Reviews are the cornerstone of your business’s online reputation. More and more, consumers are turning to Google or Facebook reviews to make decisions about which businesses to utilize for their needs. In fact, research shows that 88% of consumers say that they trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation. Aside from just consumer influence, your number and quality of reviews can also impact your website’s SEO, drive sales, and make your company more visible online. For all these reasons and more, it is important that you encourage your customers to leave honest reviews about your products or services on Google, Facebook, Yelp, or other platforms. Below are some of the best practices for requesting and responding to reviews from customers or clients:
1. Give them a physical reminder.
Bring attention to your review platforms and give clear instructions on how to leave a review on something your customers can physically take away. For example, you could print these elements on a business card, along with your logo and contact info. Hand out these cards at the end of a service or include them in packages with products.
2. Send a survey.
If you reach your customers when their memory is fresh, you’ll likely encourage more accurate reviews. One way to do this is by sending a customer feedback email at the completion of a transaction. These emails can include a link directly to an internal feedback system or to your third-party review platform of choice.
3. Share positive reviews on social media.
Reviews can double as great social media content! Sharing your positive reviews on social media will attract potential new customers. End the post with a link to the review platform and encourage followers to leave their own review.
4. Be responsive.
Respond to every review you receive—even the negative ones. This makes you look empathetic and attentive as a business and gives you the opportunity to discuss conflicts with unhappy customers. It’s also important that you do this in a timely manner, within a few days of the review being left. The more time passes after a review, particularly an unfavorable one, the less impact your response will have. If a review is positive and no action is required, it’s still worth it to respond with a simple “thank you”—the reviewer will appreciate the acknowledgement and feel validated in their praise.
5. Make it easy.
No matter which method you choose, the key is convenience. Make it as easy as possible for customers to find a place to leave a review. Put it in your email signature, include it on invoices or receipts, post about it regularly on social media, and be sure the link is on your website as well. If a consumer must dig too hard for the review platform, they may give up before finding it—or worse, leave a poor review out of frustration. Avoid either of these scenarios by making your feedback location accessible!
Start Managing Your Reviews
Review monitoring is part of a marketing practice known as reputation management. This method involves tracking what consumers are saying about your brand online. It’s important to have a finger on the pulse of your reputation so that you can best service your consumers. Not sure how to begin? Media Venue’s team of marketing specialists can monitor your reviews on a number of platforms, including Yelp, Facebook, and Google, and help you manage new reviews as they come in. For more information, contact Sarah Kelley, our SEO and Content Manager, at sarah@mediavenue.com or 502-855-4789. Enhance your marketing investment with Media Venue!
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About Our Blogger
Sarah Kelley is the newest member of the Media Venue team and brings with her a wealth of insight. Her specialty is using SEO best practices to cultivate your business’s online presence. Her in-depth knowledge of website content and design allow her to constantly implement new and effective practices in her work.
