How To Collect Reviews
8 Effective Ways to Get Glowing Customer Reviews
How important are positive reviews to consumers who are considering choosing your business? Very. 90% of potential customers read online testimonials before deciding to visit a business, and 85% trust them as much as personal recommendations. Here’s a step-by-step strategy to start collecting more impactful, glowing reviews:
Part I: How to Ask for Reviews
1. Reach Out to Existing Clients
This is a great way to gain momentum and collect quality reviews from trusted sources. Follow these steps to get started:
Select 10 long-term, loyal and regular clients you’d like to connect with to ask for a review.
Craft a personalized email and include a short, genuine request.
Include a direct link to your Facebook and Google review URLs.
TIP: Avoid sending mass emails at the same time. Space out when emails are sent. For example, send 5 emails every week.
2. Add a Request to Email Signature
Use the signature portion of your email to garner reviews and encourage clicks to social media feeds.
Find the Facebook and Google logos and save it to your computer
Copy the correct URL - it should look similar to this: https://g.page/socialtyvr?share - to hyperlink to the logo.
Add the following message below your signature: “Please take a moment to leave us a review on Google here: LINK. Thank you!”
Click here for more info on the power of “Earned, Owned and Paid” Social Media!
3. Encourage the Team to Reach Out
Engage the team to ask happy customers for a Facebook/Google review or website testimonial within a few hours of the interaction. This can be done via phone, email, text or social media.
Here’s an example of what to say: “We’re so glad you chose our business for your “NAME OF SERVICE” needs. Would you mind taking a moment to review us on Facebook or Google? Your feedback helps us know how we did today. Thank you and have a great day!”
4. Return the favour!
Business, and especially social media, is all about give and take! If you’ve used a business and are happy with their service, be sure to write a glowing review for them yourself! This type of collaboration does wonders for growth, and it’s an excellent way to increase and solidify positive relationships with your network.
Part II: Amplify Positive Reviews
1. Advocate Check-Ins on Facebook
A pop-up will be displayed on their feeds AND Facebook will send them a reminder to write a review 1-2 days later.
2. Respond to Facebook and Google Reviews
Aim to respond with a warm note of thanks within 2-hours of receiving the kudos!
3. Rank Positive Google Reviews as Helpful
On Google, comments can get a boost when labelled as “helpful.” This helps prioritize the top comments and show other searchers that people are reading the reviews — and hopefully inspires them to leave one too!
4. Try #SmallThanks with Google
The Small Thanks with Google website lets you create, download, and print personalized marketing materials. Turn reviews and business information into ready-to-use social posts...and more!
5. Share and Amplify
Extend the reach of reviews by sharing them on social media channels, website pages, and marketing materials. Not only does this leave readers with a positive impression of your organization, it also establishes trust and credibility.
Under the public eye, reviews are incredibly important, especially with how they appear at the top of search results. With this strategic system for collecting reviews, steadily grow online reach, build trust with new customers, and learn valuable information about current client experiences.