As an Airbnb host, your success on the platform depends on your reviews and ratings.
Guests rely on these metrics to make informed decisions when booking accommodations, and higher ratings can translate into more bookings and higher revenue.
This article includes some tips and strategies to help you boost the number of reviews and ratings on Airbnb.
Provide a Clean and Comfortable Space
One of the most important factors that guests consider when leaving reviews and ratings is the cleanliness and comfort of the space. As a host, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your accommodations are clean, tidy, and well-maintained. This includes providing fresh linens and towels, cleaning the bathroom and kitchen regularly, and ensuring that the space is free of clutter.
According to Airbnb, hosts with clean and comfortable spaces are more likely to receive 5-star reviews from guests. In fact, hosts who have a cleanliness rating of 4.8 or higher earn 20% more than hosts with lower ratings, even in the slow months.
Communicate Clearly and Promptly
Communication is key to a successful Airbnb experience. As a host, it’s important to communicate clearly and promptly with your guests before, during, and after their stay. This includes responding to messages and inquiries in a timely manner, providing clear instructions for check-in and check-out, and being available to address any issues or concerns that may arise.
Good communication can lead to higher ratings and more positive reviews. In fact, hosts who have a communication rating of 4.8 or higher earn 15% more than hosts with lower ratings.
Offer Unique and Personalized Experiences
Airbnb guests are often looking for unique and personalized experiences that they can’t find in traditional hotels. As a host, you can offer these experiences by providing local recommendations, personalized amenities, or unique features in your accommodations.
For example, you could offer a welcome basket with local snacks and treats, provide a guidebook with personalized recommendations for restaurants and attractions, or offer a unique feature such as a rooftop terrace or a private pool.
By offering unique and personalized experiences, you can differentiate your accommodations from others on the platform and increase the likelihood of positive reviews and ratings.
Be Responsive to Feedback and Reviews
Feedback and reviews can provide valuable insights into how you can improve your accommodations and guest experience. As a host, it’s important to be responsive to feedback and reviews and take steps to address any issues or concerns that are raised.
If a guest leaves a negative review or rating, reach out to them and try to address their concerns. This can show future guests that you are responsive and committed to providing a positive experience.
Additionally, you can use feedback and reviews to make improvements to your accommodations. For example, if several guests mention that the mattress is uncomfortable, consider investing in a new mattress to improve guest comfort.
Go Above and Beyond
One of the best ways to boost your Airbnb reviews and ratings is to go above and beyond for your guests. This can include small gestures such as leaving a handwritten note or providing extra amenities, or larger gestures such as offering a personalized tour of the city or helping guests with their luggage.
Price Your Accommodations Competitively
Pricing is a key factor that guests consider when booking accommodations on Airbnb. As a host, it’s important to price your accommodations competitively to attract guests and earn positive reviews and ratings.
Do some research to see what similar accommodations in your area are priced at and adjust your pricing accordingly. You can also use Airbnb’s smart pricing tool, which automatically adjusts your pricing based on supply and demand in your area.
However, it’s important to note that pricing your accommodations too low can also have a negative impact on your reviews and ratings. Guests may perceive low-priced accommodations as low-quality or unsafe, so it’s important to find the right balance between competitive pricing and quality accommodations.
Add Personal Touches to Your Accommodations
Personal touches can go a long way in making your accommodations stand out and earning positive reviews and ratings from guests. This can include adding artwork or decorative touches to the space, providing extra amenities such as snacks or toiletries, or offering personalized recommendations for local attractions or restaurants.
Personal touches can help create a memorable and enjoyable experience for your guests, which can lead to higher ratings and more positive reviews.
Conclusion
Boosting your Airbnb reviews and ratings requires a combination of factors, including providing a clean and comfortable space, communicating clearly and promptly, offering unique and personalized experiences, being responsive to feedback and reviews, going above and beyond for your guests, pricing your accommodations competitively, and adding personal touches to your accommodations.
By following these strategies, you can increase the likelihood of positive reviews and ratings, which can lead to more bookings and higher revenue on the platform. Remember, your reviews and ratings are a crucial aspect of your success on Airbnb, so it’s important to invest time and effort into providing a positive guest experience.
Author: As the co-founder of Iconic Retreats, Shaun Ghavami manages luxury vacation rental properties. He has recently launched 10XBNB, an Airbnb coaching and mentorship program that helps both newbies and existing Airbnb hosts launch 6-7 figure Airbnb businesses without having to rent or own properties.