When your property is connected to Google Hotels through NightsBridge, potential guests can see your direct booking link right alongside options from online travel agencies (OTAs) like Booking.com. Selecting your link sends guests straight to your NightsBridge booking engine to book with you directly.
If you have ever noticed that your direct link sits below other booking options on the screen, please breathe easy! Your system is working exactly as it should. Here is a quick, plain-speaking guide to how Google orders booking links and what determines where your link appears.
How Google displays and ranks booking links
Google displays two distinct types of booking links on Google Hotels: paid booking links (Google Hotel ads) and free booking links.
- Paid booking links: Booking channels or properties pay to feature these ads at the top of search results, and Google clearly identifies them as sponsored links.
- Free booking links: Your NightsBridge direct booking link appears in the free booking section. Google ranks free links separately using a combination of automated factors.
What factors influence your free link position?
Google's algorithm decides the order of free links based on several key details, including:
- The overall value offered to the guest
- The guest's personal search preferences
- The quality and experience of the booking page
- The accuracy of the prices provided to Google
Because these factors vary depending on who is searching, your direct link's exact position can shift and won't always sit right at the top.
Can you pay to move your free direct link higher?
The short answer is no. Google does not allow properties or booking channels to pay for a higher position among the free booking links.
If you would like to gain top placement, properties can choose to run paid Google Hotel ads through Google's advertising system. Paid ad links are ranked separately from free links. It is also good to know that running a Google Hotel ads campaign does not alter or boost the position of your free booking link.
As long as your link is visible, your connection is working!
If you can see your NightsBridge direct booking link showing on Google Hotels, you can rest easy knowing that your setup is working smoothly—even if it doesn't appear at the very top of the list.
If your direct booking link isn't showing up on Google Hotels at all, check out our helpful guide on What do I do if my booking link does not show on Google Hotels.