No one wants to fish for compliments. But if you run a business, having online reviews can be critical for staying competitive. As a result, you have to learn how to ask customers for online reviews.
Here are four tips on how to approach the “ask” in the most effective way possible.
1. Ask when your customer is smiling. You can increase the odds of getting a positive review by having good timing when you ask for it. Make every interaction with customers positive by going above and beyond to help them. As soon as you see that knowing look of appreciation after a job is done, ask the customer to write you a review online. The lesson is to seize the moment, and ask for a review after you’ve wowed your clients.
2. For best results, be bold. OK, some of us are shy or we’re reluctant to ask for those compliments. But it’s a must. Just come right out and confidently ask satisfied customers to share their thoughts in an online review. Your sheer enthusiasm and positive attitude is often all it takes to motivate somebody to help you—especially after you’ve done great work for them. Look your customer in the eyes, smile, and ask firmly. You’ll be surprised at how effective a little bit of boldness can be for your review count.
3. Get employees on board. Explain to your employees how important online reviews are to your business, and encourage them to request these reviews from every satisfied customer. Give them explicit instructions on how to include the “ask” in their interactions with clients. If you can make this process part of your employees’ day-to-day, you will see immense benefits.
4. Make it easy for customers. No matter how satisfied your customers are, they won’t review your business if it requires a big effort—so make it easy. Provide clear links to where you want them to write their review, or simply get them to write the review in person on a mobile device like an iPhone or iPad. Not only does this kind of courtesy remind the customer you value his or her time, but it increases the likelihood that you’ll get what you want. This way, everybody wins.
Have you discovered any other effective ways of getting customers to leave you a positive review? Share them with our small business community below.