6 Top Ways To Get More 5-Star Reviews and Boost Your Rental Property Income
Written by
Jennifer Taylor
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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Reviews are a key part of a rental property’s success. Five-star properties provide prospective renters with a sense of confidence because the home has been validated by previous guests.
Renting a vacation home can be a gamble, because unlike with a hotel, unsatisfied guests can’t simply switch rooms. Consequently, if a rental property doesn’t have a five-star rating, it can cause owners to lose business and money.
Thankfully, there are plenty of actions rental property owners can take to boost their property to soaring popularity. For rental property owners, implement the following six tips to try to get more five-star reviews and watch your rental income soar.
Also see three reasons long-term rentals are better than Airbnbs.
Be Kind and Communicate Well
People aren’t inclined to rent a vacation home from a property manager who doesn’t make them feel welcome.
“Polite, warm answers to guest inquiries create a great first impression and tone,” said Tim Choate, founder and CEO of RedAwning, a vacation rental management platform. “For example, you could implement a semi-automated, but still personalized messaging system, so that guests know you’ve seen their questions and appreciate them — similar to one host who turned a small hiccup in booking into an unforgettable service moment by following up quickly.”
Provide Local Flavor
Most guests are likely visiting from out of town, so help them enjoy an authentic local experience during their stay.
“Bring the local flavor of your region into your property with curated guides created for guests or partner with surrounding businesses to give guests exclusive experiences,” Choate said. “I remember one property that welcomed guests with a basket of regional specialties, and many visitors cited this approach as a highlight of their time.”
Leverage Technology
Utilizing smart tools — like digital check-in and automated concierge services — simplifies operations and can relieve friction points experienced by guests at arrival or departure, Choate said.
“When I first began at RedAwning, utilizing these technologies resulted in an increase in favorable feedback from our guests,” he said.
Time Review Requests Right
The guest experience is a huge part of getting five-star reviews, but your timing in sending the request also matters.
“Requesting your review when guests are happiest during their stay will yield more glowing testimonials — for example, after a particularly good moment,” Choate said. “One property I consulted for experienced a significant improvement in their review quality just by sending a polite follow-up email after check out.”
Give Unexpected Extras
It can be hard not to be pleased with a property that comes with thoughtful amenities.
“Providing welcome gifts above and beyond standard amenities — such as handwritten notes or locally sourced snacks or beverages — can make a lasting impression,” Choate said. “But I have one memorable host who prepared each and every guest with a custom itinerary of local hidden gems, a little extra hustle that both greatly elevated the experience and led to a love-filled five-star review.”
Make Sure It’s Sparkling Clean
“Cleanliness plays a huge factor here,” said Steve Schwab, CEO of Casago, a vacation rental management platform. “It is one of the first elements that will instantly tarnish a renter’s view of a property, if not prioritized well enough.”
When this offense is committed, guests may quickly regret their booking decision and certainly wouldn’t stay at the home again on another trip.
“If a renter discovers that the property isn’t as clean as it could or should be, it can be very difficult to achieve a five-star rating, even if everything else is done very well,” he said. “So, make sure that cleaning is thorough and that no corners are cut.
He also explained that there’s a difference between a property that appears clean and one that truly is clean.
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