What is Expedia Partner Central?

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Expedia Partner Central opens the door to a huge, global travel marketplace. When you sign up, you can access all the brands under the Expedia Group umbrella. That means travellers can see your property in over 70 countries and in 31 different languages. With an increasing 112 million people checking out Expedia each month, that's a lot of potential guests!

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But it's not just about getting seen. Expedia Partner Central also gives you many tools to help you run your business better. You can manage and grow your bookings, keep your guests happy, and make your property stand out. They have tools and programs to help you learn and make smart decisions based on real data. And it's super easy to manage your reservations, change your prices, and keep your property listings attractive. 

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How to Log into Expedia Partner Central as an Owner

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To access your user dashboard on Expedia Partner Central, follow these simple steps.

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• Visit Expedia's Homepage
• Use the same email address, username, and password associated with your Expedia account.
• If you don’t have an Expedia account yet, you can easily create one on their website. Once your account is set up and you've uploaded your listing, you’ll gain access to Expedia extranet services.
• Click the "sign in" button to proceed to your dashboard.
• If you encounter any issues logging in, you can click on "Forgot Your Password?" To reset your account, enter your email or username, and you will receive a reset code.

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What Hosts Can Do on Expedia Extranet

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On the Expedia Extranet, hosts have various tools to maintain and enhance their business. These tools cover everything from managing listings to improving customer relationships. Expedia categorises their resources into four main areas:

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Refine Your Listing

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To attract travellers to your property, having a top-notch listing is key. Expedia Partner Central provides essential tools to help you create the perfect listing:

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Content Score

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Expedia evaluates your listing based on traveller search data, surveys, and industry trends. This gives you a score indicating how well your listing meets guest expectations. It helps you identify areas for improvement and ensures your information aligns with what travellers seek.

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You'll receive an overall score and specific ratings for property and room amenities, photo gallery, and guest requirements. 

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Photo Score

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Photos play a crucial role in attracting guests. Expedia's photo score tool rates the quality of your photos, guiding you to showcase your property effectively.

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Expedia recommends including high-resolution images of each room, your building and surroundings, and key amenities. Your photo score highlights missing photos or areas where improvements can enhance your listing's appeal.

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Points of Interest

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Guests often seek accommodations near local attractions. Expedia simplifies this by offering a list of nearby activities. Customise this list by adding local favourites like restaurants or landmarks. You can even upload photos to make your listing more enticing.

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Including points of interest sets your property apart, showcasing its unique location and attractions. It helps attract guests looking for an immersive experience beyond just accommodation.

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Optimise Revenue

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Vacation rental owners try to maximise earnings while providing value to guests. Expedia offers tools and insights to help strike the right balance and keep your property profitable and booked:

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Revenue Management with Rev+

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Expedia uses extensive market data to predict future trends. Rev+ notifies owners of price changes and market shifts, ensuring competitive pricing and maximising profit. Adjusting prices at the right time keeps your property ahead in the dynamic vacation rental market.

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Competitive Set

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Expedia identifies 5-19 properties in your market as your main competitors. This comparison helps you gauge your property’s performance and amenities against others. Insights from competitors can inspire investments like adding an at-home office to attract digital nomads and boost bookings.

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Rooms, Rates & Availability

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Manage all aspects of your listings through Expedia Partner Central. Easily update room details, rates, and availability across multiple channels using bulk tools. Centralised management prevents double bookings and ensures consistency, enhancing customer satisfaction.

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Property Analytics

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Expedia’s analytics tool provides deep insights into your property’s performance. Analyse booking data, industry trends, and guest behaviour to refine your strategy. Track metrics like revenue, visibility, and conversion rates year-over-year to make informed decisions and optimise your property’s potential.

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Improve Guest Experience

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Ensuring a great guest experience maximises bookings and maintains a positive online reputation. Expedia provides powerful tools to help vacation rental owners elevate their guests’ stays:

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Messages

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Effective communication before and during a guest's stay creates a welcoming environment. Expedia Partner Central’s messaging system allows hosts and guests to connect immediately after booking. Features like smart templates, scheduled messages, and filters keep communication organised and personalised. Reliable messaging enhances guest satisfaction and builds your online reputation.

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In-house Feedback

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Guest interaction and feedback are crucial for your vacation rental business. Expedia’s In-house Feedback tool lets guests provide real-time feedback during their stay. Guests receive an email on arrival day prompting them to share their experience with check-in, the property, location, and more. Hosts receive alerts for quick responses, resolving issues promptly and potentially preventing negative reviews.

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Post-stay Reviews

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Managing reviews is pivotal in shaping your property’s online presence. After guests check out, they are encouraged to leave reviews. Expedia notifies you of new reviews so you can read and respond promptly.

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Maximise Marketing Impact

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Marketing is crucial for attracting travellers to your rental. Expedia offers a range of tools, both paid and free, to help you reach your target audience effectively:

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Accelerator

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The Accelerator tool automatically boosts your search result visibility for a chosen compensation level. It adjusts commission rates based on bookings generated, allowing you to control spending. Use it strategically during peak seasons or holiday weekends to maximise bookings. Track performance metrics like net room nights and page views to optimise your marketing strategy.

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Campaigns & Promotions

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Expedia’s marketing team runs ongoing campaigns to attract visitors to their platform. By participating, you tap into this audience. Join campaigns by offering preset discounts on specific dates to attract more visitors. Create your own promotions, like early booking deals or same-day offers, to increase bookings and visibility.

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TravelAds

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TravelAds are pay-per-click ads displayed on Expedia’s platform. Set parameters to target domestic or international customers and control costs with a budget and maximum cost per click. Use the TravelAds dashboard to analyse performance data and refine your advertising strategy.

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Conclusion 

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Expedia Partner Central provides everything you need to improve your listing, increase revenue, improve guest experience, and market your rental. Using these tools can help you attract more guests and boost your profits.

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A property manager like Houst can help you make the most of these tools and keep your listing competitive.

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