Support the “book it now” feature on Instagram

Status: Declined 35 Votes
Paul W
Jan 23, 2023 2:41 PM
OR Team Member Joined Jun, 2009 833 posts

Hey everyone, I looked into this a while back, and it's not possible for PMS or VR/STR software (like OwnerRez) to use this.

In order to have an "action button" on Instagram, you have to fall into one of three categories that Instagram supports:

  • Health & Beauty (Book Now)
  • Dining (Reserve)
  • Order Food

Read about Allowed "action button" Business Types for Instagram.

We (OwnerRez) cannot sign up to be in one of these categories because we're about lodging and would not be approved.  I actually checked - the signup process only allows business software of one of the above types.  This is why you don't see any lodging/hosptiability vendors on the list.  Only beauty/dining/food vendors like OpenTable or Appointy are there.

If you want this to happen, the first thing you would need to do is reach out to Instagram (Meta?) and petition them to allow lodging software (first) as a category, and then that OwnerRez be approved after they start allowing that category.

Sloanish
Jan 26, 2022 12:32 PM
Joined Jun, 2018 131 posts

Can you support the “book it now” feature on Instagram as described below? I do not see OwnerRez listed. It would be great if you do. 

You can see from the below image that OR is not currently listed.

In order to add the "BOOK NOW" button on Instagram, it needs to be added to your booking software (Owner Reservations) and then you need to log in to enable it. 
Here are the steps you can take on Instagram on your phone (logged in as @XXXXXXXX) if you want to see if it is possible to set it up:
Log- Edit Profile- Scroll Down to "Action Buttons"- Click on "None Active"- Select Button > Book Now- Select a Partner:

This is where you select your booking partner- You may also need to be logged into the booking software on your phone so that IG can verify the connection similar to Owner Bridge

It’s Instagram‘s world, we just live in it.

 

UstlcRentals
Feb 8, 2022 7:10 AM
Joined Oct, 2021 54 posts

I vote 10 times for this!

Ann-Tyler
Feb 8, 2022 7:23 AM
Joined Jul, 2019 17 posts

yes!! This would be great. We do 95% of our business from instagram marketing and influencers. 

BlueMtnCabins
Feb 8, 2022 2:23 PM
Joined Jun, 2016 1127 posts

does anyone actually book on IG? we have had IG for years and post regularly. Judging by Google Analytics, it is a dud. 

Sloanish
Feb 8, 2022 3:39 PM
Joined Jun, 2018 131 posts

There is no book it now functionality for owner reservations on Instagram currently. It is hard to evaluate something that is not activated yet.

We’re seeing more and more engagement on Instagram every month. It is something that we need to be ready for and anticipate. People use it a heck of a lot more than email, websites or FB now. 

OR - Please add this feature. 

Anwer S
Jan 23, 2023 8:48 AM
Joined Nov, 2021 1 post

This would be a great feature to have

Paul W
Jan 23, 2023 2:41 PM
OR Team Member Joined Jun, 2009 833 posts

Hey everyone, I looked into this a while back, and it's not possible for PMS or VR/STR software (like OwnerRez) to use this.

In order to have an "action button" on Instagram, you have to fall into one of three categories that Instagram supports:

  • Health & Beauty (Book Now)
  • Dining (Reserve)
  • Order Food

Read about Allowed "action button" Business Types for Instagram.

We (OwnerRez) cannot sign up to be in one of these categories because we're about lodging and would not be approved.  I actually checked - the signup process only allows business software of one of the above types.  This is why you don't see any lodging/hosptiability vendors on the list.  Only beauty/dining/food vendors like OpenTable or Appointy are there.

If you want this to happen, the first thing you would need to do is reach out to Instagram (Meta?) and petition them to allow lodging software (first) as a category, and then that OwnerRez be approved after they start allowing that category.

BlueMtnCabins
Jan 23, 2023 4:50 PM
Joined Jun, 2016 1127 posts

You really mean this? I neverrrrrrrrrrr had any booking or even inquiry originate on IG.