If you’re in the business of booking paradise, online reviews can make or break your visibility. It’s not just about what people say—it’s about where you show up when travelers search for the perfect escape.
From boutique beach stays to luxury overwater villas, reviews help Google figure out who should rank higher. That means more clicks, more bookings, and more sun-soaked guests saying “this place was even better than the pictures.”
Here’s how it works—and how to use reviews to climb higher in search.
Google Pays Attention to Reviews
Search engines want to serve up results people can trust. That’s where reviews come in.
Google looks at:
- How many reviews you have
- How recent they are
- How positive they are
- Where they’re posted
Moz reported that reviews account for about 15% of local search ranking factors. That’s a big deal. If your resort, island rental, or private tour doesn’t have many reviews, you’ll likely get buried under the competition—even if your photos are stunning.
A beachfront resort in Costa Rica I worked with had five reviews. Their closest competitor had 150. Guess who was ranking on page one?
Reviews Add Keywords You Didn’t Think Of
When a guest writes a review, they often use search terms without knowing it. That’s great for your SEO.
They might write:
- “Secluded beach with no crowds”
- “Perfect for honeymooners”
- “Best snorkeling tour in the Bahamas”
Google picks up those phrases and starts connecting your listing to them.
This kind of content is called user-generated content—and it helps you show up for more long-tail searches, like “quiet island escape with toddler-friendly activities” or “Bali resort with vegan food.”
It’s like free SEO content you didn’t have to write yourself.
More Reviews = Higher Clicks
Even if you’re already ranking, reviews help people click.
When users see your listing with a 4.9-star rating and 300 reviews, that builds trust fast. And trust leads to clicks. More clicks tell Google that people like your page. That can push your listing even higher.
BrightLocal found that stars in search results can boost click-through rates by 35%. That means more people actually land on your site when you show up.
More eyes on your listing = more bookings.
Review Sites Rank Too
Google doesn’t just rank your website. It also ranks platforms like:
- Google Business Profile
- TripAdvisor
- Booking.com
- Yelp
- Trustpilot
If your profile is strong on these sites, it can rank high—even above your actual homepage. That helps control more space on the first page of results.
One of our favorite private island resorts in the Maldives showed up three times on page one—TripAdvisor, their website, and a five-star review article. All with consistent branding and glowing guest feedback.
That’s how you own your corner of paradise online.
Bad Reviews Can Sink Rankings
One or two bad reviews won’t destroy your business. But if your average rating drops below 4.0, people notice. And so does Google.
Low ratings can hurt:
- Your local map pack visibility
- Click-through rates
- Bounce rates (if people leave fast after reading reviews)
According to ReviewTrackers, 94% of people say a bad review has stopped them from choosing a business.
And if someone posts something false or nasty? Services like erase.com can help get it removed or buried under better content.
Keep Reviews Coming In
Google loves fresh content. And reviews count.
If your last review is from six months ago, you start slipping. New reviews keep your listing active and show that people are still booking and talking about you.
Make It Easy to Leave a Review
Don’t wait and hope guests leave reviews. Ask them directly. Here’s how:
- Send a follow-up email after checkout
- Include a review link in your booking confirmation
- Offer a small incentive like a free drink or late checkout
- Ask them in person before they leave
A small eco-resort in Tulum doubled their review count in 30 days just by setting up a printed review card at checkout with a QR code. No pressure. Just a reminder. It worked.
Always Respond to Reviews
Replying to reviews shows that you care. But it also helps your SEO.
Google sees review responses as a signal that your business is active and engaged. Even a simple “Thanks so much for staying with us!” goes a long way.
For negative reviews, stay calm and reply with facts. Try to take the conversation offline.
One beach bungalow owner in Fiji responded to a bad review by inviting the guest back for a free night to make it right. The guest updated their review to five stars. That reply alone started showing up in Google search—and people loved the transparency.
Use Reviews in Your Content
Your website and blog can boost SEO too—especially if you reuse your best reviews.
Try this:
- Add quotes from happy guests on your homepage
- Create a “guest stories” blog post once a month
- Highlight your top TripAdvisor reviews on your booking page
- Include screenshots of reviews in your gallery
This adds credibility and lets you stack your pages with helpful keywords—without writing from scratch.
Review Tools That Help
If you’re managing more than one property or tour, use tools to keep it simple.
Top picks:
- Birdeye – Great for automating review requests
- Trustpilot – Strong for e-commerce or booking platforms
- Reputation.com – Built for multi-location businesses
- Google Business Profile Manager – Track and reply in one place
You can set up auto-reminders, reply faster, and get review stats all in one spot.
Final Thoughts
Reviews aren’t just nice to have. They’re SEO fuel. The more high-quality reviews you get—and the more platforms you show up on—the higher you rank.
That means more dreamers find your slice of paradise. More clicks. More bookings. And more happy guests who spread the word for you.
So don’t just focus on sunsets and suite upgrades. Make reviews part of your growth plan.
Ask for them. Share them. Respond to them. Your future guests—and Google—are paying attention.
About the author
James Larson
James Larson is the accomplished author behind numerous acclaimed travel guides and articles, renowned for his insightful perspectives and meticulous attention to detail. With a profound passion for discovering hidden gems and lesser-known cultural treasures, James has dedicated himself to illuminating the richness of global travel through his evocative writing. Drawing from a background steeped in exploration and a deep-seated curiosity about diverse landscapes, James captures the essence of each destination with vivid descriptions and practical advice. His expertise lies in unraveling the complexities of travel, offering readers a compelling narrative that goes beyond mere sightseeing to embrace authentic experiences and meaningful encounters. Through his engaging storytelling and expert guidance, James Larson empowers travelers to embark on journeys that are not only enriching but also deeply fulfilling. Whether navigating bustling cityscapes, delving into remote wilderness, or immersing oneself in cultural traditions, James's writing inspires wanderlust and invites readers to embark on transformative adventures of their own.
