According to TripAdvisor, a whopping 96% of travelers read reviews when researching a hotel. In the modern landscape of hospitality, the guest experience takes the spotlight like never before. Reviews have taken a prominent place on the global stage, whether they’re showcased on specialized review platforms or OTAs. When you consistently offer an exceptional guest experience, the sweet reward often comes in the form of a glowing 5-star review.
Here at DigitalGuest, we understand the significance of hotel guest reviews, which is why we’re here to share some valuable tips and tricks on how to improve hotel guest reviews, secure those positive hotel reviews that can make all the difference, and give insights on how to increase your public reviews.
Why are good hotel reviews so important?
Before looking into the strategies for collecting more positive hotel reviews, let’s first understand why they are so important for your hotel.
Influence on Booking Decisions: Modern travelers heavily rely on hotel reviews to make informed decisions. Positive reviews act as a powerful persuader, enticing potential guests to choose your establishment over others. These reviews offer a glimpse into the experiences of previous guests, which can significantly impact the booking process.
Enhanced Online Visibility: Positive hotel reviews are a boost to your online visibility. Search engines prioritize businesses with a good reputation, making it more likely for your hotel to appear at the top of search results. This visibility is vital in attracting new guests.
Trust and Credibility: A hotel with a string of good reviews gains the trust of potential guests. It lends credibility to your establishment, assuring travelers that their stay will be enjoyable and hassle-free.
Guest Loyalty: Good hotel reviews foster guest loyalty. Guests who have enjoyed their stay and left positive feedback are more likely to return for future visits. Additionally, they may recommend your hotel to friends and family, extending your reach even further.
Now that we’ve established the importance of positive hotel reviews, let’s explore how to get more of them.
How to Get More Positive Hotel Reviews?
1. Benefit From Technology
Technology can be your ally and help to improve hotel guest reviews. Utilize guest experience platforms like DigitalGuest to streamline the guest journey.
Not all guests have the same preferences. For instance, some guests might opt for in-room dining rather than dining in the restaurant, or choose to visit the spa after dinner. With these platforms, hotel managers can provide special promotions to their guests through the web app, ensuring a personalized guest experience and making all services easily accessible. This not only enhances their stay but also makes it convenient for them to provide feedback.
2. Find the Right Times to Ask For Reviews
Timing is crucial when asking for reviews. Consider sending review requests shortly after guests have had a positive interaction or experience during their stay. The memory of their enjoyable moments will be fresh in their minds, making them more likely to leave positive feedback.
3. Promptly Respond to Guest Feedback
Guest feedback should be a two-way conversation. Use platforms like DigitalGuest where you can respond to your guests’ comments immediately directly through the platform. This way it makes it easy to reach out to your guests before they leave potentially bad feedback online. This shows your commitment to guest satisfaction and can often prevent negative public reviews.
4. Target Satisfied Customers First
When soliciting reviews, start by approaching guests who have shown high levels of satisfaction during their stay. Their positive hotel feedback can set the tone for others, creating a more favorable environment for your hotel online.
5. Share Positive Reviews on Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool for promoting positive reviews. Share the best reviews on your social channels to increase their visibility. This not only showcases your dedication to guest satisfaction but also encourages more guests to leave reviews.
6. Train and Empower Your Staff
Your staff plays a crucial role in guest satisfaction. Ensure that your team is well-trained and empowered to address guest needs and concerns promptly. When your staff goes the extra mile, it leaves a lasting impression on guests and results in good hotel reviews.
7. Make it Easy
Don’t make the process of leaving a review a hassle for your guests. Simplify the review submission process, and ensure that it can be easily done through platforms like DigitalGuest. The easier it is, the more likely guests will take the time to leave their feedback.
Ready to get more positive reviews?
How to Increase Your Hotel Public Reviews?
Increasing your public reviews is such an important aspect of building a strong online presence and reputation. Here are some strategies to help you boost your public reviews:
- Promote Your Presence: Make sure your hotel is well-represented on popular review sites like Google and TripAdvisor. Encourage your satisfied guests to leave reviews on these platforms. For example, with DigitalGuest, you can encourage your guests to publish reviews on sites like Google and Tripadvisor after they have finished the guest survey.
- Engage with Guests Online: Actively engage with guests on social media and review platforms. Respond to comments and reviews, both positive and negative, to show your dedication to guest satisfaction.
- Incentivize Reviews: Consider offering incentives like discounts or special offers for guests who leave reviews on public platforms. Just be sure to follow any guidelines or regulations regarding incentives in your region.
- Tell Your Story: Share your hotel’s story and values on your website and social media. Guests are more likely to leave reviews when they feel a personal connection to your brand.
By implementing these strategies, you can increase your public reviews and enhance your online reputation.
Good hotel reviews are essential for attracting and retaining guests in the competitive hospitality industry. By leveraging technology, asking for reviews at the right times, promptly responding to feedback, targeting satisfied customers first, sharing positive reviews on social media, empowering your staff, and simplifying the review process, you can significantly improve hotel guest reviews. Remember, these positive hotel reviews not only enhance your online reputation but also lead to increased bookings and guest loyalty. So, start implementing these tips today to ensure your hotel’s success.
For more information on enhancing your guest experience, visit DigitalGuest or Book a free demo with us today.
