For hoteliers, a TripAdvisor listing has long ceased to be nice-to-have, or something that can be created and then forgotten. It’s a vital information source that helps hotels increase their visibility, and form stronger relationships with guests through ratings and reviews. And in an age when user reviews help create and maintain the public’s perception of a brand, TripAdvisor offers hoteliers a chance to quickly address any perceived negative experiences and show a public commitment to guest satisfaction.
Keep your profile up-to-date: Details matter
Small details, such as updating your business information online, can easily get lost in the larger, day-to-day challenges of hotel operations. These seemingly minor details can become very important when they impact your potential guests’ expectations.Image quest: Make your first impression count
It’s also important to have high-quality professional photos that show potential guests how vibrant and inviting your property is – and to update those images regularly. Your hotel’s listing photos are a key part of the first impression guests will get of your property. When you’re hiring a photographer and planning the photos you want to include, consider what sets apart the guest experience at your hotel from the competition. Make those unique qualities shine through in the imagery displayed on your TripAdvisor listing.Win on popularity: Give guests reasons to write reviews
You’ve set guests’ expectations with engaging content. You’ve delivered on those expectations with excellent service. It’s now time to encourage guests to share their experiences and help spread the word to other travelers.- Quality – The bubble ratings that travelers give as part of their reviews are important. In general, properties with more 4- and 5-bubble ratings will rank higher than businesses with lower ratings.
- Recency – TripAdvisor’s philosophy is that recent reviews are more valuable to travelers, giving a more accurate representation of the current in-stay experience at your hotel. Whether positive or negative, older reviews won’t impact your hotel’s popularity as much as those written in recent weeks.
- Quantity – The more reviews your hotel has, the better. Travelers tend to have more confidence in hotels that have been reviewed by multiple travelers over time, and thus TripAdvisor’s algorithm takes quantity into account.