Modern customers use online research to find out more information before making a decision about a product or service they're interested in buying, a service provider they might use, or a company they're interested in working with.
Online reviews are essential to this decision-making process and are regularly consulted by customers as they go. According to research, more shoppers than ever are reading reviews, with 77% claiming to regularly or always look up business ratings before purchasing a good or service.
How does one request a 5-star rating?
There are many platforms with detailed rules outlining what you can and cannot do while asking for reviews (with some completely against soliciting reviews from customers). What applies to all review requests is that you shouldn't request a five-star rating in particular (or another specific rating). Instead, you should kindly ask the customer to provide an honest review of their interaction with your company. There are several options for doing this, including through email, SMS, or at the point of sale.
How do you politely ask for a review?
You should always start by expressing gratitude for their purchase. As a convenience, include a link to your preferred review platform in your brief and request. End by thanking the person for their time, mentioning that you value their input and that it helps you to enhance your services.
How to Obtain More Client Reviews
Gaining more customer reviews depends on a number of key factors, including learning how to contact your clients and request their opinions.
One of the most important aspects actually begins before you ask for a review, and this is the act of delivering an excellent customer experience. Focusing on this is the best way to create a positive impression, which can then be translated into a great online review.
Test out various methods for requesting reviews.
Consumers today are accustomed to contacting businesses in a variety of methods, such as by email, social media, text message, or messaging apps, as well as in person. Knowing how to solicit reviews via a variety of platforms is advantageous since it gives you a selection of strategies you may use, depending on the client and the circumstance.
In Person
If you operate a brick-and-mortar business or a service industry business, such as an insurance agency, asking for evaluations in person may be the simplest and most practical option.
This can be done as simply as requesting verbally for a client review when the insurance policy has been signed, or a quote provided. You may also display a poster that customers can scan to leave a review or add a link or QR code to your receipt from the cash register or invoice. The best approach to guarantee that your in-person request results in an actual review is to place a tablet by the register that you can refer them to after asking for a review.
All review requests should ideally adopt an omnichannel strategy to gather as much feedback as feasible. In light of this, try to send an email or SMS as a follow-up to a request for a review that was made in person.
Asking for reviews by email is quick, simple, and straightforward, especially if you automate the procedure by using a review management solution. Additionally, you can simplify your life by having a few review request email templates prepared and available.
Ideal timing for your email request is just after the engagement with your company. In the event that a customer doesn't respond to your initial email, don't be hesitant to follow up a few days later.
Text Message
You can use SMS to ask for a review if you have your clients' telephone numbers. SMS offers a unique substitute for an email in an age where inboxes are overflowing with messages and mobile phone use is rising.
Ask Via Your Website
Having a page on your website that ties back to your review profiles is a terrific idea, whether you're experienced with asking for reviews or you're new to the process. A call to action encouraging visitors to provide comments should be included. This strategy is equally applicable to social media and email signatures.
Don't hesitate too long to request a review.
Keep in mind that simply asking for a review may not always get you the results you want. Building a review generation strategy that focuses on growing reviews requires thinking about the when, the why, the how, and the way that reviews are asked for.
To wait too long before requesting a review is a common error. Three months after doing business with a consumer, you're unlikely to have much success contacting them. Make sure you send a follow-up email to customers quickly after a purchase to get their opinion.
Respond to your reviews
Building a solid review profile for your company involves responding to the feedback it receives. By doing this, you might inspire other customers to do the same.
You can openly demonstrate that you value feedback by responding to reviews. In light of the fact that 57% of consumers believe it would be very or somewhat unlikely for them to utilize a company that doesn't reply to reviews, it might mean the difference between a customer's impression of your company being solidified and them choosing to use their money elsewhere.