.
With the pay-per-booking campaign you can choose one of the available commission rates and pay that fixed rate on each direct booking you receive.
As for pay-per-stay, the commission rate you choose will be charged on guests’ direct bookings after they’ve completed their stay. trivago won’t charge you for a cancelled booking unless you keep part or all of its booking value.
No matter which one you select, you’ll be able to influence your visibility on trivago based on your preferred bidding goal with a pay-per-click campaign or the commission rate chosen for the pay-per-booking and pay-per-stay campaigns.
And rest assured, there are no registration costs or subscription fees with Rate Connect. However, fees with your connectivity provider may still apply.
#5 Is there a recommended monthly budget?
To help you select an optimal budget for the pay-per-click campaign, trivago provides budget recommendations.
These recommendations are based on several factors, including the level of exposure you want to achieve on trivago, individual market conditions, and the estimated number of clicks your campaign will receive.
You can also adjust your budget for your campaign. A newly set budget will go into effect at the beginning of the next calendar month.
#6 Can I switch from one campaign to the other?
Yes, you have the option to switch to another campaign that’s available to you.
#7 Do I have the option to pause my Rate Connect campaign?
Yes, you can pause and then resume your campaign when necessary. However, before pressing the pause button, ask yourself: “Why should I stop showing my more attractive website rates on trivago when I don’t stop showing my standard room rates on OTAs?”
Even if you close for a season, it doesn’t mean that travelers aren’t checking rates for the next one, with the hope of booking an irresistible deal. That’s why we recommend you keep your website rates visible throughout the year and take advantage of trivago’s algorithms.
#8 How can I optimize the performance of my Rate Connect campaign?
trivago will carry out a lot of the performance-optimization for you, every single day. trivago automatically adjusts your bid daily to make sure your campaign is always competitive with other advertisers.
Plus, the automated market selection feature will target only high-value markets with your website rates in order to generate more traffic and booking conversions for your property. The selection of markets is optimized specifically for your campaign, too.
To help you keep track of your performance, we provide you with data on key metrics such as clicks, bookings, and revenue.
#9 How can I get Rate Connect?
Rate Connect is accessible in trivago Business Studio, the metasearch marketing platform used by hoteliers around the world to promote their properties on trivago.
When you know that your connectivity provider works with us, reach out to them first and arrange for your website rates and availability to be connected to trivago. Then, go ahead and set up a Rate Connect campaign in your Business Studio.
Hoteliers who already have trivago’s free booking link can log in to trivago Business Studio and start a Rate Connect campaign without having to contact their connectivity provider.
#10 How can I start a Rate Connect campaign?
It couldn’t be easier. Follow these easy steps when you’re logged in to trivago Business Studio:
- Click on Rate Connect at the top of the home page
- Set up your preferred campaign
- Enter your billing information
We’ll send you an email to confirm when your Rate Connect campaign is live on trivago.
If you’d like support with starting your Rate Connect campaign, trivago’s Hotelier Support team will be more than happy to give you a hand. You can reach out to them via the trivago Support Center.
