Getting your property on Expedia can be a game-changer for filling rooms and reaching new guests. But listing isn’t enough – you need to do it right, then optimize to stand out. Let’s walk through every step, from signing up to making your listing shine.
Starting Your Expedia Journey: The Listing Process
Step 1: Find and Complete the Initial Form
Getting your property on Expedia starts with a simple first move. Navigate to Expedia’s homepage and look for the “List your property” button. Clicking this button leads to a form where you’ll input key details to get started:
- Your property’s full address, including small details like suite numbers (accuracy here helps travelers find you easily).
- The type of property (hotel, bed and breakfast, vacation rental, etc.) to ensure it’s categorized correctly.
- The number of rooms or units available – this helps Expedia match you with the right traveler searches.
- Your most reliable contact info: a phone number and email you check daily, so you don’t miss updates.
Step 2: Verify Your Account and Set Up Expedia Partner Central (EPC)
After submitting the form, Expedia’s team will send a verification email within 24–48 hours. This step is critical – it confirms you’re the legitimate owner or manager of the property. Open the email, click the verification link, and you’ll be guided to create an Expedia Partner Central (EPC) account.
EPC acts as your all-in-one command center: here, you’ll adjust rates, update availability, respond to reviews, and track bookings. Take a moment to set a strong password (mix letters, numbers, and symbols) and save your login details in a secure place – you’ll use this dashboard daily once your listing is live.
Step 3: Building Your Listing – Craft Details That Convert
Your listing isn’t just a form – it’s a sales pitch. Start by making every room description feel personal. For each room type, skip generic phrases and paint a vivid picture. Instead of “Queen room with TV,” try “Sunny queen room with floor-to-ceiling windows, smart TV, and a cozy armchair – perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.” Highlight small, memorable perks: a mini-fridge stocked with local snacks, blackout curtains for late sleepers, or a workspace with a desk lamp for business travelers.
Amenities deserve the same care. Don’t just check boxes – add context that matters to guests. Instead of “Wi-Fi,” note “Free high-speed Wi-Fi (50+ Mbps) – great for streaming or video calls.” If you have a pool, specify if it’s heated or has a poolside bar. For pet-friendly properties, share details like “$25 pet fee includes a welcome kit with bowls and treats.” These specifics build trust and help travelers feel confident they’re choosing the right spot.
Step 4: Photos – The Key to Stopping Scrollers
Travelers scroll through listings in seconds – your photos are what make them pause. Expedia recommends at least 20 photos, but prioritize quality over quantity. If possible, hire a pro who knows how to use natural light and highlight your property’s best angles. If you’re shooting yourself, avoid blurry shots or dark corners.
- Primary photo: This is your first impression – make it count. A shot of your property at golden hour, a lush garden with your sign, or a room with a jaw-dropping view works wonders.
- Cover all spaces: Include bedrooms (with fresh linens), bathrooms (clean counters, fluffy towels), common areas (lobby, dining room), and outdoor spaces (patio, pool, parking lot). Don’t forget close-ups: a breakfast spread with local pastries, a sunset from your rooftop, or a fire pit ready for evening chats.
Expedia also supports 360° virtual tours – they’re worth the effort. A tour lets travelers “walk through” your property, building confidence (especially for first-time visitors). Hire a service or use a 360° camera app on a budget – just ensure the tour is smooth and covers key areas like lobbies, rooms, and amenities.
Step 5: Choose Where to Shine – Expedia’s Network
Expedia’s family of sites (Hotels.com, Vrbo, etc.) lets you reach niche audiences – and it’s free to appear on them. Match your property to the right platforms:
- Vacation rentals with kitchens or yards? Vrbo is a must – its users seek homes, not hotels.
- Boutique hotels or B&Bs? Hotels.com’s “Stay 10, get 1 free” program attracts repeat guests.
Toggle these options on/off in EPC (Expedia Partner Central) to experiment. After a month, check EPC analytics to see which sites drive the most bookings – then focus on those to maximize visibility.
Step 6: Prep Before Launch – Avoid Last-Minute Mistakes
Before hitting “publish,” double-check every detail:
- Test your booking link to ensure rates and dates are correct (no one wants to book a “$100/night” room only to find it’s $150).
- Read descriptions out loud – does anything sound confusing? Ask a friend to review the listing and flag questions they’d have.
- Fix typos (they look unprofessional) and confirm your contact info is up-to-date (so guests can reach you if needed).
Once live, Expedia may take a few hours to approve your listing (they check for accuracy). Then, monitor EPC for booking notifications. Don’t stress if the first booking takes a few days – it can take time for your listing to appear in search results.
Step 7: Manage Like a Pro with Expedia Partner Central (EPC)
EPC is your daily hub for keeping the listing running smoothly:
- Bookings & availability: Check the “Reservations” tab daily for new bookings – it includes guest names, check-in times, and special requests (like “late check-in” or “allergy-friendly room”). Update availability here too: block dates for renovations or open last-minute rooms if you have cancellations.
- Rates & deals: Adjust prices easily – raise them during peak seasons (holidays, local festivals) and lower them in slow times to attract budget travelers. Use Expedia’s “Deals” feature to add badges like “Stay 3 nights, get 10% off” or “Early bird discount” – these make your listing stand out.
- Reviews: Respond to feedback within 48 hours. For positives, say thanks and invite guests back (“Loved having you – can’t wait to welcome you again soon!”). For negatives, apologize and explain fixes (“Sorry about the noisy AC – we’ve had a technician repair it, and it’s good as new”). This shows travelers you care.
Strategies to Boost Your Listing
Getting listed is just the start – here’s how to make your property rise to the top:
- Update regularly: If you add a new amenity (like a fitness center) or renovate a room, update your listing and photos. Expedia’s algorithm favors fresh content, so this can help you rank higher.
- Ask for reviews: After a guest checks out, send a quick email: “We hope you enjoyed your stay! If you have a minute, a review on Expedia helps other travelers – and us – improve. Thanks for choosing us!” Most guests are happy to help, and more reviews mean better visibility.
- Try paid promotion: Expedia offers “Sponsored Listings” – you pay a small fee to appear higher in search results, especially for popular dates. This is great for slow seasons or when you have lots of empty rooms. Start with a small budget, track how many bookings it drives, and adjust from there.
- Use channel management tools: If you list on Airbnb, Booking.com, or other sites, a tool like Smart Order can sync your rates and availability across all platforms. This prevents double-bookings (a huge headache) and saves you time – no more updating each site one by one.
Expedia Fees and Payments
You might be wondering about costs – here’s the good news: Expedia doesn’t charge a fee to list your property. They make money by taking a commission when someone books, usually between 10-30% (the exact number depends on your property type and location). You only pay this commission after the guest stays – if a booking is canceled, you don’t owe anything.
For payments, Expedia uses xPay, a secure system that handles all transactions. Guests pay Expedia when they book, and you get paid 2-5 business days after check-out. xPay works with multiple currencies, so if you host international guests, you don’t have to worry about exchange rates – the money lands in your bank account in your local currency. You can track payments in EPC, so you always know when to expect funds.
Final Tips
Expedia is always updating its features, so check the “Resources” tab in EPC for new tools or tips. Follow Expedia’s blog for advice on peak travel seasons or trending amenities (like eco-friendly perks or work-from-home spaces).
And don’t be afraid to experiment. Try a new deal, rearrange your photos, or tweak your descriptions – see what works for your property. The goal is to make your listing feel personal and inviting, like a friend recommending a great spot.Listing on Expedia is more than just a way to get bookings – it’s a chance to connect with travelers from around the world. With a little effort, your property can stand out, fill more rooms, and turn first-time guests into loyal regulars. So what are you waiting for? Start listing, and watch your business grow.
