Has anyone else noticed a trend of fewer guest reviews? Okay in my case, no guest reviews? ha! I’ve had about 6 bookings so far this year (my place is seasonal) and not one has left a review. My approach in the past has been to initiate a review if the guests were really phenomenal and to wait for a guest to leave a review in every other case. This year I initiated more reviews since I noticed that I wasn’t getting any. I have a guest book at the cabin where most of this year’s guests have left personal messages and we stay in touch a lot since my cabin is off-grid and there are things to coordinate, communicate, etc. Even the guests who’ve raved about the cabin and talked about returning haven’t left any reviews. I’d really like to have at least one review this year so my listing doesn’t look suspicious or “stale.” Curious if anyone else has had this challenge and figured out a non-tacky way to ask for a review?
I have a system of saved messages so that guests are expecting a review, and usually review me as well. I have refined it over time and it works for me.
421 reviews, 4.97*
Thats in 7 years with mosly one listing at a time, sometimes 2
RR
Good morning and Thanks for staying with us and being great guests:) Just a reminder that checkout is 10:00 and housekeeping is scheduled. Please follow the checkout instructions on the wall to left of front door. The driveway gate will be open just leave the key/remote on table inside when you leave. I will review you this afternoon when I get the email from AirBnb if you could take a moment and do the same that would be great. Thanks again and we look forward to having you back in the future:).
Then if everythin is good… I text this to their phone
Thanks for being a five star guest! We appreciate that you left the place in great shape and you are are welcome back anytime. I will review you this afternoon when I get the email from Airbnb Save my contact information and book direct next time. Returning guests enjoy early check in, late checkout (if available) reduced dog fee and no third party fees. www.mydirectbookingsite dot com . If you care to share your email we would be happy to forward you an occasional special offer
I review the guest that day, usually as soon as I get the email from Air
This is excellent. Although I do not ever do direct bookings in my own Airbnb, this kind of an offer would be hard to refuse as a guest. Well done!
Excellent note @RiverRock. Thank you!