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You just said goodbye to your latest guests. The property is spotless, everything went smoothly, and yet... radio silence on reviews. Frustrating, right? If you are a host or concierge on Airbnb, you know that reviews are the backbone of your business. They determine your visibility, credibility, and -- let's be honest -- your ability to fill your booking calendar. Most often, it is not a lack of satisfaction that prevents guests from leaving reviews, it is simply forgetting. The good news? With the right automation techniques and well-crafted messages, you can triple your response rate. In this article, we share our proven methods for turning every stay into a positive review, without spending hours on it.
From review requests to check-in instructions, let Nowistay's AI handle it all.
Get started freeAirbnb's algorithm systematically favors listings with recent, positive reviews. This is a reality observed on the ground: two identical properties, in the same neighborhood, with similar prices, can have radically different occupancy rates. The difference? One regularly accumulates 5-star reviews, the other stagnates with a few scattered comments.
But here is what few hosts realize: getting reviews is not just about service quality. We have seen exceptional properties struggle to get feedback, while more modest apartments are overflowing with positive evaluations. The secret lies in the post-stay solicitation strategy.
A well-oiled review request system also provides you with a goldmine of valuable information. This feedback allows you to quickly identify what works and what could be improved. A guest mentions that the Wi-Fi was unstable? You can react before it becomes a recurring problem. Several guests love your neighborhood guide? You know it is an asset to highlight.
Automating messages does not mean dehumanizing your communication. On the contrary, it allows you to systematize best practices while maintaining a personal touch. After testing different approaches, here is the formula that generates the best results.
The first critical window is between 24 and 48 hours after departure. At this point, the experience is still fresh in the traveler's mind, but they have had time to gain perspective. This is your best window for getting a detailed, authentic review. Too early, you seem pushy; too late, memories fade.
If you do not get a response, a second follow-up between the 5th and 7th day works remarkably well. Many travelers simply forgot or put it off. This friendly, no-pressure reminder often converts the undecided.
A third attempt can be considered on day 14, but only if your first messages were warm and non-intrusive. At this stage, change your angle: rather than asking for a review again, offer help or ask if everything has been going well since their return.
The Airbnb messaging system remains your safest and most direct option. Travelers expect to receive post-stay communications there, and you stay within the platform's rules. The added advantage? Your messages are archived and easily retrievable.
For concierge services managing multiple properties, an automated email system may prove more efficient. Be careful about GDPR rules though: you need explicit permission from the traveler to use their email address for marketing purposes. A simple opt-in at the time of booking usually suffices.
SMS remains a powerful option with open rates exceeding 95%, but reserve it for situations where the traveler has explicitly provided their number and authorized you to use it.
Platforms like Guesty, Hostfully, or even more accessible solutions like Zapier, Make, or n8n combined with personalized templates can transform your review management. The initial time investment to set up these tools pays for itself quickly.
The trick is to create dynamic variables:
These details make all the difference between a generic message that gets ignored and a communication that generates a response.
After hundreds of A/B tests, here are the phrasings that generate the best response rates. The goal is to remain concise, authentic, and action-oriented.
Hi [First Name],
I hope you had a great trip back! It was a pleasure hosting you in our [property type].
If you enjoyed your stay, your review on Airbnb would truly make a difference for us. As an independent host, every piece of feedback means a lot for continuing to offer memorable experiences.
It only takes 2 minutes and also helps future travelers in their decision-making.
Thank you again for your trust, and hope to see you again!
[Your first name]
Hi [First Name],
I hope you have fond memories of your time in [City]!
If you have not yet had the chance to share your experience on Airbnb, your review would help us a lot. Even a few words make a big difference for our host rating.
By the way, if there is anything we could have improved, do not hesitate to tell us directly. We take all feedback seriously.
Thanks in advance for your time!
[Your first name]
Hi [First Name],
Following your stay from [dates] at our property [name/address], we hope everything met your expectations.
Your experience feedback on Airbnb is valuable to us and the property owners we represent. If you could take a moment to share your impressions, it would help us maintain our level of service.
To leave your review, simply go to your past bookings in the Airbnb app.
Best regards, [Concierge Service Name]
Beyond just the first name, mention a specific detail from the stay. "I hope you enjoyed the Christmas market visit" or "I hope your presentation went well" create an emotional connection that triples the response rate.
Systematically leave a positive review for your guests within 14 days.
Not only does this encourage them to do the same, but it also shows future guests that you are active and engaged.
Business travelers respond better to short, professional messages sent at the beginning of the week. Families prefer a warmer tone and can receive messages on weekends. Adapt your approach.
Offering a 10% discount on a future stay after leaving a review (without conditioning it on the rating) stays within Airbnb's guidelines and significantly increases feedback. The key is to never buy or condition positive reviews.
Never harass your guests. Three messages maximum, intelligently spaced. Beyond that, you risk annoyance and potentially a negative review.
Avoid phrasings that put pressure: "We really need your review" or "Without reviews, we cannot continue" sound desperate and counterproductive.
Never explicitly mention that you want a "5-star review." This can backfire and violate Airbnb's terms of service.
Track your monthly conversion rate: the number of reviews received divided by the number of stays. A good rate is between 60 and 75%.
Below that, review your strategy. Regularly test new phrasings. Change one element at a time (subject, timing, tone) and measure the impact over 20-30 sends before drawing conclusions.
Analyze the content of reviews received. Recurring words indicate your strengths to amplify and priority areas for improvement.
Automating review requests is not optional -- it is a necessity for any serious Airbnb host. By applying the strategies detailed in this article, you can reasonably expect to double your number of reviews within three months.
Start simple: set up your first automated follow-up at Day+1 or Day+2 today. Use one of the templates provided, customize it slightly, and launch. In a week, add the Day+7 reminder. Measure, adjust, perfect.
Remember: every positive review is an investment in your future success. You do not become a Superhost by chance, but through a methodical and caring approach to the client relationship. Your next 5-star review is just waiting for your well-timed message to see the light of day.
Do not leave your online reputation to chance any longer. Take control of your review strategy now, and watch your Airbnb business thrive.
Continue reading:
Tips for beginner Airbnb hosts: from creating your listing to 5-star reviews
How to get a negative review removed on Airbnb (even when Airbnb doesn't want to)
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