How to get a 5-star review on Airbnb
People who use Airbnb rely heavily on reviews — in fact, almost everyone today checks reviews before purchasing a service or product. Instead of asking your friends whether they’ve tried something, you can now trust a stranger who says they had a great experience somewhere.
The world pays close attention to reviews, which is exactly why your Airbnb management system must focus on generating positive feedback. Not only will this increase your visibility, but it will also attract more guests to your short-term rentals. So, how can you start getting 5-star reviews?
Meet Expectations
In a growing sharing economy, Airbnb allows potential travelers to read reviews of your short-term rentals before deciding whether to book with you or look elsewhere. After hosting your first guests, your primary goal is to receive a five-star review. To achieve this, you must be honest in how you describe your property and ensure that your description matches reality. It’s better to describe the apartment in general terms and leave room for pleasant surprises rather than overselling it — or worse, claiming features you didn’t have time to actually add to your Airbnb. Put yourself in your guests’ shoes!
Be Honest
It’s true that everyone wants to stand out from the competition by highlighting their strengths. However, some hosts build their listings on small lies. This is one of the reasons why travelers won’t leave you a positive review. Be honest — is your property really 5 minutes from public transportation? Don’t say it’s a 5-minute walk if it’s actually a 20-minute jog. Guests appreciate knowing that your Airbnb listing matches its online description so they can better plan their stay!
Create a Positive Emotion
If the basic expectations are only “good enough,” your guests won’t remember you the following year. You must aim to spark positive emotions in your travelers. You should find a personal touch that reflects who you are and offer it as a small gift. A box of chocolates or a bottle of wine, perhaps? Use your imagination!
Also, if they have the chance to interact with you, some guests like to give back — for example, by buying a decorative figurine or a new coffee mug. Stay attentive!
The Little Things Matter
The secret to getting the five-star review you’re aiming for often lies in the small details that usually go unnoticed. Leaving handwritten notes for your guests about where to get a great coffee or a bar that serves the best martini in town. These small gestures matter and will earn you a positive review. You could also offer to help them book a table at the best restaurant in the city. All of this may seem small or unimportant, but when it comes to exceeding expectations for your vacation rental, it truly matters.
Here’s the big truth: if you focus solely on getting a five-star review, you might not achieve it. However, if you focus on your guests’ comfort, you’ll earn more than just the reviews you hoped for.