Here’s a little fact for you: people are more likely to book a stay in a holiday let that has good feedback than one that has bad or no feedback. After all it’s unlikely you’d book somewhere that has bad reviews, right? And for those rentals that fall into the no feedback category, means it’s an unknown. Some people may be fine with taking a chance on a rental that how no reviews (after all it could be a new rental accommodation) whilst others may not.
Therefore the more you can do to encourage people to leave testimonials and reviews the better. Here are our tips for doing just that.
1. Get a guestbook
Having a guestbook in your accommodation is a great idea. People will usually leave a comment or two about your holiday rental at the end of their stay. Once they’ve left their comments and gone home, type up their words and email it to them, asking if they wouldn’t mind submitting it to your listing advert and website. This removes some of the work for them and makes it easier for them to agree while the holiday is still fresh in their minds.
2. Send a prompt email
It’s particularly important to be prompt when asking for feedback. If you don’t have a guestbook and you’d like to ask them for comments, simply send an email within 10 days of the end of their stay. Ask for feedback, both positive and negative (although hopefully there won’t be too many negative comments) and explain that it will help you make any improvements that may be necessary, as well to help achieve more bookings – don’t be shy about explaining why you’d appreciate them taking the time to do so. Make it easy by adding links to your website testimonial page, and any listing site adverts within your email.
3. Respond to reviews left online
You should do this regardless of whether it’s good or bad, in fact it’s even more important if it is a bad review. Travellers like the idea that a holiday let owner interacts with their guests in this way. Take pride in your property and ensure you are a helpful owner.
4. The more reviews you get, the more bookings you’ll get
There is a direct correlation between the number of reviews and the number of bookings. Average scores on listing sites help as well of course – if you can get more than 4 out of 5 on average you’ll be in a good position. Do everything you can to start getting reviews and aim for more than ten to improve your bookings significantly.
5. Be more active in social media circles
Make sure people understand how easy it is to get in touch with you on social media sites. Add the links to your website and in every email you send out. Ask your guests to sign up and follow you on Facebook, Twitter and any other sites you use and offer something in return, such as discount vouchers or last minute deals for example. This is another way to get more reviews, because people may hop onto Twitter or Facebook and leave comments there as well.
6. Do all the above!
The best results happen when you focus on doing as many of these activities as possible. If you can fit all these into your day and make sure you follow up on every guest as they finish their stay in your holiday let, you’ll make it easier to get more frequent reviews. Of course you should also make sure you give them the very best experience, so the reviews they leave are positive ones!
Amanda says
Thank you for these tips. I especially like your suggestion about asking guests to submit their guest book entries as online reviews. I’ll definitely give that a go. Thanks again. Amanda
PromoteMyPlace says
You’re welcome Amanda. Glad you found them useful! Good luck with your marketing efforts!