Testimonial Request Sequence for Vacation Rental Owners Email Guide
Why Testimonial Request Sequence Emails Fail for Vacation Rental Owners (And How to Fix Them)
A glowing review on your listing can be the difference between a booked calendar and an empty one. Many vacation rental owners know the power of social proof.
You’ve probably noticed that guests often check reviews before they even look at your photos. Yet, asking for those crucial testimonials often feels awkward, gets forgotten, or simply doesn't yield the results you hope for.
A well-crafted testimonial request sequence removes the friction. It guides your guests to share their positive experiences, turning satisfied stays into powerful marketing assets.
Imagine a steady stream of authentic feedback, building trust and attracting more high-value bookings without you having to chase them down. The templates below are designed to do just that.
They’ll help you collect compelling testimonials easily, boosting your reputation and your bottom line.
The Complete 3-Email Testimonial Request Sequence for Vacation Rental Owners
As a vacation rental owner, your clients trust your recommendations. This 3-email sequence helps you introduce valuable tools without sounding like a salesperson.
The Check-in
Ask how things are going and gauge satisfaction
Hi [First Name],
We hope your recent stay at [PROPERTY NAME] was comfortable and memorable. As a vacation rental owner, my main goal is to create exceptional experiences for every guest.
I'd love to hear if there's anything at all we could have done better, or if something truly stood out to you. Your honest feedback helps us refine our offerings and ensures future guests have an even better time.
Just a quick reply to this email would be greatly appreciated. No need for a long response.
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email uses the 'foot-in-the-door' technique. By asking for low-effort feedback first, you create a positive interaction, making the subsequent request for a testimonial feel less intrusive. It also allows you to address any potential issues privately, preventing negative public reviews.
The Request
Ask for a testimonial with specific, easy prompts
Hi [First Name],
Building on our last conversation, or just a quick follow-up if we haven't connected yet, I truly hope you enjoyed your time at [PROPERTY NAME]. Positive reviews are incredibly valuable for vacation rental owners like me.
They help future guests feel confident booking their stay and allow us to continue providing fantastic experiences. Would you be willing to share a brief testimonial about your experience?
It would mean a lot. To make it easy, here are a few prompts you might consider: • What was your favorite part of staying at [PROPERTY NAME]? • What made your stay comfortable or unique? • Would you recommend [PROPERTY NAME] to friends or family, and why?
You can simply reply to this email with your thoughts. A few sentences are perfect.
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email employs the principle of 'reciprocity' and 'social proof'. By framing the request as helpful to the owner and future guests, it appeals to their willingness to contribute. Providing specific prompts reduces cognitive load, making it easier for the guest to formulate a response and increasing the likelihood of a high-quality testimonial.
The Gentle Nudge
Follow up with those who have not responded
Hi [First Name],
Just a gentle follow-up regarding your recent stay at [PROPERTY NAME]. I know how busy life can get, but I wanted to circle back on my request for a quick testimonial.
Your feedback truly helps us showcase what makes [PROPERTY NAME] special for upcoming guests. It's the authentic stories from people like you that make all the difference.
If you have a spare moment, simply reply to this email with a few sentences about your favorite memory or what you enjoyed most. No pressure at all, but it would be incredibly helpful.
Thanks again for choosing [PROPERTY NAME].
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email utilizes the 'mere-exposure effect' and 'polite persistence'. By re-exposing the request without being pushy, it increases the chance of compliance. The language is soft, emphasizing convenience and value, which reduces resistance and uses the guest's potential desire to be helpful.
4 Testimonial Request Sequence Mistakes Vacation Rental Owners Make
| Don't Do This | Do This Instead |
|---|---|
✕ Waiting too long to ask for a testimonial, making the experience less fresh in the guest's mind. | Send a check-in email within 24-48 hours of checkout, then the request email a few days later. |
✕ Sending a generic, impersonal testimonial request email to all guests. | Personalize the email with the guest's name, property name, and perhaps a specific detail from their stay if you track it. |
✕ Making the testimonial request feel like a chore or a long survey. | Provide specific, open-ended prompts that guide them to share highlights, making it easy to respond with a few sentences. |
✕ Not explaining why their testimonial matters to you and future guests. | Clearly state how their feedback helps you improve and assists other travelers in finding their perfect stay. |
Testimonial Request Sequence Timing Guide for Vacation Rental Owners
When you send matters as much as what you send.
The Check-in
Ask how things are going and gauge satisfaction
The Request
Ask for a testimonial with specific, easy prompts
The Gentle Nudge
Follow up with those who have not responded
Send after a win, project completion, or positive feedback.
Customize Testimonial Request Sequence for Your Vacation Rental Owner Specialty
Adapt these templates for your specific industry.
Beginners
- Start by asking for testimonials from your most recent, happiest guests first to build confidence.
- Focus on getting just one or two sentences. Don't aim for a novel.
- Keep your request emails short, friendly, and easy to understand.
Intermediate Practitioners
- Integrate your testimonial requests into your automated post-stay email sequences.
- Consider offering a small, non-monetary incentive for honest feedback, like a local guide for their next visit.
- Test different subject lines and email timings to see what gets the best response rates.
Advanced Professionals
- Segment your guests based on their experience (e.g., families, couples, business travelers) and tailor testimonial prompts to their specific stay.
- Explore video testimonials or asking for specific photos from their stay to accompany written reviews.
- Use CRM tools to track who has provided a testimonial and who needs a gentle nudge, personalizing follow-ups.
Industry Specialists
- Highlight the unique aspects of your niche in your testimonial prompts (e.g., 'How did our pet amenities enhance your stay?').
- Ask for testimonials that specifically address the pain points or desires of your specialist audience.
- Direct guests to leave reviews on niche-specific platforms or forums where your ideal clients spend time.
Ready to Save Hours?
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