If you have been an airbnb host for a long time, then you picked up on the fact that 5-star reviews are your bread and butter. This means (for any newcomers to the arena) that there is no greater reward than the 5-star review. So what can you do to actively make sure you get as many 5 star reviews as possible? Here are 3 time-tested methods to help you get the most out of your guests “good side”.
Personally ask for an honest review, upfront.
The more descriptive the better of course – but not everyone is going to leave you paragraph upon paragraph of praises. Most people will leave a sentence or two – however some people just love writing reviews and those are the ones you should be excited for. Make it clear in your welcome emails that you appreciate honest feedback and provide an excellent stay. Guest would be more inclined to give you a quick review.
This can be good and bad depending on how you treat your guests; but as long as you do everything you can to provide them with a great experience, they will be more than happy to brag about how great of a time they had in your listings review section.
Add a Guest Book To Your Property For Guests To sign.
This is a simple yet effective technique that doesn’t get much attention as it should. Make sure you put the “guest book” somewhere it is sure to be seen (but not in the way) such as a foyer or a corner table in a living area. This adds an intimate feel to a guests staying in your vacation rental. Remember to leave space for them to write a couple sentences about their stay.
You will find that people who would never bother writing an online review (baby boomers, elderly people who travel with their families) are apt to grab a pen and leave their mark on the guest book. Creative people have a hard time resisting this one. Most of the time when a guest writes a few sentences in the book, they later recall what they wrote when prompted to review after their stay. It’s quaint and it doesn’t cost much. It serves as a reminder to guests that their experience really IS important to not just your business, but also to you.
Don’t “Over Sell” The Experience.
Easier said than done. Basically, you have to walk a fine line here. On one hand, you want your guests to know that you are there for them to handle any situation that may arise. On the other hand, the last thing you want your guest feeling is that they were being watched.
This is the old “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” saying in action. You want to be AVAILABLE at any time your guest has a question or a concern about the rental. Also you do NOT want to be constantly checking up on your guest.
They have (hopefully) received your guidelines and instructions – the “do’s and don’ts” of the property. If they don’t explicitly ask for assistance or you feel like they are well satisfied, in most cases the BEST thing you can do for a 5-star review is to leave it alone and let them enjoy themselves.
Of course this doesn’t mean you are to ignore them. You can always politely check up on your guests before, during and after their stay to ensure everything was up to par. It’s an excellent time to remind them their review matters.
Don’t ever forget the golden rule of a 5-star review: 5 star experiences are what create 5 star reviews. Focus on the experience while finding ways to coax a positive review and you will be Super-Hosting in no time!
About the Author: Corey is an experienced Airbnb co-host from Kansas City, Mo. To visit his profile click here!
