Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
The question is not: Do you want to be a star, but rather: Do you want to get stars?
And the answer? Of course you do! Lots of little stars under your listing on 9flats.com leads to more bookings and happy guests who recommend you to their friends.
And here are our tips to get those coveted stars
1: Think like a guest, hop into the mind of a traveller, walk in someone else’s shoes.
Your guests might be weary after a long journey and want to unwind, perhaps a bottle of wine or lavendar bath salts is a nice touch to let them know that you have thought of their every need. Or perhaps they immediately want to venture out to explore. Have you provided them with information about your area, the things to do and see, where to hire a car, walking time to the beach?
You can compile a guide for your guests using alacartemaps or simply compile your own individual guide which is unique to you, your property and your area.
2: “Better keep yourself clean and bright. You are the window through which you must see the world.” So said George Bernard Shaw.
If we alter the quote slightly: “Better keep your home clean and bright. It is the window through which people must see your world”
See where I’m going with this? No one wants to stay somewhere that is not spotlessly clean, that means the windows which people see your world through should sparkle and yes, dust behind the wardrobe, clean the grout between the tiles, vacuum under the bed, repaint scuffs on walls and doors.
Sometimes you are so used to seeing your own familiar surroundings that you are blind to its flaws. Bring in a friend who will see the place with fresh eyes and tell you what needs cleaning or painting or repairing. Make a list and get too it! Keep you and your property clean and bright!
Photo: Skyline Chambers
3: Build trust
Talk to your guests upon their arrival. Think of your first meeting like a non-romantic date. First impressions count, are you friendly, welcoming, informative and organised? Are you the host with most?
According to this article:
“First impressions matter when you want to build a lasting trust” said study researcher Robert Lount of Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business. “If you get off on the wrong foot, the relationship may never be completely right again. It’s easier to rebuild trust after a breach if you already have a strong relationship.”
Your guests are not only judging you when they first meet you, but also make sure the first impression that they get from your property is “wow!”
4: Get people talking. Talking about what? Talking about you!
If your guests arrive to a clean place and a welcoming host who has the information they need do you think they’re going to keep that to themselves? No way! Once they have stayed with you, they may review your place on 9flats and give you some stars. Before they leave, politely request that they do this so that .
Your guests will very likely tell others about where they stayed. They may use the wireless internet you have provided in your accommodation login to Facebook and twitter and post a link to your property, they may email or text their friends and family and tell them about your place and what a great time they’re having there. Give them something good to talk about!
Photo by Dave Murr
5: Booking requests
In case you hadn’t noticed, we added a new iCal feature, this means that if you can update a number of iCal enabled calendars in one go. Put simply, you now have no excuse to have an out of date calendar : )
We know some of you out there don’t like to spend their lives in front of a computer, but booking requests come to you via email, so check them regularly throughout the day to ensure that guests stay with you. Did you know that you can get a text message alert telling you that you’ve received a booking by email? Simply login to your account, go to:
> cockpit > account and scroll down to > enable free sms notifications.
What does all this add up to? Receiving those coveted reviews and stars on 9flats.com, more bookings, more happy guests and more recommendations.
Stop being a tourist – start being the best host ever!