Boost Your Business by Effectively Managing Online Reviews
February is an ideal time for business owners to tackle online reviews as it is often a slower month with fewer customer demands. This provides the perfect opportunity to assess feedback, respond to reviews, and implement improvements that can boost their business and enhance their reputation.
Online reviews play a vital role in shaping consumer decisions and building a business’s reputation. According to a local consumer review survey, 93% of consumers said they used the internet to find a local business in the previous year (BrightLocal, 2020). A more recent survey from the same company shows that 74% of consumers check at least 2 review sites before making decisions and 53% said that they want to read reviews detailing positive experiences (BrightLocal, 2025). But it doesn’t stop at reviews, because 89% of these consumers said that they expect business owners to respond to reviews. This highlights the importance of online reviews, not just in influencing consumer choices but also in motivating businesses to engage with their customers via review responses.
The Importance of Online Reviews for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry
Online reviews serve as digital word-of-mouth, influencing potential customers and reinforcing trust. A study highlighted by CRR Hospitality found outdoor hospitality ratings can attract more guests and that high ratings can help boost the reputation of the outdoor accommodation industry (CRR Hospitality, 2024). According to the report, campgrounds and RV parks with high ratings are more likely to attract guests looking for the best outdoor accommodations, because properties with an average rating of 4.5 stars or higher receive 25% more bookings than those with lower ratings (CRR Hospitality, 2024).
Given the seasonal nature of the outdoor hospitality industry, managing online reputation effectively can make a significant difference in attracting campers, RV travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts—especially in competitive travel markets. Effectively managing online reviews can be what helps them stay in the business or even help them stand out among competitors.
Strategies for Leveraging Online Reviews
The strong influence that online reviews have on consumer decisions calls for effectively managing and leveraging these reviews in order to enhance the business’ reputation, increase bookings, and improve overall guest satisfaction. Here are a few strategies to consider:
- Review and Respond Thoughtfully
- Assess feedback from Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and industry-specific review sites.
- Respond promptly and professionally, thanking customers for positive feedback.
- Address negative reviews with solutions, showing commitment to customer satisfaction.
- Encourage More Reviews
- Politely ask satisfied customers to leave reviews.
- Offer incentives (discounts, loyalty points) for feedback, ensuring compliance with platform guidelines.
- Monitor Local Review Trends
- Focus on region-specific platforms where potential customers search for businesses.
- Consider cultural and seasonal preferences when crafting responses and offers.
- Use Insights for Business Improvement
- Identify recurring feedback trends to enhance services and operations.
- Invest in staff training to address common customer concerns.
The Long-Term Value of Online Review Management
For campgrounds, RV parks, and other hospitality businesses, a well-managed online reputation can significantly impact bookings, guest satisfaction, and overall revenue. Companies that actively engage with customer reviews tend to experience higher retention rates and stronger brand credibility (Moz, 2023). This is particularly relevant for outdoor hospitality, where travelers often rely on peer feedback when choosing their next destination.
A Harvard Business School study (Luca, 2020) found that a one-star rating increase on Yelp can lead to a 5 to 9% revenue boost for small businesses. For campgrounds and RV parks, where guests prioritize clean facilities, friendly service, and well-maintained sites, positive reviews can directly influence occupancy rates and seasonal demand. Addressing customer feedback, whether through thoughtful responses or operational improvements, helps build trust and encourages repeat visits.
When campground and RV park owners start this February for managing their online reputation, they can enhance their visibility before the travel season begins. Proactively refining their online presence, responding to reviews, and encouraging positive feedback now can translate into higher customer engagement, increased bookings, and sustained revenue growth as the busier spring and summer months approach.
References:
BrightLocal. (2020). Local Consumer Review Survey 2020. https://www.brightlocal.com/research/local-consumer-review-survey-2020/
BrightLocal. (2025). Local Consumer Review Survey 2025. https://www.brightlocal.com/research/local-consumer-review-survey/
CRR Hospitality. (2024). How Outdoor Hospitality Ratings Can Transform Your Business. https://crrhospitality.com/blog/how-outdoor-hospitality-ratings-can-transform-your-business/
Moz. (2023). The Impact of Reviews on Business Performance. https://moz.com/local-business-review-survey-report
Luca, M. (2020). Reviews, Reputation, and Revenue: The Case of Yelp.com. (Harvard Business School) https://www.hbs.edu/ris/Publication%20Files/12-016_a7e4a5a2-03f9-490d-b093-8f951238dba2.pdf
