Instant Software and FlipKey launched an integrated seamless guest review service during RezFest 2008. In less than three weeks since launching, 35 property management companies have successfully begun integrating guest reviews through ISILink. Over 4000 reviews have already posted on 1500 properties with an average rating of 4.32 out of 5. Getting started with guest reviews is quick and easy...and it’s also FREE.
WHY COMPANIES ARE USING FLIPKEY / ISI GUEST REVIEWS
Research shows that recommendations from prior guests have a dramatic effect on booking conversions. According to Compete, Inc., 78% of vacationers say they are significantly more likely to book a vacation home if they can read reviews from past guests. TripAdvisor notes that hotel websites have doubled their conversion rates after incorporating guest reviews into their websites. Why? Because they remove the uncertainty and unpredictability often associated with a potential accommodation.
Not only will guest reviews likely increase your booking conversions, but through FlipKey, you will also increase your marketing distribution. In 2009, TripAdvisor will begin promoting vacation rentals that feature FlipKey reviews, giving you the opportunity to promote your properties to more than 24 million visitors per month. If you combine that with Instant Software’s current channel partner network, you could potentially be marketing your properties to about 40 million potential visitors per month.
MANAGE YOUR REPUTATION – NO REVIEW IS A BAD REVIEW
Some property management companies have expressed concern about potentially negative ratings. However, 81% of guest reviews are positive to very positive with an average rating for ISI clients of 4.32 out of 5. In fact, only 4% of guest reviews are negative and these minor cases are critical in establishing the credibility of all your positive reviews. Research has shown products featuring at least a few critical reviews convert better than products featuring only positive reviews. In addition, the FlipKey system alerts you if a negative review is left on a property, which allows you to post a ‘Manager Response’ so future guests can hear both sides of the story. In severe cases, FlipKey offers tools to allow you to protest a review or restrict the review from being shown on your website.
Once your account is up and running you collect guest reviews automatically with no additional effort. After a guest checks-out, a customized personal e-mail invitation is generated and sent to the guest inviting them to leave a review. Alternatively you can manually select which guests are invited to leave a review. No matter what your preferences are, only your guests are invited, so there is no risk of a competitor leaving a fake review. If the guest chooses to review the property, their posting is automatically made available to be published on your website. It’s easy… It’s intuitive… It’s free… and best of all, it will help increase bookings and sales.
IT’S EASY TO GET STARTED
Guest reviews through FlipKey are available through WebLink for any Instant Software solution (PropertyPlus, First Resort, V12.NET and Entech) and can be set up with just a few clicks. The set-up process is easy:
1. Go to your Instant Software WebLink account administration page and select guest reviews
2. Select which properties you want to collect guest reviews for. Even though it is recommended to collect reviews on all of your properties (“Check/Uncheck All”), you can select or unselect any specific properties.
3. Customize your profile and settings. Much of this information can be populated directly from your ISI account, but you can customize or copy and paste any information you want posted.
4. Save preferences
5. Start collecting reviews through either automatic or manual invitation e-mails that are sent a couple days after the guest checks out. Information about the specific property they rented is pulled directly from your Instant Software Business Management and Reservations system.
What Property Mangers are Saying About Collecting Guest Reviews with FlipKey and Instant Software:
“FlipKey is a great service. It was easy to get started and we’ve already had guests make reservations based on FlipKey guest reviews. The service helps us effectively manage and get the most from guest reviews and feedback.”- Nick Lanza, Owner Big Bear Vacations
“It was so easy to get started using FlipKey. I opted in via my WebLink Account and selected all my preferences in less than 5 minutes. Within two days I had over 50 reviews and automatic invitations continue to go out to my guests after they check out - with no additional work needed on our end! The ability to respond to guests input quickly fosters a 'personalized' connection with them and creates a better experience for all.”- Greg Gardner, Owner RSVP Vaction Rentals
“Our biggest surprise so far has been that our properties are already getting increased exposure on the web due to the reviews and descriptions on the FlipKey website. In addition, we are using the guest reviews to improve our accommodations and services, increase the confidence of prospective guests, and provide leverage to improve our owner relationships – the guest reviews are a great way to motivate furnishing upgrades, etc..” - Kristen Askey, Data/Reservations Manager, Ocean Resorts, Myrtle Beach, SC
“The process of integrating Flipkey with ISI Software is very smooth. For years we have been looking at the best way to receive guest feedback and we have finally found a great way to do it with FlipKey.” - Jenny Carlson, Director of Operations, Alpine Lodging
If you want to learn more about FlipKey or would like to get started, please contact your Instant Software Account Manager at 866 PHONE ISI (746-6347), or FlipKey directly at myreviews@flipkey.com or 1-877-FLIPKEY.
Back to October 2008 Insider Newsletter