In this episode, Neil looks at the importance of reviews in the Airbnb ecosystem. He explains the review system on Airbnb, highlighting its role in building trust between hosts and guests. Neil shares how reviews have helped him make improvements to his accommodations and spy on his competition.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Maintaining excellent review scores is crucial for achieving and maintaining Superhost status on Airbnb. Reviews provide real-time feedback that can help hosts make improvements to their accommodations. Using the review system to spy on competition can provide valuable insights into what guests appreciate and what they don't. Instant booking feature on Airbnb listings can save time, increase booking numbers, and ensure only guests with good reviews can book instantly. Responding to feedback in reviews and making necessary changes can lead to repeat bookings and overall success as a host. BEST MOMENTS "Since embarking on the Airbnb journey, I've turned over well in excess of a quarter of a million pounds just from my own home only."  "It's like sharing your thoughts in a secret envelope so everyone feels safe to say what they really think." "By reacting to her feedback in the review quickly, I estimate I've had at least another additional five bookings from her." "Using the reviews for feedback and research all feeds into one of my previous Superhost secrets of using the slight edge to make improvements as you move along your journey." "If the guests had no reviews at all, or they have bad reviews, they can't instantly book." CONTACT DETAILS Visit Neil's Airbnb https://bit.ly/SuperhostNeil Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superhostneil/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuperhostNeil TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@superhostneil Email: [email protected]  ABOUT THE HOST Neil has led a fulfilled and unconventional life, navigating an extraordinary journey from the Royal Navy to prop-making in London's West End theatres. Born into a military family, it was a twist of fate which led him to the theatre, where he contributed to iconic productions such as Phantom of the Opera. Eventually, Neil transitioned to Corporate Event Team Building, eventually founding his own venture in 1999. Financial challenges in 2017 are what prompted a strategic shift to Airbnb hosting, proving a reliable backup income. By 2021, Neil and his business partner triumphed over significant debt, fuelled by their resilience and the success of Neil's Airbnb venture. Now, Neil has left the corporate world behind, thriving solely through his flourishing Airbnb endeavours. ABOUT THE SHOW Welcome to "The Airbnb Superhost," your ultimate guide to mastering the art of hosting on Airbnb. In each concise 15-minute episode, Neil will reveal the secrets to creating unforgettable guest experiences and maximizing the potential of your property, drawing on over 8 consecutive years as a qualifying Airbnb Superhost. With a focus on 3 specific aspects of running an Airbnb business; the host, the property, and Airbnb itself, Neil provides step-by-step guidance on everything from ambiance creation to effective communication. In each episode, a Superhost Secret will help you elevate your hosting game and keep guests coming back for more. Whether you're a seasoned host or just starting out, Neil’s actionable tips and tricks will help you become a hospitality superstar. Disclaimer: The Airbnb Superhost is in no way affiliated with Airbnb. All ideas, thoughts, concepts and data presented in this podcast are entirely Neil’s own and do not represent the views of Airbnb.