Review Strategy 2026 for hospitality: asking for Google & TripAdvisor reviews automatically

You know the feeling: guests smile, thank you, say "see you soon"... and online it stays quiet. Meanwhile, your competitor suddenly gets new reviews every single week.

That is not just an ego thing. Fewer reviews means less trust. And you drop faster when people nearby search for "restaurant + city".

The solution is not a gimmick. It is a simple routine that runs almost by itself: a QR code in the venue and a polite WhatsApp follow-up. Set up properly, it brings in new reviews every week, without breaking any rules.

What works in 2026 (and why "automatic" is now necessary)

Why review volume is still a local ranking driver

When someone searches on their phone for a place to eat, they often look at three things: distance, rating, and the number of reviews.

A restaurant with 4.6 stars and 450 reviews feels "safe". A restaurant with 4.7 stars and 28 reviews might be just as good, but people hesitate more quickly. And hesitation costs you bookings and walk-ins.

What guests actually do: quick on mobile (scan/tap) and a short follow-up

In 2026, people do almost everything on their phone. They are not going to "write a review later at home". They do it:

• immediately, if you make it easy (scan and done), or
• after a short reminder, once they are back home.

That is why asking automatically works so well. Not because you are going to spam people, but because you catch the moment when it actually happens.

January = a quiet moment to tighten your flow before the busy season

January is slightly quieter for many venues. Perfect to tighten this up now: you have more attention for details, your team can get used to a short routine, and by spring (terraces, tourists, events) you reap the benefits.

Realistic results: if you do this properly, 1 to 5 extra reviews per week is achievable for many venues. It sounds small, but over a year it adds up fast.

Choose your channels: Google vs TripAdvisor (when to use which?)

When to focus on Google (local searchers, "restaurant + city")

Google is usually number one if you mainly serve local customers: nearby residents, people searching "dinner tonight in [city]", or business guests who want something quick close by.

In short: if your guests mainly come from the area, Google is your main platform.

When TripAdvisor matters more (tourists / downtown locations)

TripAdvisor matters more if you:

• are located downtown with lots of day-trippers,
• are in a tourist region (coast, nature areas, big cities),
• have many international guests,
• or if people plan their visit in advance (a weekend trip).

In the Netherlands, you see this for example in Amsterdam, Maastricht, coastal towns, and well-known hotspots. In many Spanish cities and coastal towns, TripAdvisor is often a standard step for tourists.

Choose one main platform + one "bonus" platform (keep it simple)

Do not overcomplicate it. Choose:

• one main platform where you want most reviews (usually Google),
• and one bonus platform (for example TripAdvisor) for guests where that makes sense.

That keeps your approach simple for you and for your team.

The 3 building blocks of a review machine (simple)

Timing: when do you ask? (right at checkout vs 2 to 4 hours later)

There are two moments that really work:

1. Right at checkout: the guest is happy, the experience is fresh.
2. 2 to 4 hours later: the guest is more relaxed, phone in hand.

Many venues combine both: a QR in the venue, and only for reservations (or regulars) a short WhatsApp later.

Remove friction: QR code / short link / 1 click to the review screen

The biggest enemy of reviews is hassle. If someone has to search where to write a review, you lose them.

So: one scan, one tap, straight into the screen where they can leave stars and type a short message. Always test this yourself on different phones.

Team script: 1 sentence everyone can say (consistency)

You do not need a sales pitch. One sentence is enough, as long as everyone uses it.

Example (friendly, not pushy):

"Thanks for coming in. If you have one minute: you can leave a review via this QR code. It helps us a lot."

The difference is repetition. If the team says this consistently, it starts running.

Practical flow #1 (in-venue): QR on receipt, table, or at the door

Placements that work (counter, receipt, menu, to-go packaging)

These are the placements that typically perform best in real life:

• on the receipt (for takeaway and dine-in)
• at the counter (small stand)
• on the menu (back page, subtle)
• on to-go packaging (sticker: "How was it?")
• at the door (on the way out, especially for busy venues)

"How to ask" without being pushy (short standard line)

Keep it light. You are not asking a favor for yourself, you are asking for feedback.

Two versions that often work well:

• "If you were happy: one minute would help us a lot, just scan this QR to leave a review."
• "Any tips or was it great? Feel free to share it via the QR, we really read them."

Important: do not say "give us 5 stars". Just ask for a review, done.

Mini checklist: does the link work on iPhone/Android? (test step)

Test this properly once and save yourself months of frustration:

• scan the QR with an iPhone and an Android phone
• do you land directly on the correct review screen (Google or TripAdvisor)?
• does it work on mobile data (not only on wifi)?
• is the text on the sign readable in low light?

Practical flow #2 (after the visit): a WhatsApp follow-up that is not annoying

Conditions: when you are allowed to send a WhatsApp message (consent/expectation)

WhatsApp works well, but only if you do it properly.

Only send a message if the guest gave you their number for a clear reason (reservation, takeaway order, waitlist) and it makes sense that you follow up.

Make it predictable as well. For example, say during the booking:

"We will send your confirmation via WhatsApp and possibly a short question afterwards about how it was."

Then it does not feel unexpected.

Timing: same evening vs next day (what fits your type of venue)

• Same evening (2 to 4 hours later): often works well for casual venues.
• Next day (afternoon): often better for fine dining, because people respond more calmly.

Pick one approach and stick to it. Then it becomes routine.

2-message structure: thank you -> review request (short + link)

Keep it short. Nobody wants a wall of text.

Message 1 (thank you, no ask):
"Thanks for having dinner with us yesterday. Hope you enjoyed it."

Message 2 (review request with link, short):
"If you have 1 minute: would you leave a review? It really helps us. Here is the link: [link]"

Practical tip: do not send "thanks + review request + promo" in one message. That quickly feels like marketing.

Automate without expensive clutter (3 levels)

Level 1: manual (phone + saved text + link in notes)

This is how many venues start:

• save two standard messages on your phone (notes)
• copy and paste
• send only to reservations or regulars

Time: 5 to 10 minutes per day, or 30 minutes per week.

Level 2: semi-automatic (export from reservation system/POS + fixed moments)

This is where you work smarter:

• once per week, a list of visitors (for example from reservations)
• you or a team member sends messages at fixed moments
• you track how many people respond

Useful if you have lots of reservations and do not want to remember it every day.

Level 3: fully automatic (integrations/automations) + what you minimally need

Fully automatic means: after the visit, a message goes out by itself, with the right timing and copy.

What you minimally need:

• a place where reservations or orders are properly recorded
• clear consent/expectation that you may send a message
• fixed copy that sounds human
• a brake: prevent someone from receiving it too often

This does not have to be expensive, but it must be tight. Otherwise it becomes messy or annoying.

Rules and pitfalls (so you do not get headaches)

Do not reward, do not bribe (short and clear)

No discount, no free drink, no "leave a review and get...". It seems smart, but your reviews become less trustworthy and you can run into trouble with platforms or angry guests.

Do not ask "only happy guests" (review gating) and why it backfires

Some venues only ask nice tables or people who already gave compliments. That backfires for two reasons:

1. It is unfair and platforms are strict about it.
2. If guests notice, it feels manipulative. That kills trust.

What you can do instead: give everyone the same chance + respond politely to reviews

What is always safe:

• offer the same QR in the venue to everyone
• send the same short follow-up to everyone with a reservation (with normal timing)
• respond calmly and respectfully to reviews, even critical ones

A good response is often enough to convince people who are on the fence.

Frequently asked questions / objections

"Does this take a lot of time?"

No, if you keep it small.

• In-venue: put down the QR + the team line costs you almost nothing after that.
• WhatsApp: 10 minutes per day, or one 30-minute block per week.

It is about routine, not hours of work.

"Should I give a discount for reviews?"

No, preferably not. You want real reviews from real guests, without incentives.

"What if we get bad reviews?"

They will come anyway, even without a system. The advantage of more reviews is that one bad review carries less weight.

Approach:

• respond calmly: thank them for the feedback, offer to resolve it
• look internally: was it the kitchen, wait time, service, noise?
• fix it and do not repeat it

"Does WhatsApp actually work, will people find it annoying?"

It works if you do it properly:

• not too often (maximum once after the visit)
• friendly tone, no sales language
• good timing (same evening or next day)

People mainly find it annoying if it is unexpected or feels like spam.

"Can I do this myself or do I need to hire someone?"

You can absolutely start yourself with level 1: QR + manual WhatsApp.

If you notice you forget it, or if you want it to run tight and automatically (without hassle), then guidance helps. Then it is set up correctly once and keeps running afterward.

14-day implementation plan (simple step-by-step)

Day 1-2: links + QR creation + test

• choose your main platform (Google or TripAdvisor) and your bonus platform
• create your link(s) to the review screen
• create a QR and print it
• test on two phones (iPhone and Android)

Day 3-7: practice the team script + go live in-venue

• choose 1 to 2 spots in the venue (receipt + counter is often enough)
• agree on the one sentence everyone will say
• check after 3 days: is the QR still neat, are staff actually asking?

Day 8-14: start the WhatsApp flow + adjust based on responses

• choose timing (same evening or next day)
• prepare your two messages
• start small: only reservations from 1 or 2 days
• see how people respond and adjust tone or timing slightly

After 14 days, you usually already have the first extra reviews coming in. And more importantly: you have a routine.

Make it measurable (so you know what works)

What you track: reviews per week, average rating, top 3 complaints

Keep it simple in a note:

• how many new reviews per week?
• what is your average rating?
• what are the 3 most mentioned complaints?

If you take those complaints seriously, your rating often rises naturally as well.

Simple "stop/keep/change" evaluation after 30 days

After 30 days:

• Stop: what clearly does not work? (for example a QR in a spot nobody sees)
• Keep: what works well? (for example the receipt QR brings the most)
• Change: what is one small adjustment? (different WhatsApp timing, shorter copy, different placement)

That keeps it manageable.

Schedule a free consultation (max 30 minutes): we will pick your single best review flow (QR or WhatsApp), set up the link/QR properly, and create a simple routine for you and your team. book a free 30-minute consultation