Airbnb has established itself as a leading platform for short-term accommodations worldwide. Since travellers can’t see listings in person before booking, guest reviews are essential for helping them make informed decisions about where to stay. As a host, positive reviews can significantly boost your visibility, bookings, and overall success.
Airbnb’s review system is clear and strict. According to Airbnb’s policy:
“You have 14 days after checkout to write a review for a trip. Airbnb posts reviews only after both parties have completed their review or when the 14-day review period ends to encourage impartial and honest feedback.”
This policy keeps things fair but also puts pressure on hosts to get guests to leave reviews quickly. If your guests fail to write a review within 14 days, you’ve missed the chance to have their feedback displayed on your listing. Airbnb’s automated system does not allow for any exceptions.
So, how can you recover or make up for these lost reviews? While you can’t get Airbnb to override its policy, you can take proactive measures to secure positive feedback from guests. Here are three key strategies to ensure you’re maximising your review potential.
Table of Contents
1. Leverage Zeevou’s Seamless 5-Step Online Check-In Process
Guest experience is all about clear communication and smooth processes. Zeevou’s 5-Step Online Check-In Process helps you set clear guest expectations and create a hassle-free stay, increasing your chances of better reviews.
How It Works:
- Information at the Right Time: Zeevou’s system gives guests important info — like check-in instructions and house rules — right when they need it.
- Custom Fields: Ask guests to provide specific information during check-in, like contact details, so you can follow up on reviews later.
- Tracking Progress: You can track guests’ progress through each step, making it easy to spot any potential issues.
A smooth, hassle-free check-in process leaves a great first impression, encouraging guests to leave glowing reviews.
2. Send Custom Check-Out Emails Using Zeevou’s Tools
Airbnb’s automated reminder system prompts both hosts and guests to leave reviews. However, you can get ahead of the game by being proactive. When you’re the first to leave a review, your guest will receive a notification prompting them to reciprocate. Also, Zeevou’s signature 5-Step Online Check-In Process allows you to collect your guests’ real contact information, which OTAs fail to provide you with as they use anonymous email addresses.
Best Practices for Custom Check-Out Emails
- Trigger Review Reminders: Use Zeevou’s system to automatically send a check-out email right after the guest’s stay. Encourage them to leave a review and highlight how much their feedback means to you.
- Show Gratitude: Express genuine appreciation for their stay. People are more likely to respond to authentic gratitude.
- Educate on the 14-Day Limit: Many guests are unaware of the strict 14-day review policy. Remind them politely that time is limited, emphasising the importance of submitting their review.
Offer Incentives
While Airbnb’s review policy prohibits paying for reviews, you can incentivise guests in other ways, such as:
- Offering future stay discounts via a voucher system.
- Highlighting how their review can “help future guests.”
With Zeevou’s Promotions and Vouchers displayed through Zeevou’s booking engine or on Zeevou’s direct booking website, you can offer direct bookers special deals and incentives, making it more likely they’ll leave a positive review.
3. Focus on Direct Reviews on Your Own Booking Website
If your guest missed the 14-day window to leave a review on Airbnb, all is not lost! You can still encourage them to leave a review on your own booking website or third-party platforms like Google, Trustpilot, and TripAdvisor. These reviews will help boost your brand’s credibility and drive more direct bookings.
How to Collect Direct Reviews:
- Set Up a Review Collection System: Integrate platforms like Trustpilot, BirdEye, or Google My Business into your website.
- Follow Up via Email: If the 14-day period passes, send a follow-up email inviting them to leave feedback on your direct booking website. Use templates like:
“We hope you enjoyed your stay with us! If you’d like to share your experience, we’d love your feedback. Your review helps other travelers find the perfect stay.”
- Automate with Zeevou: Use Zeevou’s automated guest communication tools to send out review requests on multiple platforms.
Why Direct Reviews Matter
Drive Direct Bookings: Positive reviews on your website or Google build trust and encourage direct bookings, helping you avoid commission fees.
Boost Your Brand: While Airbnb controls your visibility on its platform, reviews on your website give you full control of your brand’s reputation.
Concluding Remarks
Losing Airbnb guest reviews can be frustrating, but it’s not the end of the story. Here’s a quick recap of how to avoid and recover from this situation:
- Get Ahead of Reviews: Use Zeevou’s 5-Step Online Check-In Process to provide an excellent guest experience from the start.
- Proactively Request Reviews: Send personalised check-out emails early to prompt guests to leave reviews.
- Focus on Direct Reviews: Encourage guests to leave reviews on your direct booking website or platforms like Google and Trustpilot.
These steps help you capture valuable guest feedback, boost your Airbnb visibility, and strengthen your brand’s reputation on direct booking channels. With Zeevou’s tools, you’ll stay ahead of the competition, win more 5-star reviews, and secure more direct bookings.
