Online reviews can make or break your business. Nearly all travellers check reviews before booking a rental property, and a third won't even consider one without any reviews. If you're a rental property owner and not actively encouraging your guests to leave reviews online, you're missing a big opportunity. This is especially true on Tripadvisor, where reviews have topped a billion, and most listings are for hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, and attractions.
Tripadvisor is an absolute giant in travel reviews, attracting millions of unique visitors every single month. Travelers can find helpful advice and diverse opinions on accommodations, dining, and attractions at this ultimate destination.
But how can you get more Tripadvisor reviews to stand out?
In this blog, we’ll see how you can get more Trip Advisor reviews. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Why TripAdvisor Reviews Matter
Wondering about the impact of TripAdvisor reviews on your business? Here’s why they’re crucial:
Boosts Customer Loyalty
When guests have a great experience, acknowledging and thanking their feedback can build lasting loyalty. A personal touch in your responses goes a long way.
Builds Trust
Positive reviews showcase your business's strengths and reassure potential customers. It sets you apart from competitors and helps attract more guests.
Improves Service Standards
Guest feedback highlights areas for improvement and helps maintain high service standards. It's a valuable tool for staying ahead in customer satisfaction.
How To Get More Trip Advisor Reviews
- Create an Unforgettable Guest Experience
Ensuring your guests have an unforgettable experience from booking to departure is invaluable. Make their visit exceptional at every stage - before arrival, during their stay, and after check-out. By addressing their needs, you can greatly enhance their experience.
Give Surprises Along the Way
Adding little surprises for your guests is a subtle yet effective way to encourage feedback. Greet them warmly when they arrive, offer a complimentary drink, or provide a treat like a warm cookie or a water bottle at check-in. Celebrating special occasions with them, no matter how small, can make a big difference. These thoughtful touches are memorable and can inspire guests to leave a review on TripAdvisor.
Use Your Guest Messaging Tool
Sending text messages at key moments enhances the guest experience seamlessly. Especially after check-out, a friendly message not only makes the guest feel valued but also reminds them to leave a review. For the best impact, send this message immediately after they leave and follow up a few days later.
Add a Personal Touch with Notes
Everyone loves a personal touch. Leaving a heartfelt note to welcome your guests or say goodbye can leave a lasting impression. Make sure to include a gentle reminder to share their feedback at the end of the note, encouraging them to review their stay.
Create a Handy Welcome Pack
To make leaving reviews easier, give your guests a welcome pack when they arrive. This can be a booklet or brochure that provides details about your property, available facilities, timings, house rules, and tips on local restaurants and attractions. Keep it concise since guests may not have much time to read it. Include a link or instructions for leaving a review to prompt them to share their experience.
- Ask for Feedback
Asking for feedback is a timeless method for gathering reviews. You can ask for it through text, email, or in person. Encourage guests to leave a review on TripAdvisor after their stay.
Here are several effective ways to ask for feedback:
Staff Inquiries
Train your staff to ask guests about their experience and for feedback. This traditional method is still effective. Staff should be courteous and friendly when making these requests, ensuring guests feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. Implementing mentorship software can help staff develop these important communication skills.
Text Messages and Follow-Up Emails
Using guest messaging to ask for feedback works well. A simple text can remind guests to leave a review and show them where to do it. Don't forget about emails. Send short, professional emails thanking guests for their stay, expressing how much you value their feedback, and providing a direct link for leaving a Google review.
Google Review Cards
Review cards can serve as physical reminders for guests to leave a review on TripAdvisor. During check-out, hand them a card with your contact details and a link or reminder to review you on TripAdvisor. Though not 100% effective, as guests might forget, it’s a useful part of a broader review-generation strategy.
Visual Reminders
Don't forget to remind guests to leave reviews by using flyers or posters around your property. These visual reminders can prompt guests to post a review even if they initially postponed it due to other commitments.
- Simplify the Review Process for Guests
TripAdvisor allows even non-verified users to leave reviews, making it easy for anyone to share their experience. To take advantage of this, provide your guests with a direct link to the review page.
Here are some ways to make the review process easier:
Use Easy Links (QR Codes/NFC Tags)
Utilise QR codes or NFC tags to direct guests to the review page. These codes can be printed on promotional materials and receipts or displayed in visible areas. Guests can quickly scan the code with their phones, taking them directly to the review submission page.
Automated Review Generation via Email and SMS
Consider using automated solutions like Instant Review invites or Guest Messaging systems. These tools can send review requests via email or SMS, streamlining the process and serving as effective reminders. With just a click, guests can easily leave their reviews.
How to Respond to All TripAdvisor Reviews
Remember these tips for responding to reviews, positive or negative:
Be Grateful for the Review
Start by expressing your gratitude to the reviewer for taking the time to share their feedback. Your acknowledgement demonstrates the importance you place on their thoughts. Emphasise how their comments enhance the quality of your services, and inquire if there are any additional ways you can assist them.
Be Friendly and Professional
Your tone of voice is crucial. Always respond in a friendly and professional manner. Avoid sounding unfriendly or hostile, especially with negative reviews. Responding with kindness and professionalism can positively influence potential customers who read your replies.
Address Their Concerns Directly
When responding to negative reviews, address each issue mentioned. Provide solutions or offer a sincere apology where appropriate. If there was nothing you could do about the situation, explain this calmly and clearly.
Conclusion
Getting Trip Advisor reviews doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by using one or more of the tactics mentioned above.
It might take some time to see the results, but perseverance pays off. TripAdvisor reviews provide the social proof needed to influence potential guests. When done right, they can elevate your listing, improve your TripAdvisor ranking, and enhance your brand reputation.
Consider hiring a property manager like Houst to help you generate and manage more reviews efficiently.