10 Creative + Effective Ways for Small Resorts and Hotels to Encourage Guest Reviews

In the hospitality industry, guest reviews can make or break a resort’s reputation. Positive reviews enhance credibility, improve online visibility, and ultimately lead to increased bookings. However, small resorts and hotels often face challenges garnering these valuable testimonials. To help, here are ten creative and effective strategies to encourage guests to leave reviews, boosting your online presence and attracting more visitors.

#1 Personalized Follow-Up Emails

Email is among the best and most direct ways to encourage guest reviews. After a guest’s stay, sending a personalized follow-up email isn’t only a nice touch; it’s also an excellent opportunity to ask guests to review their stay on your preferred platforms. First, thank them for their visit and express genuine interest in their experience. Including personal touches, such as referencing specific details from their stay, can make guests feel valued and more inclined to share their thoughts. Then, let guests know how important their feedback is to you and how much you’d value their review. To simplify the process, include a direct link to your review platforms (such as Google, TripAdvisor, or Yelp).

#2 Incentivize Reviews

Everyone loves being rewarded for their efforts! Consider offering incentives to guests for leaving reviews. This could include discounts on future stays, complimentary upgrades, or small gifts like local souvenirs. While it’s important to encourage honest feedback, incentives can motivate guests to take the time to write a review. Make sure to communicate that the offer is available regardless of whether their feedback is positive or negative.

#3 Create a Dedicated Review Station

Encourage guests to leave reviews during their stay! Set up a dedicated space in your resort where guests can easily leave reviews. This could be a cozy corner in the lobby with a tablet or computer, or a beautifully designed physical space with tablets preloaded with review sites. Consider incorporating signage that encourages guests to share their experiences. Providing a comfortable environment can make the review process feel more inviting.

#4 Leverage Social Media

Use your resort’s social media channels to encourage reviews. Post engaging content showcasing guests enjoying their stay and invite them to share their own experiences. You can create specific hashtags for your resort and encourage guests to tag you in their posts. Highlighting guest reviews on your social media platforms not only shows appreciation but also fosters a sense of community among your visitors.

#5 Host Review Contests

Create a contest that encourages guests to leave reviews during their stay.  For example, guests who leave a review could be entered into a draw for a free night’s stay or a special experience, such as a spa treatment or a guided local tour. Promoting the contest on your website, social media, and in-room materials can generate excitement and motivate guests to participate.

Bonus: 

You can also use this strategy to encourage guests to create valuable “user-generated content” (UGC) during their stay. Examples of user-generated content can include tagged pictures and videos guests take of themselves enjoying your resort grounds. When encouraging user-generated content, remind guests to follow your social media accounts and tag you in their content so that you can share their posts via your resort’s social media content. For more information on user-generated content, check out Hootsuite’s article, which outlines what user-generated content is and why it matters.

#6 Train Your Staff

The easiest way to encourage guest reviews is to ask for them directly. Ensure your staff is trained to encourage reviews during guest interactions. A friendly conversation about their stay can naturally lead to a request for feedback. Staff can mention how important reviews are for the hotel’s growth and success. When guests feel a personal connection with the staff, they are more likely to reciprocate with positive reviews.

#7 Feature a Review Wall

Create a physical or digital review wall in your hotel where guests can share their thoughts. This could be a chalkboard in the lobby or a digital screen displaying recent reviews. By showcasing guest feedback, you not only encourage more reviews but also create a sense of community and engagement among guests.

#8 Utilize QR Codes

Incorporate QR codes into your marketing materials, such as room keys, brochures, or signage. Guests can scan these codes to quickly access review platforms. This method makes it incredibly easy for guests to leave feedback on their smartphones without the hassle of searching for your hotel online.

#9 Engage with Existing Reviews

Show your guests that you value their feedback by actively responding to existing reviews. Thank guests for their positive comments and address any concerns raised in negative reviews. This demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction and encourages others to leave feedback, knowing their voices will be heard.

#10 Create Memorable Experiences

Ultimately, the best way to encourage guest reviews is to provide exceptional experiences that guests will want to talk about. Focus on creating memorable moments, from personalized touches in guest rooms to unique local experiences. When guests leave with fond memories, they are more likely to share their experiences online.

Conclusion

Encouraging guests to leave reviews is crucial for small resorts and hotels looking to build their reputation and attract new visitors. By implementing these creative strategies, you can foster a culture of feedback, enhance guest engagement, and ultimately improve your online presence. Remember that each review is an opportunity to showcase your resort’s strengths and address any areas for improvement, leading to a more successful hospitality business.

For further reading on the importance of guest reviews and strategies to enhance them, check out these articles:

• TripAdvisor’s free tools for collecting more Tripadvisor reviews
• Forbes: The Power Of Reputation: How To Get More Reviews From Customers
• Modern Hospitality: 7 Ways to use hotel guest reviews to boost business

By utilizing these tactics, small resorts and hotels can effectively encourage guests to share their experiences, contributing to a positive online reputation and increased bookings.

Do You Have Questions?

Do you operate a hotel or other hospitality and tourism-related business and have questions about encouraging guest reviews, boosting bookings and where to focus your marketing resources? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us online today or click here to schedule a call with us.

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