When was the last time you booked a hotel without bothering to check its reviews? If you’re like most people, it’s been a while. Nowadays, it’s almost second nature for us to turn to online reviews before making any booking decisions. In fact, studies have shown that a staggering 90% of people read reviews before booking a hotel. What is even more interesting is that 88% of these individuals trust these reviews as much as they trust personal recommendations from friends and family. This means that reviews play a crucial role in the success of your property.   

It’s not just the number of reviews that matters but the recency of reviews is also important. According to studies, reviews older than three months are irrelevant to 85% of consumers. In other words, people are primarily interested in recent experiences shared by fellow travellers. Fresh reviews are like a lifeline for travellers seeking informed decision.  When guests see that a hotel is still receiving visitors and that the reviews are up-to-date, it encourages them to book with you. This is particularly important in today’s world, where everyone wants to make sure they’re getting the best value for their hard-earned money. Moreover, fresh reviews can help you identify areas for improvement. When guests provide feedback on what they expect from their stay, it allows you to continuously improve your services and facilities, ultimately leading to a better guest experience.   

Fresh reviews can have a significant impact on your property’s search engine optimisation (SEO). Consistently receiving a flow of fresh reviews can improve your property’s ranking in search engine results, thereby increasing its visibility and discoverability. Additionally, a greater number of reviews helps build trust and confidence among potential guests, which can make a significant difference when they’re deciding which property to book.  

To fully grasp the importance of fresh reviews you just need to look at leading platforms like TripAdvisor and Google. These platforms employ a Popularity Ranking Index that considers the quality, quantity, and recency of reviews. As a result, properties with recent positive reviews are more likely to secure higher positions in search results, making them more visible to potential guests. So, it’s evident that fresh reviews play a vital role in your property’s success.  

This is where Gold, a new area in freetobook, comes into play. This new area equips you with the tools to offer exceptional service and generates positive reviews. By utilising Gold, you can increase your bookings, and gain a competitive edge. Gold streamlines the guest messaging and review process, making it a breeze for you to deliver an outstanding guest experience, promptly respond to guest messages, and manage guest reviews. By embracing Gold and harnessing its customer service superpowers, you can exceed guest expectations, generate positive reviews, and unlock your property’s full revenue potential. 

For properties not yet using freetobook, why not signup today and enjoy all the amazing solutions we provide for accommodation owners worldwide.