Online Review Response Plan Checklist

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This Template was installed 4 times.

Review Monitoring & Alerts

1 of 11

Establish systems for actively monitoring online review platforms and receiving timely alerts when new reviews are posted.

Frequency of Review Platform Checks (per day)

Primary Review Platforms to Monitor (Initial Focus)

Specify 'Other' platforms (if selected above)

Alert Method(s) - Which methods will trigger an alert?

Review Types to Trigger Alerts (e.g., 1-star, 5-star)

Describe any existing review monitoring tools in use.

Review Platform Prioritization

2 of 11

Identify which review platforms (e.g., Google, TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Yelp) are most impactful for your business and prioritize response efforts accordingly.

Which review platforms are most impactful for your hospitality business?

If 'Other' was selected above, please specify the platform(s):

Estimate the percentage of total bookings/reservations originating from Google Business Profile:

Estimate the percentage of total bookings/reservations originating from TripAdvisor:

Estimate the percentage of total bookings/reservations originating from Booking.com:

Which platform receives the most reviews per week?

Briefly explain the reasoning behind your platform prioritization. What makes these platforms particularly important for your brand?

Response Team & Roles

3 of 11

Define who is responsible for monitoring, responding to, and escalating reviews within your team. Include contact information and backup personnel.

Primary Review Response Contact Name

Primary Contact Phone Number

Primary Contact Email Address

Primary Contact Role

Secondary Review Response Contact Name

Secondary Contact Phone Number

Secondary Contact Email Address

Secondary Contact Role

Platforms with Response Responsibility

Review Response Guidelines

4 of 11

Create guidelines for tone, brand voice, and legal considerations for responding to reviews. This includes addressing negative, positive, and neutral reviews.

Overall Tone of Voice Guidelines

Standard Greeting for Positive Reviews

Standard Acknowledgment Phrase for Negative Reviews

Guidelines for Addressing Specific Complaints (e.g., cleanliness, noise, service)

Prohibited Phrases or Language (e.g., arguing, defensiveness, blaming)

Maximum Response Time (hours)

Handling Personal Information Requests (e.g., contact information for complaints)

Response Templates (Positive Reviews)

5 of 11

Develop pre-approved templates for responding to positive reviews to ensure consistency and efficiency.

Standard Thank You Template (General)

Template for Reviews Highlighting Specific Service (e.g., Breakfast, Cleanliness)

Template for Reviews Mentioning Staff by Name

Default Level of Enthusiasm (Selection)

Emoji Usage (Scale 1-5)

Offer Inclusion (Selection)

Response Templates (Negative Reviews)

6 of 11

Create templates for addressing negative reviews, focusing on empathy, acknowledgment, and resolution. Include escalation paths for complex issues.

Template 1: Acknowledging & Apologizing (Minor Issue)

Template 1 Example: [Example text apologizing and acknowledging the issue]

Template 2: Acknowledging & Investigating (Serious Issue)

Template 2 Example: [Example text acknowledging, apologizing, and outlining investigation steps]

Desired Resolution Offer (Select One)

Personalized Follow-up Notes (Optional)

Escalation Required? (Review Severity)

Notes for Escalation (If Applicable)

Escalation Procedures

7 of 11

Outline the process for escalating complex or sensitive reviews to management or other relevant departments.

Review Score Threshold for Manager Escalation

Review Type Requiring Manager Involvement

Detailed Description of Issue for Escalation

Reviewer Sentiment requiring Escalation

Date of Review (if critical for context)

Suggested Actions for Manager (e.g., direct contact, refund, investigation)

Department to Notify (if applicable)

Escalated To (Name/Title)

Review Recovery Strategies

8 of 11

Define strategies for addressing and potentially recovering from particularly damaging or unfair reviews. This might include contacting the reviewer directly or seeking platform intervention.

Documented Process for Contacting Reviewer (If Appropriate)

Maximum Time to Initiate Contact (Hours)

Contact Method Preference (If Applicable)

Template for Outreach to Reviewer (Explanation of Discrepancy/Offer of Resolution)

Potential Resolution Options to Offer (Check all that apply)

Specify 'Other' Resolution Option (If Selected)

Internal Escalation Required? (For complex review situations)

Date of Reviewer Contact (If Applicable)

Notes on Reviewer Contact and Outcome (Document all communication)

Legal & Compliance Considerations

9 of 11

Ensure all responses comply with relevant legal guidelines, including truthfulness, accuracy, and privacy regulations. Consult with legal counsel as needed.

Summary of Relevant Privacy Laws (e.g., GDPR, CCPA)

Are you familiar with the platform's Terms of Service regarding review responses?

Outline the process for handling potentially defamatory reviews and seeking legal counsel.

Do responses adhere to truth-in-advertising guidelines?

Describe procedures for handling reviews containing personal information (PII) of guests or staff.

Are responses checked for compliance with non-disparagement clauses in contracts (if applicable)?

Training & Education

10 of 11

Provide training to all team members involved in review response, covering guidelines, platform best practices, and handling difficult situations.

Review of Brand Voice & Tone Guidelines

Platforms Covered in Training (Select All That Apply)

Role-Playing Scenarios (Negative Review Response)

Number of Training Sessions Completed (per Team Member)

Preferred Training Format

Last Training Completion Date (per Team Member)

Training Documentation (e.g., presentation slides)

Regular Review & Updates

11 of 11

Schedule regular reviews of the Online Review Response Plan to ensure it remains effective and aligns with business needs and platform updates.

Last Plan Review Date

Frequency of Plan Review (Months)

Summary of Changes Made During Last Review

Areas of the Plan Reviewed

Notes and Recommendations for Future Updates

Overall Assessment of Plan Effectiveness (Scale of 1-5, 1=Needs Improvement, 5=Excellent)

Next Scheduled Review Date

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