Reviews aren’t just nice to have – they’re essential for any hotel or restaurant looking to grow. Today’s guests rely heavily on what others say before booking a room or reserving a table.
NB: This is an article from eZee Absolute
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In fact, studies show that most people won’t even consider a place without checking out its reviews.
But there’s more to it than just boosting your credibility. Reviews directly impact your search rankings, helping your business reach higher on platforms like Google, TripAdvisor, and even booking sites. The more positive reviews you have, the more visible and attractive your property becomes to potential guests.
Plus, asking for reviews shows you care about your customers’ experiences. It opens the door for valuable feedback, allowing you to improve and grow. And let’s not forget – the more reviews you have, the more opportunities you get to show off your exceptional service.
So, why not make asking for them a part of your routine?
The 10 Best Ways to Ask for Reviews
Now that we’ve covered why reviews are so important, let’s get into the practical side of things. Asking for reviews doesn’t have to be complicated, but the way you do it can make all the difference.
Here are ten simple, effective ways to request reviews from your guests without coming across as too intrusive.
1. Ask at the Right Time
In hospitality, timing is everything. The ideal moment to request a review is when guests are satisfied with their experience – either during checkout or soon after their stay.
Reaching out while their positive experience is still fresh increases the chances of receiving a glowing review.
2. Personalize Your Request
A personal touch goes a long way. When requesting a review, address your guest by name and mention a specific detail from their stay, such as a room upgrade or a service they enjoyed.
This adds a thoughtful, personalized touch, making the request feel less generic and more likely to prompt a response.
3. Train Your Staff to Ask
Your staff plays a key role in building guest relationships, so they’re perfectly placed to ask for reviews. Train them to make polite, friendly requests during checkout or while guests are waiting for their cab.
A simple “We hope you enjoyed your stay. We’d love it if you could share your experience online” can be very effective without feeling forced.
4. Use Email Follow-Ups
Sending a follow-up email after a guest’s stay is a great way to remind them to leave a review.
Keep the email short and personal, with a clear call-to-action and a direct link to your review platform (Google, TripAdvisor, etc.). The easier you make it, the more likely they’ll follow through.
5. Leverage Your Website and Social Media
Your website and social media are powerful tools for collecting reviews. Add a review request on your booking confirmation or checkout page, and use your social media channels to subtly encourage feedback. For example, a simple “We’d love to hear about your stay!” with a link to your review page can do wonders.
