Boost your hostel's credibility and visibility! Learn how to get Google reviews on your hostel by asking guests and using follow-up emails. Enhance reputation—act now!
Did you know 36% of consumers read reviews before deciding on local businesses? For many, reviews aren't just helpful; they're essential. They offer insight, build trust, and ultimately influence where people decide to book their stay.
Imagine this - two hostels side by side, identical in every way, except one has Google reviews and the other has none. Which one would you choose? The answer is clear. Google reviews impact visibility, bookings, and trust. They act as social proof, driving potential guests to your doorstep.
If you want your hostel to stand out, attract more guests, and build a strong online reputation, collecting Google reviews is necessary. Positive reviews enhance your property’s visibility on Google Search and Google Maps, making it easier for travellers to find and choose you.
This guide will share actionable strategies to increase your Google reviews. But first, let's explore the importance of Google reviews for hostels and BnBs.
How Google Reviews Benefit Your Hostel or BnB Business
Google reviews can be a game-changer for your hostel or BnB. It can help you improve your ranking and get more click-through rates. Let’s see how they can make a real difference:
1. SEO Benefits
Google reviews are a powerful factor in boosting your ranking in local search results. They signal to Google that your business is active and trustworthy, making it easier for potential guests to find you. Here's how they help:
Improved Local Search Visibility: More reviews improve your position and enhance your profile’s visibility in local search results.
Better Keyword Relevance: Reviews containing relevant keywords can help you rank for specific terms.
More Clicks: A strong review profile increases your chances of getting clicked by potential guests.
2. Trust and Credibility
Positive reviews are essential for building trust and credibility. They show potential guests that your hostel provides a great experience. Here’s how positive reviews directly impact your business:
Increased Trust: 49% of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
Higher Booking Intent: Guests are more likely to choose businesses with positive reviews.
Improved Reputation: A strong review profile increases your reputation in the market.
3. Conversion Rates
More positive reviews can directly boost your conversion rates by reassuring potential guests and motivating them to book. Here’s how reviews help increase your booking rate:
Increased Confidence: A larger number of reviews make guests feel more confident about their choice, leading to more bookings.
Social Proof: Seeing many positive reviews shows your place is popular and well-trusted by others.
Lower Bounce Rate: Reviews help keep guests on your listing longer, reducing the chance they’ll leave without booking.
Studies show businesses get 25% more clicks when they have a 5-star rating on Google. This demonstrates the power of positive reviews in driving bookings. Now, let’s look at how you can get more Google reviews for your hostel.
How to Increase Google Reviews for Your Hostel and BnB
To successfully increase your Google reviews, we've outlined six effective strategies. Let’s explore how each one can boost your reputation and encourage more positive feedback.
1. Make It Simple for Guests to Leave Reviews
The first step to increase your Google reviews is to simplify the review process by providing guests with easy access to your Google review page. This can be done through a direct review link or a QR code.
How to do it:
Email Reminders: Include a direct review link in your check-out email to make it easy for guests to click and leave their thoughts.
QR Codes: Place QR codes on guest room tables, in the lobby, or by the check-out counter so guests can scan and review instantly.
Online Presence: Share the review link on your website, social media profiles, and booking confirmation pages. This encourages guests to leave their feedback across multiple platforms.
Why it works: Guests are likelier to leave a review if the process is quick and hassle-free.
2. Ask for Reviews at the Right Time
You can request reviews when your guests are at their happiest and most satisfied, ideally while the experience is still fresh in their minds.
How to do it:
Check-out Interaction: If a guest expresses satisfaction during check-out, politely ask them to leave a review.
In-Room Reminders: Place a small reminder in the guest room or at the reception, especially after a positive interaction.
Why it works: Timing is key. Guests are more likely to leave an enthusiastic review when the positive experience is still at the top of their minds.
3. Create a Memorable Guest Experience
Focus on creating a memorable guest experience. Providing an exceptional, unforgettable stay encourages guests to share their positive experiences in reviews.
How to do it:
Personalised Service: Go the extra mile by remembering guest preferences or offering personalised services during their stay.
Impressive Amenities: Ensure your facilities are clean, well-maintained, and equipped with all the essentials guests need.
Memorable Moments: Create memorable experiences, such as surprise upgrades or small, thoughtful gestures, like a handwritten welcome note or a local treat.
Why it works: A remarkable experience increases the likelihood that guests will leave positive feedback. When guests feel valued and well-cared for, they are motivated to express their satisfaction through reviews.
4. Follow Up with Guests Post-Check-Out
Reach out to guests after checkout to sincerely express your gratitude for their stay and encourage them to leave valuable feedback.
How to do it:
Personalised Thank-You Message: Send a thank-you email or message a day or two after their stay, expressing gratitude and asking for a review.
Incorporate Feedback Request: Politely ask guests to share their feedback, providing a direct link to your review page for easy access.
Ask for Suggestions: Include a question asking for feedback on improving the experience, showing you value their opinion.
Why it works: A follow-up shows that you care about their experience, reinforcing the relationship and increasing the likelihood they’ll leave a positive review.
5. Maintain your Google Business Profile
For businesses aiming to stay competitive, an updated Google Business Profile is essential. It ensures potential customers can find you easily, especially as mobile searches increase.
How to do it:
Update Information: Ensure that your contact details, location, and hours of operation are always accurate.
Add High-Quality Photos: Regularly upload fresh, high-quality images of your property, amenities, and guest experiences.
Post Updates: Use Google Posts to share promotions, events, or news about your hostel or BnB, keeping your profile engaging and relevant.
Why it works: An active and up-to-date Google Business Profile makes your business more discoverable, builds trust with potential customers, and keeps your listing engaging and relevant.
6. Respond to Reviews (Both Good and Bad)
Actively respond to positive and negative reviews to show that you value guest feedback and are committed to improving.
How to do it:
Acknowledge Positive Feedback: Thank guests for their kind words and express appreciation for their stay.
Address Negative Reviews Professionally: Acknowledge any issues, apologise sincerely, offer solutions, and demonstrate your commitment to improving the experience. Also, if there are complaints, try resolving them immediately.
Be Timely and Personal: Respond promptly and tailor your replies to show genuine concern and attention to the individual’s experience.
Why it works: Responding to reviews shows potential guests that you care about their experience, which can build trust and encourage more people to leave reviews. It also demonstrates professionalism in handling feedback.
Also Read: Address Complaints Faster: How Crib Improves Complaint Management in Office Spaces
While these strategies can increase your reviews, following Google’s guidelines is essential. Don’t offer incentives or pressure guests for feedback. This can violate Google’s policies and harm your reputation. Sticking to ethical practices to ensure authentic reviews and avoid penalties is better.
Conclusion
Google reviews can significantly boost your hostel or BnB's reputation. You enhance credibility, visibility, and bookings by delivering excellent guest experiences and making it easy for guests to leave feedback. When managed well, reviews become both trust-builders and marketing assets.
Ensuring excellent guest experiences is key to receiving valuable reviews. Hostel management tools like Crib help optimise processes that directly impact guest satisfaction. Crib streamlines the booking process, manages payments, resolves maintenance issues quickly, and improves communication—all contributing to smoother, more enjoyable stays.
