One of the best ways to gain new business is by word of mouth and recommendations from previous customers. That’s why it is extremely important to have positive customer reviews for your business on multiple platforms. You can encourage your customers to leave reviews on social media, Google my Business, Yelp, and on your website itself. If you’re wondering, when and how should you ask for a customer review, we’re here to help.
Watch Capital District Digital’s When and How to Ask your Customers for a Review Video!
When to Ask for a Customer Review
After a Positive and Successful Interaction
Your customers are more likely to leave you a positive customer review after they have had a positive and successful interaction with your product, service, or team. There’s no better time to ask them than when they are already in a great frame of mind and pleased with your company.
When an Additional Purchase Has Been Made
If a customer enjoys your product or service enough to re-purchase or re-order it, that is an incredibly good indicator that they have a positive relationship with your company. This is a great time to ask for them to leave a customer review.
Customers are Engaging on Social Media
Customer’s tend to share their feelings about brands and products on their social media. If you notice that a particular customer has been engaging with your company on social media, they may be more likely to leave you a positive customer review. Social media engagement you should keep track of is when your company is tagged in a post, if a customer reshares a post, or if they consistently like or comment on your company’s social media pages.
Customers Refer Other People
If a customer has referred another person to your company, the review was already given except by word of mouth. If they were willing to share their thoughts with another person aloud, they will most likely be willing to type up a review for your company online.
How to Ask for a Customer Review
Use Multiple Platforms and Make it Easy
Encouraging customers to leave reviews is easier when you give them multiple outlets to do so. You can use Facebook, Yelp, Google My Business, and other customer review platforms. You can even make it easier for them by sending out a link directly to the sites so it eliminates any step by step confusion.
Create Incentives
One of the main reasons why people might not want to leave a customer review is the time commitment. Even though it only takes a few moments, people feel very wary about how they spend their valuable time. By creating an incentive for your customer to leave a review, they feel appreciated and that you understand your time is valuable. Examples of incentives can be discounts, gift cards, or entry into a grand prize.
Host an Appreciation Event
Show your appreciation for your current customers by holding an appreciation or informational event for them. By giving them valuable information and showing them that they are appreciated, they will feel more inclined to leave a positive customer review. As part of an event recap, you can ask them to share their experience or highlights from the event as well.