Customer reviews are so critical for any business these days. They’re one of the most potent sales drivers a company can get — a real, transparent, honest opinion from a customer who has experienced exactly what you’d like to experience or purchase. And that’s why Airbnb 5-star reviews are fundamental to your short-term rental success.
Once you have a solid portfolio of great reviews, you can significantly improve your chances of occupancy rates — and your online visibility.
This article explains why Airbnb reviews are so critical and what you can do to increase the chances of getting them.
Benefits of 5-star reviews
Build trust and transparency – Guest reviews explain the benefits of your property in ways that a business owner (usually) cannot. It gives genuine, honest feedback from an actual guest that highlights the human experience — and that’s what counts.
Helps with accuracy – Reviews help others decide whether the place is right for them. For example, a review that thanks the host for child-friendly furnishings and facilities makes it straightforward to other young families that the house is ideal. Conversely, if several reviews describe the place as ‘rustic’ or ‘basic’, those looking for a luxe resort will know to steer clear. It spares people away if the place is less than ideal, saving disappointment and helping both parties.
Improves search ranking – Having more 5-star reviews means you’ll have a better chance of your rental listing appearing higher in the search results on rental platforms like Airbnb.
Improvements through constructive criticism – Occasionally, you’ll get a bad review. And although they can hurt, with any luck, you can turn a negative situation around by improving your less-than-ideal situation. The more you learn, the more you grow!
How to ensure 5-star reviews
Your Airbnb needs to be taken seriously and run like a business — even if you only list your property occasionally. In other words, don’t think you can just ‘wing it’. Here’s what you need to cover:
Be clean and pristine
Your property should be ‘5-star hotel’ clean. No one wants to feel like they’re staying where others have been before, and it’s up to you to go the extra mile to make everything impeccably clean, polished and pristine.
Communicate well
Provide clear instructions, check in with guests when they arrive, reply promptly to all queries — and send guests easy-to-read checkout instructions. All these things are basic bananas, but they’re easily overlooked by many.
Use great photos
Professional Airbnb photos should promote your Airbnb listing well — and give potential guests an understanding of what to expect. So ensure the images are flattering, clear and descriptive, painting an accurate picture of what they can expect.
Write an accurate description
Your listing description should accurately describe your property, using descriptive words, not fluff. For example, ‘gorgeous’, ‘wonderful’ and ‘marvellous’ do little to describe the property. Alternatively, ‘cosy’, ‘roomy’, ‘luxury’ or ‘eco-friendly’ gives the reader a clear indication about what to expect.
Welcome your guests
Make guests feel appreciated by leaving them a small welcome basket and a little note, personally welcoming them. A welcome basket can be as elaborate or as simple as you like. For example, you could leave them a bottle of wine or prepare something more elaborate by including fruit, cheeses and locally made nibbles. Also, leave them helpful tourist information, such as local activities and events, restaurants and bars, and free public transport options.
Thank your guests
When guests check out, send them a thank you note, showing that you appreciate their business. This helps personalise the experience, makes them feel valued, and reinforces positive experiences — all of which will help your chances of a better review.
Follow-up (gently)
If you’ve written a review for your guest, but they’re yet to return the favour, why not gently message or text them and ask? Provided you’re not pushy, it can’t do any harm.
Aim for Superhost status!
A Superhost status won’t necessarily guarantee hot reviews. Still, enough good reviews will help you get that Superhost badge — and guests will presume that your property listing is worthy of more. It sends a message to all that you consistently receive good reviews and offer excellent guest experiences. You’re considered one of the top-performing hosts on the platform, offering outstanding hospitality.
To qualify as a Superhost, you must have an average ranking of 4.8 stars. And at least 80% of your guests over the total stay have left reviews. There are other Superhost requirements to fulfil that don’t relate to reviews, though, such as keeping a 90% response rate (within 24 hours of a message being sent), having a cancellation rate of 1% or lower and hosting at least 10 times a year, or having three reservations within 100 nights booked.
According to Air DNA, Superhosts notice a small 5% increase in their listing views, enjoy 81% higher occupancy rate and earn 60% more daily revenue than regular hosts. And that’s nothing to sniff at!
Need help managing your holiday home rental?
If you’d like to generate more income without the hard work, contact Cloudbnb today.
Perth-based Cloudbnb can maximise your earning potential and minimise the stress. Our complete short-term holiday rental management service makes getting the most from your rental property (like 14% in passive returns) without lifting a finger.
We do it all:
- Property listing management & marketing Check-in & customer communications
- Cleaning, laundry & maintenance – Ensuring that 5-star feel every time
- Styling & photography – Guest vetting – Keeping your property safe and secury
- Property insurance
