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Simple Ways to Ensure Your Guests Give Great Reviews

Properly Team

Four proven strategies for earning positive vacation rental reviews: exceeding expectations, checking in mid-stay, requesting reviews directly, and responding to feedback.

Key Strategies for Vacation Rental Hosts

1. Exceed Listing Expectations with Personal Touches

The foundation of positive reviews begins with delivering everything promised in your listing, then going beyond. Small gestures create memorable experiences that guests mention in their feedback.

Examples include:

  • Offering a shoe polish kit for business travelers
  • Providing fresh fruit from your yard
  • Stocking gluten-free treats if guests have dietary restrictions
  • Recommending local entertainment venues based on guest interests

These additions stand out as unique highlights in reviews.

2. Check In During the Stay

Proactively solicit feedback mid-stay to demonstrate your investment in guest satisfaction. This approach addresses problems before departure and shows attentiveness that guests will likely mention in their reviews.

A suggested message format: “I’m just checking in to see if everything is OK during your stay. If there’s anything I can do, let me know.”

3. Request Reviews Directly

Simply asking for feedback significantly increases review rates. Explain how important evaluations are to your success and politely request guests leave one after checkout. Mentioning you’ll reciprocate with your own review sweetens the request.

4. Respond to Guest Feedback

Commenting on reviews demonstrates professionalism. Thank guests for positive feedback and address negative reviews by acknowledging inconveniences and offering solutions. This damage control portrays you as a caring, professional host.

Looking for tools to put these ideas into practice? Explore Properly’s solutions:

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