Boost your Vacation Rental's Reputation: Receive Reviews Effortlessly with SMS Strategies

The value of a glowing review for vacation rentals can’t be overlooked. Positive feedback not only boosts your property’s visibility but also builds trust with potential guests. However, collecting these all-important reviews can be a daunting task. Vacation rental text messaging could be the extra edge you need to get those important reviews and in turn, increase your bookings. This post explores how SMS can make the review collection process seamless and efficient for vacation rental owners!

The Growing Importance of Online Reviews

In today’s digital age, online reviews are invaluable. They influence potential guests' decisions, enhancing credibility and increasing bookings. According to BrightLocal, just 3% of consumers say they ‘never’ read online reviews, proving that most consumers rely on reviews when deciding on their next purchase or where to stay. With such a high reliance on reviews, it's important to have a robust strategy for collecting them. Hospitality text messaging is becoming the go-to resource for gathering reviews efficiently.

What are the Challenges in Collecting Reviews?

Collecting reviews is easier said than done. Here are some common challenges vacation rental owners face:

• Guest Reluctance - Many guests simply forget or don’t prioritize leaving a review. Others may be hesitant to leave a review if they had a negative experience. This makes it challenging to collect a good number of reviews.
• Inefficient Processes - Traditional methods of collecting reviews, such as email requests or paper comment cards, can be time-consuming and easily overlooked. Additionally, not all guests may have access to email or be willing to fill out a paper form.
• Limited Reach - Not all guests will have access to the internet during their stay, making it difficult for them to leave an online review. This means reviews may not accurately reflect the experiences of all guests.

Why is SMS the Solution?

With an estimated 98% open rate, SMS is the perfect channel to request reviews from your guests. Here’s why:

• Convenient - Asking for reviews through a text message is effortless for both hosts and guests. It only takes a few seconds to send a text message, making it less invasive than asking in person or through a phone call. Guests can also leave reviews at their convenience without having to navigate multiple review platforms.
• Real-time Interactions - Text messages are more likely to be seen and responded to than emails or other communication methods. Sending an SMS immediately after a guest's stay ensures the experience is still fresh in their mind.
• Customizable - SMS allows you to personalize your request for reviews by addressing the guest by name and mentioning their stay. This personal touch can make guests feel appreciated and more likely to leave a positive review.
• Easy Link Sharing - You can include a link directly to your preferred review platform, making it easy for guests to leave a review without having to go on a long search for your property online.
• Automation - You can schedule SMS messages, automate responses, and create drip campaigns to be sent after check-out, streamlining the process and saving you time. If you have the guest reply with a keyword, they can be added to a keyword group so you may reach out to them again for future campaigns.

Strategies for Collecting Reviews

Now that we know the benefits of using SMS, here are some strategies you can implement to collect reviews effortlessly:

• Thank your guests - Sending a personalized message within 24 hours of check-out is important for getting a review. This is when the guest's experience is fresh in their mind. Thanking them for staying at your property makes them feel appreciated and will have them more inclined to leave a nice review!
• Follow-Up Messages - If a guest hasn't responded to the initial review request, a quick follow-up can serve as a reminder. This secondary message, sent a few days after the initial one, can increase the chances of getting a response.
• Segmented Lists - Categorize your guests based on their stay type or frequency of visits and tailor your messages accordingly. Regular visitors might appreciate a different tone compared to first-time guests.
• Offer an incentive - Consider offering a small discount or gift for leaving a review to incentivize guests to take the time to leave feedback.
• Use a review management tool - Consider using a review management tool that integrates with SMS to streamline the process and track your reviews effectively.

Get those Stellar Reviews

By simplifying the process, SMS can help you reach a wider audience and gather valuable feedback to improve your vacation rental’s reputation. It’s an effective and efficient method that can boost your response rates, improve your online visibility, and enhance your guests’ overall experience. Don't wait any longer – Take the first step towards elevating your vacation rental business and schedule a demo with TextUs today!