There’s nothing like getting the first positive online review for your business. It’s a simple nudge, a reminder that the hard work you and your team have been putting in is paying off.
But it’s also more than just a feel-good moment. Reviews are one of the key strategies to build your business credibility online. In fact, over seven out of ten people trust online reviews. That’s a level of influence no business can afford to ignore.
Yet many businesses still hesitate to ask for reviews. You might be unsure how to approach it without feeling pushy, but asking for reviews doesn’t have to be awkward. When done right, it’s a natural way to invite feedback and show customers that their opinions matter.
If you haven’t tapped into the potential of customer reviews yet, it’s time to start. In this article, learn how to ask for reviews and the best ways to do it. Boost your online reputation and build lasting trust with your audience.
Why You Should Ask Customers for Reviews
Online customer reviews are today’s version of word-of-mouth marketing. To put it simply, a review is a customer’s feedback on their experience with your business. And for many potential customers, these reviews can be the deciding factor when doing business with you.
Here’s why asking for reviews is so important:
● Builds Credibility and Trust: When potential customers see positive reviews, they’re more likely to trust your business. Authentic feedback gives others the confidence to choose your products or services.
● Boosts Visibility: Reviews contribute to your online presence, especially in search engines. More reviews mean higher search rankings.
● Provides Valuable Feedback: Reviews can give you insight into what’s working well and what could be improved.
● Encourages Customer Loyalty: When customers leave a review, they feel more connected to your brand.
When you deliver experiences that customers love, they won’t hesitate to vouch for you. Worried about getting a poor review? Don’t be. See it as a way to improve.
Always thank customers for their feedback, use it to make progress, and keep moving forward.
Best Ways to Ask for Reviews
Advertising alone may not be enough to win over customers these days. Even influencer ads only influence about 23% of people. Customer reviews can boost your credibility in a more genuine way.
These are the most effective ways to ask for reviews:
Ask for Reviews Through Email
Email is a direct and reliable way to request reviews. After a purchase, try sending a follow-up email thanking the customer. Then, this is your chance to invite them to share their feedback.
Keep your request short and friendly. Personalize the message by addressing the customer by name, and then include a link that takes them directly to the review page. It makes the process quick and easy for them.
Ask for Reviews with SMS Messaging
SMS is another direct way to ask for a review. It is often more immediate than sending an email. Send a brief, polite text a day or two after the purchase, expressing your gratitude and requesting feedback.
Make sure to include a shortened link to make it easy for them to leave a review. Because SMS is often read right away, it can lead to a higher response rate compared to other methods.
Ask for Reviews In-Store
Asking for reviews in-store allows you to make the request at the point of sale when the experience is still fresh in the customer’s mind. Use physical signage with a QR code that they can scan, leading them directly to your review page.
You can also place a physical review box with paper forms so customers can leave feedback on the spot. Another option is to ask for reviews post-purchase. Include a card with their receipt or bag with instructions on how to leave a review online.
Ask for Reviews Online
Online channels can provide you with several ways to request reviews. Social media, for instance, is an excellent platform for this. Facebook alone holds 19% of all customer reviews.
You could occasionally post a reminder for your customers to leave reviews or run a dedicated campaign to encourage feedback. And don’t forget about your website. Your business website is a great place to ask for reviews.
Include a CTA (call-to-action) button that leads to your review page or pop-up reminders that invite visitors to share their experiences.
Best Practices When Asking for Reviews
Asking for reviews can be a tricky process, but with the right approach, it’s effective and beneficial for everyone.
Keep these best practices in mind:
● Be Timely: Reach out soon after the purchase or service. When the experience is recent, customers are more likely to leave an accurate and positive review.
● Keep It Simple: Make it easy for customers to leave feedback. Include a direct link to the review page or provide clear instructions on how to submit a review.
● Reply to All Reviews: Responding to reviews shows that you value feedback. Reply to positive reviews but also politely acknowledge the negative ones, offering solutions where possible.
● Stay Professional: Always maintain a professional and friendly tone, even when responding to criticism. Show that you take feedback seriously and that you’re committed to improving.
● Express Appreciation: Let customers know how much you value their opinion and time. A simple thank-you can go a long way to showing genuine appreciation.
These best practices help build trust and show customers that their feedback is important to you.
Get Your Online Business Ahead with The Three Marketers
There is great power in words. Knowing how to ask for reviews is a quick but powerful way to boost your online reputation and connect with your customers. It works because you’re showcasing real feedback from satisfied clients.
And with every new review, your business gains credibility, becomes more visible, and strengthens its online presence. To maximize this potential, partner with experts who understand the digital landscape. The Three Marketers has been helping businesses like yours succeed online since 2003.
As one of Canada’s original digital marketing agencies, we’ve been part of the internet marketing evolution from the start. Contact us today, and let’s take your online marketing a step further.
