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TripAdvisor leads the field for online travel research, with 60 percent of travelers indicating they check the site before booking a room. Considering TripAdvisor’s ability to make or break an accommodations venue, hoteliers must take their properties’ presence on the site very seriously. We’ve collected four ways to maximize your hotel’s rankings on TripAdvisor.
Stay on Top
Reviews and information that live on TripAdvisor are living, breathing things that require constant care from you. Your hotel’s page needs to be up-to-date and feature solid photos that accurately represent your lodgings. You should always respond to reviews, both positive and negative, and use the information to improve your offerings. View visitor comments as an opportunity to start a conversation, not a place to get defensive.
Be Prepared to Act
If your hotel has negative comments, you must be prepared to act on them. For example, if someone writes that your lobby is outdated, you can budget for minor renovations that can bring the entryway up to date. Be sure to tell reviewers that you have this plan in place. Be sure to impress upon your staff the importance of customer service, as well. An extra towel in the room each day or a free breakfast can go a long way toward mitigating any negative aspects guests might have encountered.
Monitor Competition
TripAdvisor is open for everyone, so you can see how your competition is doing with ease. Use this resource to your advantage and see what competitors are offering to guests that you are not. Or, you can see what negative things reviewers are saying and make sure your hotel doesn’t have the same problems. Comments about competitors are a great place to find suggestions for improvement at your own location.
Don’t Fake It
It is a cardinal sin to write false reviews or offer payment in exchange for positive reviews. TripAdvisor takes this rule very seriously, and breaking it can be really bad news for your hotel. Instead of scheming about ways to game the system, focus on methods for improving your hotel to earn higher ratings from guests. TripAdvisor – and your customers – will reward you for the effort.
TripAdvisor is a valuable tool for travelers, but it may be even more important to the bottom line for hotels who manage their rankings proactively. Taking the time to conscientiously monitor and interact with the site and your customers is just good business.
