YCS Agoda: How to Optimize your Hotel Listings

The travel and hospitality industry is more competitive than ever, with potential guests relying heavily on online booking platforms to find accommodations. For hotel owners and managers, leveraging Agoda’s Yield Control System (YCS) effectively is crucial to standing out. Whether you’re new to YCS Agoda or looking to enhance your presence, this guide will help you optimize your hotel listings to attract more bookings and maximize revenue.

What is Agoda YCS?

Agoda's Yield Control System (YCS) is a proprietary tool designed for accommodation providers to manage their properties on Agoda’s platform. From updating room availability to adjusting pricing, YCS empowers hoteliers to optimize their listings in real-time. By mastering YCS, you can enhance your property's visibility, drive more bookings, and improve guest satisfaction.

Why Optimize Your Agoda Hotel Listings?

Agoda’s platform serves millions of travelers worldwide, making it a vital channel for boosting bookings. Optimizing your hotel listings offers several benefits:

• Increased Visibility: Higher-quality listings appear more prominently in search results.
• Better Conversion Rates: Detailed and attractive listings encourage potential guests to book.
• Higher Revenue: Optimized pricing strategies help maximize earnings.

Now, let’s dive into actionable steps to optimize your Agoda listings using YCS.

Step 1: Ensure Accurate and Up-to-Date Information

YCS Agoda Login

Login to your account here.

Update Room Availability

Keep your room inventory up-to-date to avoid overbookings and cancellations. Use the Calendar feature in YCS to manage availability efficiently. Regular updates ensure your property is eligible for Agoda’s promotional campaigns, which can boost visibility.

Provide Comprehensive Details

Potential guests need complete and accurate information to make informed decisions. Ensure the following details are included and correct:

• Room types and amenities
• Hotel facilities (e.g., pool, gym, parking)
• Nearby attractions and transport links
• Check-in/out policies

Highlight Unique Selling Points (USPs)

Does your property offer free breakfast or scenic views? Highlight these USPs in your descriptions. They set you apart from competitors and appeal to niche traveler needs.

Step 2: Optimize Your Hotel Descriptions and Titles

Craft Engaging Titles

Your hotel title should include its name, key attributes, and location. For example:

• "Sunny Bay Resort – Beachfront Property with Pool in Phuket"
• "Urban Luxe Apartments – Central Tokyo, Free Wi-Fi"

Use Keywords Strategically

Incorporate popular search terms into your descriptions, such as:

• “Budget-friendly”
• “Luxury stay”
• “Family-friendly” This improves search engine rankings and ensures your listing aligns with what travelers are looking for.

Keep Descriptions Clear and Concise

Avoid long paragraphs and jargon. Instead, structure descriptions with short, impactful sentences. Use bullet points to list amenities, making them easy to skim.

Step 3: Upload High-Quality Photos

Images significantly influence booking decisions. Follow these tips to make a great visual impression:

• Use Professional Photography: Invest in high-resolution photos showcasing your rooms, amenities, and surroundings with photographers specialized in hospitality.
• Show Multiple Angles: Include images of different room types, common areas, and exterior views.
• Highlight Key Features: Capture your USPs, such as pools, spas, or unique architectural details.
• Keep Photos Updated: Replace outdated images to reflect current property conditions and renovations. Using an AI moderation tool can help you find images that are low quality, outdated, or off-brand.

Step 4: Leverage Agoda’s Promotions and Tools

Agoda YCS offers powerful tools and promotions that can drive bookings:

Participate in Agoda Promotions

Agoda frequently runs promotions such as Last-Minute Deals, Early Bird Discounts, and Mobile-Only Discounts. Use YCS to enroll in these campaigns and attract more bookings.

Utilize Price Management Features

YCS provides tools like Rate Plans and Yield Control to adjust pricing dynamically. For example:

• Create Seasonal Pricing: Charge higher rates during peak seasons and offer discounts in low seasons.
• Set Minimum Stays: Encourage longer bookings by requiring a minimum number of nights during certain periods.

Engage in Agoda VIP Programs

Participate in Agoda’s VIP programs, such as Agoda Preferred Partner or Agoda’s Secret Deals, to boost visibility and reach a broader audience.

Step 5: Collect and Leverage Guest Reviews

Encourage Reviews

Positive reviews boost trust and visibility. After guests check out, encourage them to leave a review by sending a follow-up email or using Agoda’s tools.

Respond to Feedback

Engage with reviewers, whether their feedback is positive or critical. Responding professionally shows you value guest opinions and are committed to improvement.

Analyze Reviews for Insights

Monitor reviews to identify trends in guest satisfaction and dissatisfaction. Use this feedback to improve your property and enhance guest experiences.

Step 6: Analyze Performance Metrics

Agoda YCS includes a Performance Dashboard with insights into your property’s performance. Key metrics to monitor include:

• Booking Volume: Track trends and identify peak booking periods.
• Cancellation Rates: High cancellations may indicate issues with pricing or policies.
• Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR): Measure revenue performance relative to available rooms.

Use this data to refine your strategies and optimize future listings.

Step 7: Provide Excellent Customer Support

Great customer service starts before guests arrive. Here’s how to use YCS to deliver exceptional service:

• Respond Quickly: Use YCS messaging to reply promptly to guest inquiries.
• Set Clear Policies: Ensure your booking policies (e.g., cancellations and refunds) are transparent and guest-friendly.
• Personalize Communications: Tailor pre-arrival and post-stay emails to enhance the guest experience.

Step 8: Monitor Competitors

Understanding your competitors can give you an edge. Use Agoda YCS to:

• Compare pricing strategies and amenities of nearby properties.
• Analyze their promotional activities and adjust your offerings accordingly.
• Identify gaps in the market and position your property uniquely.

Conclusion

Optimizing your Agoda hotel listings through YCS is a powerful way to increase bookings, enhance guest satisfaction, and boost revenue. By providing accurate information, uploading high-quality photos, leveraging Agoda’s promotional tools, and analyzing performance data, you can ensure your property stands out in a crowded marketplace.

OCUS can help you achieve these goals and increase the conversion of your listings by 30%. OCUS AI allows you to scale your visual performance with automated content moderation, enhancement and optimization. This enables you to instantly review your images in bulk and at scale, across all platforms, freeing up your time for more important responsibilities.