Asking your customers for reviews can feel a bit awkward. You don’t want to annoy them or scare them off. You also don’t want to make them feel obligated to say something nice, but you don’t want them to say anything bad either.
It’s all a bit uncomfortable, which is why many business owners avoid the subject altogether.
But that’s a big mistake: social proof is where it’s at!
Getting reviews from your customers is a powerful way to build your credibility, boost your brand, acquire new customers, and grow your business.
If asking for reviews gives you the ick, it’s time to get over it and learn a new skill. In this blog, you’ll find out why reviews are so valuable, how to ask your clients for reviews, and get practical insight on making your reviews work for your business.
Let’s get to it!
How To Ask Your Clients For Reviews
Why Reviews Are Marketing Gold
Reviews are a fantastic way to help market your business – if you’re doing all the right things and pleasing the socks off your customers, that is. If you’re not, that’s a whole different article, so let’s assume all your reviews are going to be positive ones!
Consumers are savvy these days. They don’t just hand over the cash to any old business. They want to know you’re trustworthy and that the goods or services you offer are up to scratch.
One of the main ways customers do that is by checking your online reviews. According to one study, four out of five people read reviews before buying something.
Online reviews are social proof at its finest. They show other potential customers that you’re the real deal, helping build your online reputation and drive sales.
Don’t Leave It Up To Chance
It turns out that it’s better to ask for reviews than receive unprompted ones! Research shows that when businesses asked for reviews, they received an average rating of 4.34 stars out of 5. However, unprompted reviews generated a paltry 3.89 star rating.
That’s right, many consumers are far more likely to take the time to post a review after a negative experience rather than a positive one. That’s why it can be so helpful to give your clients a gentle reminder to provide feedback if they’ve had a positive experience with your business.
Did you know that reviews can also help your SEO? Google has confirmed that the number of reviews, their ratings, and the text included are factored into organic and local search rankings. The more reviews you have, the higher you’ll rank in the search results pages.
How To Ask Your Clients For Reviews
Clearly, reviews are an asset for your business, but how should you ask your clients for reviews? There are many different ways – you can use a variety in your marketing strategy or stick to your favourite few techniques – whatever suits your business.
These are some of the most popular methods:
Via Email
Put that email list to good use by requesting reviews in an email. You can do this via a customer survey or send a short message containing a link to an online review page. Make sure you personalise your emails and maintain your brand voice and style.
Via SMS
This one may seem a little old school, but it makes sense when you consider that 56% of all online reviews are posted from mobile devices. Text messages have higher open rates than emails, and customers are more likely to click on an SMS link than an email link.
Point of Sale
If you have a brick and mortar location, you could ask customers to fill out a short form on an iPad or tablet at the time of purchase. These reviews can then be published on your online review platform.
Monitor Social Mentions
If you’re monitoring your mentions on social media and spot something positive, it’s an excellent opportunity to reach out to a customer and ask them for a review. Chances are, if they were pleased enough to share their experience online, they’ll be more than happy to offer a positive review.
CTA Button on Your Site
Your website is where all the magic happens for your business, so you may as well capture reviews there as well. Create a “Leave a Review” button in a prominent position on your site.
QR Code
Generate a unique QR code and print it on menus, posters, flyers, or receipts, with encouragement or incentive for your customers to utilise it to post a review.
Create A Google Reviews Link
There are many different ways to display your reviews: you can host them on your website, request them on a relevant industry platform like Amazon or Tripadvisor, or use an existing review tool such as those on Google or Facebook. The most popular review site right now is Google reviews. Around 59% of customers head to trusty old Google to read business reviews. This is a fast, simple, and effective way to acquire reviews for your business.
You can generate your own Google review link and share it on your social profiles on your website, in emails, or even on printed materials.
Embed Reviews In Your Client Journey
Asking your clients for reviews doesn’t have to be like the awkward lean-in for a kiss after a first date. Instead of making it a big deal, embed the request into your customer journey. Make the option available on your website directly after a purchase, or automate an email to go out a few days after your product has been delivered.
Lastly, don’t let their review be the end of the conversation. Businesses that respond to customer reviews at least a quarter of the time have an average of 35% more revenue than those that don’t.
Take time to thank them for their words, and keep building those powerful relationships with your ideal customers.
Want to incorporate reviews into your marketing strategy? Then, let’s chat about the most effective way to do that. Book a convenient time to speak with me now.
Reviews are our love language, so if you’ve got value from our blogs, newsletters or worked with us in the past we would love you to leave us a 5-star google review here!