There is one thing you can do that is a tried-and-true but often overlooked strategy for generating the online reviews and ratings your store deserves.
Ask your best customers to say something good about you!
Customers who leave your store smiling typically are more than willing to say a few kind words about their buying experience. Asking for someone’s opinion also makes them feel valued, and that’s always good for business.
We’ll get into how to ask in a minute, but first a refresher on why online ratings and reviews are business-critical:
- Your potential customers want to see what your actual customers have to say about you and will read up to 10 online reviews before deciding to buy.
- Positive online reviews and ratings improve local search engine results and can get your store a spot on Google Maps, making it easy for prospective customers to find you.
If that sounds like something that will be good for your business, read more for tips on a surefire way to generate those coveted 5-star reviews and ratings.
How to Get More Positive Ratings and Reviews.
Again, ask for them!
Consider the customers who are satisfied with your sales and service—you know who they are—as ambassadors who can spread the good word for you. Here’s how to get them to spread the good word.
First, while you’re chatting with your satisfied customer after the transaction, ask if you can send an email or text with a link to your preferred reviews page, whether it’s Google, Facebook, on your website, or another one.
Pro tip: You’ve just spent maybe an hour or more, shared your knowledge and expertise, experience, and energy. They are happy you did. That’s what the post-sale chat is all about. So don’t be shy. Ask. Again, people love being asked for their opinion, so this is icing on the sales cake.
Second: If they agree to review their experience, send the message. Remind them of the positive experience. Then ask them to click the link to your preferred rating platform and leave a review. That call to action is the most important part of your message.
Pro tip: Personalize everything, from the sender (your name or your store’s) to the recipient (name, not just email address), and subject line (Angela, I’m delighted you enjoyed your experience!) Think about including a relevant emoji—they catch the eye while scanning the inbox.
In as few words as possible (people read emails with their cursor on the delete button) explain how their opinion will influence others view of the customer experience, selection, and service you provide.
As outlined above, the messaging should prompt customers about what you want the review to say because it will help prevent generic or bland recommendations.
The text message or email shouldn’t be too long. And if your customer doesn’t have time to write a review, tell them a simple rating would be okay. Always close your message or email with a sincere thank you.
Why the two-step review process is better.
This process is more effective than just asking for a review in person or sending a text or email the customer is not expecting.
The two parts acts as a setup and reminder.
If you only ask for a review at the end of a transaction, the customer likely will forget about it before getting out the door. If you send it without laying the groundwork, there may be a disconnect, and the customer won’t remember what transaction the request is related to. The two-step approach is a complete way to request recommendations.
You may want to add a third step with a reminder request for people who don’t respond to the original text or email. Just don’t badger them with too many reminders. You don’t want to lose a good customer because you irritate them or seem too needy.
Our two-step process is a proven way to generate more five-star ratings and reviews and a whole lot more business. Try it out today.