Encouraging guest reviews doesn’t have to be a challenge. Learn proven strategies to inspire your guests to leave glowing feedback and help your Airbnb stand out from the crowd.

How to Encourage Guests to Leave Reviews for Your Airbnb

Guest reviews are the lifeblood of any successful Airbnb business. They not only boost your credibility and search rankings on booking platforms but also provide valuable feedback that helps you improve your hosting game. Yet, many hosts struggle to get guests to leave reviews—even when they’ve provided a stellar experience.

In this blog post, we’ll explore actionable strategies to encourage guests to leave thoughtful reviews, drawn from tips shared in our latest Hosting Hotline episode. Whether you’re a new host or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you turn hesitant guests into enthusiastic reviewers.

Start with the Right Mindset

Before we dive into strategies, it’s important to understand that getting reviews isn’t just about the ask—it’s about the entire guest experience. Reviews start the moment your guest finds your listing. Everything from your photos and property description to their check-in experience and final communication influences their perception of your property.

By focusing on delivering a consistent five-star experience, you’ll naturally increase the likelihood of guests leaving positive reviews.

Breadcrumbs: Subtle Hints for Five-Star Reviews

The key to encouraging reviews lies in what we call “breadcrumbing.” These are subtle, non-intrusive cues that remind guests of the five-star experience you aim to provide:

1. In Your Listing: Include language like “Book with us for a five-star stay!” or highlight standout amenities with phrases like, “Our Next-Level Espresso Machine ensures a five-star morning.”
2. WiFi Password Hack: Use a password like “FiveStarStay” to gently reinforce the idea of leaving a positive review.
3. In-Property Reminders: Add a small sign or magnet to your fridge that explains how the Airbnb review system works and emphasizes how much reviews mean to your small business.

Crafting the Perfect Review Request

Timing and tone are everything when it comes to asking for reviews. Follow these best practices:

1. Express Gratitude First: Begin by thanking your guests for choosing your property and taking great care of it.
2. Be Genuine: Use language that feels natural and heartfelt, such as, “We hope you had a five-star stay. If there’s anything we can improve, please let us know directly. If you loved your stay, we’d truly appreciate your feedback in a review.”
3. Timing Is Key: The best time to ask for a review is shortly after checkout or when you leave your own review for the guest. A message like, “I just left you a five-star review—thank you for being an amazing guest! If you have a moment, we’d love to hear about your experience,” works wonders.

Educating Guests About Reviews

Not all guests understand the importance of reviews or how the Airbnb system works. Educating them can make a big difference:

• Include a Brief Guide: Add a line in your welcome book or digital guide explaining the star system and how reviews help your business grow.
• Explain What a Five-Star Stay Means: A simple graphic that defines what each star represents can encourage guests to see their experience through your lens.

Turn Great Experiences into Great Reviews

Sometimes, even the best experiences don’t result in a review simply because guests forget. By weaving reminders throughout their stay and following up with a thoughtful message, you can gently nudge guests to share their feedback.

Join Our January Listing Audit Bootcamp
If you’re ready to take your listing to the next level, our Listing Audit Bootcamp is here to help. Running from January 8–16, 2025, this live training series equips you with everything you need to optimize your listing for maximum impact.

What you’ll learn:

• How to craft high-performing photos, titles, and descriptions.
• Best practices for analytics tracking.
• Actionable steps to audit your listings throughout the year.

Details:

• Dates: January 8–16, 2025
• Cost: $49
• Includes: Live sessions, replays, worksheets, and a pop-up Facebook group for ongoing support.

👉 Sign up for the Bootcamp now!

Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.

Download a transcript of this episode.

Resources:

• Join us: Booked & Profitable Listing Audit Boot Camp
• Watch: How to Respond to Negative Airbnb Reviews
• Hosting Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com
• Stayfi: Use code THANKS for 50% your first 3 months of service