Get More 5-Star Reviews (Without Asking Twice)
Jarod LaFalce
Co-Founder / COO of BookingTerminal
Published on: May 30, 2025 | Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes
In an increasingly online world, tour and activity operators often ask us how to improve their digital presence. Many marketers will immediately suggest SEO or ads—and those can help. But there’s one thing most guests do before booking, no matter how they found you: read reviews.
According to a TripAdvisor study, 72% of travelers “always or frequently” read reviews before deciding what to book (Online Reviews Remain a Trusted Source of Information When Booking Trips, Reveals New Research, TripAdvisor, Ipsos MORI). That means glowing reviews aren’t a nice-to-have—they’re essential.
Still, getting guests to leave a review can feel like pulling teeth. With the right timing, message, and tools, though, you can make it easy—and even automatic. Here’s how to turn more happy guests into 5-star reviews (without having to ask twice).
Why Reviews Matter More Than Ever
You can explain the value of your tours all day—but let’s be honest: most customers are thinking, “Well of course they’re going to say it’s great.” What really convinces them is hearing it from someone who’s already been. That’s where reviews come in. They turn your marketing claims into trusted proof.
And it’s not just about persuasion. A steady stream of reviews can also boost your visibility on Google, TripAdvisor, and other platforms—putting your experiences ahead of the competition. This kind of organic exposure is often more effective (and way more targeted) than SEO tweaks or paid ads, which can burn cash without always reaching the right people.
The Real Reason Guests Don’t Leave Reviews
Don’t assume that asking for a review is annoying your guests. If they had a great time, most people are more than happy to support a small business—they just need a reminder.
The real issue? Timing. Life gets in the way, the day moves on, and your awesome tour slips their mind. A lack of reviews usually isn’t about disinterest—it’s about distraction.
So don’t get discouraged. With the right approach, asking once (at the right time) can go a long way.
Make It Easy, Obvious, and Timed Just Right
The key to getting more reviews? A prompt, thoughtful, and simple request.
Aim to reach your guests about 24 hours after their tour—when the experience is still fresh in their minds. But don’t just fire off a generic “Leave us a review!” message. Instead, take a moment to bring them back to the fun they had. A quick line that recalls the activity or the vibe of the day can help reignite that excitement.
Then, make it effortless: include a direct link to your review platform of choice—Google, TripAdvisor, wherever. Don’t make them search for it or figure it out on their own. Simplicity wins.
Finish with a short, sincere thank-you. People are far more likely to respond when they feel appreciated, not pressured.
Automate the Ask with BookingTerminal
Running a review campaign might sound like a lot of work—but with BookingTerminal, it’s mostly a one-time setup.
All you need is a well-written message (which you’d have to write anyway). With BookingTerminal, you can create beautifully formatted, markdown-enabled templates that feel personal and on-brand.
Once your message is ready, just set the timing. Many of our clients schedule theirs to go out 24 hours after check-in—when the experience is still fresh. And the best part? These follow-ups are automatically sent to every confirmed booking. No manual work, no forgetting, no stress.
Pro Tips from Top Operators
Try Varied Templates: Want to test different messages or subject lines? Adjust your template and pair both iterations with link click tracking. This mini A/B test can show you which version gets the most clicks—and ultimately, the most reviews.
Test Different Review Platforms: Not all review sites are created equal. Some guests may find Google easier than TripAdvisor, or vice versa. Try sending traffic to different platforms and see which one yields more completed reviews.
Adjust Your Timing: While 24 hours is a solid rule of thumb, your audience might respond better at different intervals—like 2 hours after the tour ends, or the following morning. A small tweak in timing can lead to a big bump in responses.
Conclusion: Reviews That Work While You Sleep
Online reviews are one of the most powerful ways to boost your reputation and add real credibility to your offerings. With the right message and smart timing, you’ll be surprised how quickly the feedback starts rolling in.
And with BookingTerminal, it gets even easier—your review requests can be automated, so you get more 5-stars with less manual work.
Want to turn more happy guests into glowing reviews? Let us show you how BookingTerminal makes it effortless. Schedule your free demo today!