Customer reviews have become very important for small businesses to succeed. Numerous studies have consistently demonstrated that a significant portion of consumers actively seek out and read online customer reviews before deciding to engage with a business or make a purchase.
Given this trend, it is clear that actively managing reviews is no longer an optional task but a critical one for local businesses aiming to differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
Small businesses can benefit greatly by actively working to get more positive reviews from their customers.
Why Customer Feedback Matters for Small Businesses
Build Trust Through Social Proof
Positive customer testimonials lend enormous credibility to the services and quality assurance of small businesses, especially when competing against larger chains and franchises.
In fact, shoppers now trust online customer reviews as much as personal recommendations from friends or family.
Strong social proof in the form of authentic, detailed reviews can give local players a vital edge.
Boost Online Visibility
Customer reviews also affect how well local businesses show up in search results on platforms like Google.
Reviews on other sites, such as Facebook and Yelp, can also change how easy it is to find a business since these sites often appear at the top of Google search results.
Strategies to Get More Customer Reviews
There are actionable steps you can take to encourage more customer reviews.
QR code
One effective strategy is to create a QR code that links directly to your review platform and display it at your store’s register or checkout area.
Encourage customers to scan the code and leave a review after their purchase.
Email/Text Follow Up
Another approach is to include a link to your review platform in your email or text follow-up to customers.
Send the follow-up a few days after the purchase or service completion, and personalize the message to express your appreciation for their business.
Make it easy for customers to access the review platform with a clear call-to-action.
In-Person Requests
In-person requests can also be effective. Train your staff to politely ask customers for reviews after a positive interaction, providing them with a brief script or talking points to make the request feel natural.
Social Channels
Leveraging your social media channels is another way to encourage reviews from your followers. Share positive reviews on your social media profiles to showcase customer satisfaction.
Your Website
Adding a link or button on your website that directs customers to your review platform is also a great way to encourage reviews.
Consider creating a dedicated “Reviews” or “Testimonials” page on your website to showcase customer feedback.
Be Sure to Review the Platform Guidelines
When requesting customer reviews, be aware of and adhere to the guidelines set by each review platform. These guidelines can vary from one platform to another.
For instance, Google explicitly states that business owners should not offer any incentives or rewards to customers in exchange for leaving a review, as this can lead to biased and inauthentic feedback.
On the other hand, Yelp has a stricter policy that prohibits businesses from directly asking customers to leave a review. Instead, Yelp encourages businesses to let reviews happen organically by providing exceptional service and customer experiences.
Responding to Reviews for Small Businesses
Responding to customer reviews is key to building trust and improving customer experiences. Whether reviews are positive or negative, it’s important to reply to each one as soon as possible.
When you respond, be personal, honest, and clear. If there are problems, take responsibility and explain how you’ll fix them. Give them a way to contact you directly if needed.
To thrive, small businesses must pay attention to customer reviews. Using these tips to get more positive reviews helps build a good reputation and potentially attracts more customers.
Read Also: Why (Good) Online Reviews are Essential for Your Brand
If you’re searching for a trusted partner to help navigate the digital landscape in the heart of Acadiana, our digital marketing agency is ready to assist.
Klout 9 provides a wide range of digital marketing solutions tailored to help small businesses succeed, such as social media management, video production, review management, SEO, and more.
Reach out to us today for a complimentary consultation and see how our Lafayette-based digital marketing agency can help your business grow.