As the holiday shopping season ramps up, many of us are busy finding the perfect gifts for our loved ones. With a long list of family members to shop for, it can feel like an endless task! And why is it that when you get married, you suddenly have to buy gifts for your spouse’s family too? That’s a mystery I’ll never quite understand!
While shopping online, I often find myself heading straight to the reviews section. I read through both positive and negative feedback to gauge whether a product is worth purchasing. More often than not, my buying decision hinges on what I find in those reviews. If you run a business with an online presence, you can bet that potential customers are doing the same! So, what can you do? You need to gather more customer reviews!
How to Get More Customer Reviews
Here are some effective strategies to encourage your customers to leave reviews:
- Ask for Them: It may seem obvious, but many of us struggle to ask clients for reviews. When a client expresses gratitude or praise, take the opportunity to request a public review. You might say, “I’m so glad you were pleased with XYZ! Would you mind sharing that on Facebook or Google? It helps potential customers know what to expect.” You’ll be surprised at how many customers are willing to help when simply asked!
- Automate Your Requests: After completing a job, set up an email sequence to engage your customers. Start with a “Congratulations, your job is complete!” email, followed by a “How’s everything going? Do you need anything from us?” email. Finally, send a “Do you have a minute to write us a quick review?” email. Automating this process takes the pressure off you and makes it easier for customers to respond.
- Run a Contest: While you can’t pay for reviews, you can incentivize them with a contest. If it’s been a while since some customers left feedback, send an email announcing that every review written in the next week will enter them into a prize draw. Consider offering business swag, gift cards to local coffee shops, or locally made products—something that resonates with your audience and encourages prompt responses.
Promoting Your Customer Reviews
Once you’ve gathered reviews on platforms like Google and Facebook, it’s essential to promote them effectively:
- Share on Social Media: Create posts or stories showcasing customer reviews and express gratitude for their feedback. Schedule these posts weekly, monthly, or quarterly based on how frequently you receive new reviews.
- Feature on Your Website: Incorporate testimonials prominently on your website—especially on key pages like your Home and About pages. If you create case studies, include relevant client testimonials directly on those pages as well.
- Include in Emails: Add testimonials to your marketing emails. Highlighting positive feedback related to the specific product or service you’re promoting can enhance credibility and encourage conversions.
Make It a Habit
The key takeaway here is to make asking for and receiving testimonials a regular part of your business process. By consistently gathering reviews, you’ll build trust in your company and the products or services you offer.
Need Help?
If you’re unsure how to implement these strategies or need assistance showcasing testimonials on your website, reach out to us! We’d be happy to schedule a consultation and provide tailored recommendations.
