The festive season brings hospitality businesses a golden opportunity to enhance trust and increase bookings by effectively utilising online reputation. In today’s digital age, potential guests heavily rely on reviews to make informed decisions. Here’s how you can harness this to your advantage.
It is super important to encourage your guests to share their feedback online after a positive experience. A simple follow-up email expressing gratitude and providing direct links to review platforms can significantly increase the number of reviews. According to a study, 70% of consumers trust online reviews, making them a crucial factor in decision-making.
Do not shy away from sharing glowing testimonials on your digital platforms. It not only builds credibility but also provides social proof to potential guests. Displaying recent positive reviews can influence booking decisions, as consumers often look for recent feedback to gauge current service quality.
Invest in tools that help monitor and manage online reviews across various platforms. This ensures you stay informed about guest feedback and can respond on time, maintaining a positive online reputation.
Never leave any review unanswered, be it glowing or damning. Engaging with both positive and negative reviews demonstrates your commitment to guest satisfaction. A thoughtful response to a negative review can mitigate potential damage and show prospective guests that you value feedback and are dedicated to improvement.
Encourage repeat business by offering discounts or special packages to guests who leave a review. This not only increases the number of reviews but also fosters loyalty among your clientele.
Ensure that your team understands the impact of online reviews on the business. Encourage them to provide exceptional service that motivates guests to share positive experiences online.
By proactively managing and leveraging online reviews, South African hospitality businesses can build trust, enhance their reputation, and drive bookings during the holiday season. Embrace these strategies to turn guest feedback into a powerful asset for your establishment.
Guest Experience is a specialist brand of Cannect Digital, which is a results-oriented digital marketing agency. We provide creative & authentic value to our clients by offering innovative digital marketing solutions, delivered by a committed and trustworthy team.
