This morning during a meeting a co-worker mentioned they made a decision on where to order flowers based on various florist’s Google reviews. I very exuberantly stated, “See! Reviews really do matter!”
While I didn’t need to convince them of that fact (I received some funny looks regarding my extreme excitement about reviews), I find myself sharing that information often. People and search engines read reviews and look at the star ratings, how recent the reviews were left, and the content within the reviews. Reviews are becoming more prominent in online listings and there is no forecast in sight that suggests they are going away any time soon. Because of that I recommend that you pay attention to your reviews, ask for them and respond appropriately.
Ways You Can Ask For a Review
When I talk to businesses about reviews a common question is “how do I ask for a review?” It can be quite simple. Here are few options:
- Just ask. The next time you’re interacting with a customer just mention it in conversation. “Thank you for doing business with us. I’d appreciate your feedback in the form of a Google review online.” One of our clients took this simple “ask” advice, and got in the habit of asking customers. They went from no reviews to averaging 20 per month!
- Insert in your business process. Do you follow-up with your customers in some way? Perhaps it is a phone call, an email, letter, newsletter, etc. Add “Please leave us a Google review” to the bottom of your current message.
- Email specific request. Do you gather email addresses from your customers? Create a follow-up email process thanking them for their business and asking for a review.
- Get your sales team on board. Do you have a team of people interacting with clients? Share the value of reviews with this team. If you all ask, your success rate will be higher.
- Visual reminders. Do customers come into your location? Place simple posters where visitors will see them. “You’re feedback is valuable. We’d love to see your review on Google/Facebook/(insert desired review location here).”
- Email footer. Add a direct link and directions to your email footer, website footer, newsletter, etc. Make it quick and easy.
Gaining reviews is a process. You might ask 10 people and get none or you might get two. You won’t get 10. Once you start asking you will get some reviews. They add up over time. Don’t get discouraged. Remember a florist received an order because they had quality reviews.
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