Ratings and reviews are critical in the decision-making process for travelers searching for vacation rentals, with a substantial 87% of travelers considering them before making a booking.
However, it's not just about having reviews. In fact, the quantity of reviews also plays a significant role when it comes to vacation rental bookings. According to Seetransparent, hosts with 21+ reviews can expect higher occupancy rates, with UK and US hosts boasting 57% and 71% occupancy rates, respectively.
It's worth noting that these reviews don't necessarily have to be positive 😉 However, every vacation owner wants to boost their reviews, especially the positive ones. Let’s explore together what strategies can help you with that!
Write Clear and Accurate Property Descriptions
That’s the most important rule. If there’s something crucial missing in your vacation rental, you can write it in your description. Don’t make it a highlight. Just mention it. For example, if you do not have washing machine in the rental, write about it and give an alternative to the guest. Do you have a laundry room in the building? Or maybe there’s a laundry cleaning service nearby?
Many guests most probably won’t even need the washing machine, but they will notice that you care.
Another important thing is how you present the information. If the customer found you through social media, they should be able to see all the details about the rental, every possible booking option and reviews before making the decision. And here’s where Booklee can help you to get the most! You can present all the nexcessary information on one page, in different languages, with all the links you need. Also, on your own booklee page you’ll be able to properly highlight your direct booking option and save on fees!
The best part: you can create your Booklee page in a few minutes. Or in a second if you have a page on Booking, Airbnb or Vrbo. Join now to experience the magic of Booklee!
Provide Exceptional Customer Service
This should start from the moment a guest inquires about your vacation rental. Respond promptly and courteously to guest inquiries, questions, and concerns, and go above and beyond to exceed their expectations. Provide clear and detailed information about your vacation rental, amenities, local attractions, and any specific instructions or policies to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for your guests.
Follow Cleanliness and Maintenance Standards
Regularly inspect and clean all areas of your vacation rental, including bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, common areas, and outdoor spaces. Address any maintenance issues promptly and proactively, and keep your vacation rental in top condition to ensure guest satisfaction and comfort.
Request Reviews from Guests
Follow up with guests, thanking them for choosing your vacation rental and kindly asking them to share their feedback through review platforms. Provide a link or easy instructions for guests to leave a review and express your genuine appreciation for their time and feedback.
Actively Respond to Reviews
Monitoring and actively responding to all reviews is essential in managing your vacation rental's online reputation. Show gratitude and appreciation for positive reviews and address any specific points or feedback mentioned by the guest.
Don’t be Afraid of Bad Reviews
Every vacation rental owner is extremely afraid of bad reviews. But the truth is, sooner or later your property will have it. Or maybe you already have them, if you’re in the game for some time.
While negative reviews can be discouraging, they provide you with an opportunity for improvement. Instead of avoiding or ignoring negative reviews, you should use them as an opportunity to learn from guest feedback and make necessary improvements to enhance the overall guest experience. When responding to negative reviews, remain professional and courteous, and try to resolve any issues or concerns expressed by the guest in a constructive manner. This demonstrates your commitment to guest satisfaction and shows potential guests that you value feedback and are proactive in addressing any concerns.
By implementing these strategies, you can increase the likelihood of receiving positive reviews for your vacation rental. In turn, you can boost your online reputation, attract more bookings, and ultimately lead to greater success.