8 Techniques To Get More Customer Reviews For Your Local Business

In the competitive landscape of local businesses, customer reviews play a pivotal role in shaping your brand’s reputation and influencing potential customers. Positive reviews not only build trust but also enhance your business’s online visibility.

Not convinced of the importance of reviews for small businesses? Here are some key online review statistics you should know:

• When shopping online, more than 99.9% of people read reviews at least occasionally.
• 91% of consumers acknowledged positive reviews made them more likely to support a business.
• 79% of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
• Only 13% of people would consider using a business with a two-star or less rating.

Online reviews provide social proof of the quality of your offering, establish your expertise, and build trust – which makes it extremely important for local businesses to have as many positive ones as possible.

In this blog post, we’ll explore eight effective techniques to help you gather more customer reviews for your local business.

1. Collect Email Addresses During Billing.

Make the most out of your customers’ purchase experience by collecting their email addresses during the billing process. After a successful transaction, send a personalized thank-you email expressing your gratitude for their business. In this email, include a friendly request for feedback and a direct link to your preferred review platform.

Important: Always review and follow the latest official guidance from the review platform on soliciting reviews:

• What Google says about getting reviews.
• What Yelp says about getting reviews.
• What TrustPilot says about asking for reviews.

2. Use In-Store Placards To Encourage Reviews.

Utilize in-store placards strategically placed near the exit or checkout counter to encourage customers to share their experiences. Craft a compelling message inviting them to leave a review and mention the platforms where they can do so. Make it easy for them by providing QR codes that lead directly to your review pages.

3. Verbally Mention How Much You’d Appreciate Honest Feedback.

Train your staff to verbally express appreciation for customer feedback during the checkout process. A simple, sincere request for honest feedback can go a long way. Customers often respond positively when they feel their opinions are valued, and this personal touch can increase the likelihood of them leaving a review.

4. Offer Incentives On Future Purchases.

Consider implementing a loyalty program that rewards customers for leaving reviews. Offer discounts, special promotions, or exclusive deals on future purchases in exchange for their time and effort. This not only motivates existing customers to share their experiences but also encourages repeat business.

Just be aware that Google looks down on fake reviews and other types of engagement it views as ingenuine.

That’s not to say you can’t offer incentives – you just can’t offer incentives for positive reviews.

So long as you’re giving the two-star reviewer the same coupon as the five-star writer, you stay within the guidelines.

5. Include Review Reminders On Your Website.

Take advantage of your online presence by incorporating subtle reminders on your website encouraging visitors to leave reviews. Strategically place buttons or pop-ups that link directly to your review platforms. Make the process seamless, minimizing any friction between their desire to leave a review and the actual action.

Consider using a direct link generator tool like Supple to generate a unique Google review link for your business and send it to your customers via email.

Clicking on this link brings customers directly to the URL on your Google Business Profile, where all they have to do is write the review and post it.

6. Leverage Social Media.

Harness the power of social media to engage with your audience and solicit reviews. Share customer testimonials, create engaging posts that prompt discussions, and actively respond to comments. Additionally, use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to direct your followers to review sites, widening the reach of your customer feedback efforts.

For instance, if you have a restaurant business, you might informally ask if there was an older menu item that was discontinued that your followers really miss. Then, you could encourage customers to mention that in their review as a “vote” for bringing it back.

This technique empowers customers to share fun stories in the form of reviews while boosting the social media engagement of your brand.

7. Thoughtfully Respond To All Reviews.

Show your customers that you value their opinions by responding thoughtfully to all reviews, whether positive or negative. Express gratitude for positive feedback and address any concerns raised in negative reviews. This not only fosters a positive online reputation but also demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction.

When people see that you respond to every review – good or bad – it gives the impression that the business truly cares about consumer sentiment, thus providing an incentive for new customers to take a moment to share their own experiences.

Also, don’t feel dejected by negative reviews – they help make your brand more authentic.

8. Delight Your Customers With A Great Experience.

Perhaps the most crucial technique is to consistently provide excellent products and services. Delighted customers are more likely to share their positive experiences willingly. Focus on delivering exceptional value, exceeding expectations, and creating memorable interactions to ensure that your customers become your most vocal advocates.

#Online Reviews Can Change Your Business Trajectory

Online reviews are a great way to keep your finger on the pulse of what’s happening with your business, gather feedback, and expand your customer base.

And this is true of both the good and bad ones.

Good reviews tell potential customers how great you are, and why they should do business with you.

Bad reviews give you an opportunity to take accountability, identify shortcomings, and turn negative experiences into positive ones.

Online reviews are vital for any business’s success, particularly on a local level.

By describing actual interactions with your business, they give potential and current customers insight into your operation and provide an authenticity you can’t find anywhere else.

Conclusion:

Incorporating these techniques into your business strategy can significantly enhance your online presence and reputation. Actively seeking and responding to customer reviews not only helps attract new customers but also fosters a loyal customer base. Remember, the key is to make the process of leaving reviews easy, enjoyable, and rewarding for your customers. By implementing these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to building a positive online presence for your local business.

About The Author