Let’s get one thing straight: if your business isn’t proactively asking for reviews, you’re leaving money on the table. Modern consumers don’t just browse the internet aimlessly anymore. They research, read reviews, compare options, and base their decisions on the experiences of others. According to recent studies, 77% of people say they always or often read reviews before making a purchase or hiring a service. Translation? Reviews make or break you.
So, how do you get more reviews without sounding like you're begging for them? It’s not as complicated as you think, and there are plenty of ways to ask for reviews that are natural and effective. But before we dive into the how, let’s tackle one of the most important elements of the process.
What’s the Right Way to Ask for Reviews?
First, a big no-no: don’t ask for a five-star rating. Google, Yelp, and just about every other review platform have policies against asking for specific ratings. So what should you do instead? You ask for honest feedback. You’re not chasing stars—you’re chasing transparency. Consumers can sniff out anything that feels like a sales pitch, so your request needs to feel authentic and customer-centered.
Be Polite, Direct, and Keep It Simple
No one wants to read a novel when they’re asked for a favor. Your review request should be polite, to the point, and easy to follow. Thank your customer for choosing your business, briefly explain how important their feedback is, and provide a simple link where they can leave their review. Here’s a quick example:
"Hi [Customer Name],Thanks for choosing us! We’d love to hear your thoughts about your recent experience with [Your Business Name]. Your feedback helps us improve and grow, so if you have a moment, we’d really appreciate a quick review on [Review Platform]. Here’s the link: [Link]Thanks again!"
Boom. You’re polite, respectful, and direct—and you didn’t even mention wanting five stars. That’s how you do it.
Don’t Be Shy—Ask for Reviews!
This might sound obvious, but a lot of businesses are still scared to ask for reviews. If you’re not asking, you’re missing out on a massive opportunity. Our research shows that 12% of people will always leave a review when asked, while 35% of people say they’ll leave a review at least half the time if asked. This isn’t rocket science. If you ask, people will usually say yes.
The trick is knowing when and how to ask. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but we’ve got some tactics that’ll help.
1. Ask In-Person
If you run a brick-and-mortar business, nothing beats an in-person ask. It’s straightforward and gives the customer a chance to feel personally valued. Whether you’re running a coffee shop, barbershop, or hardware store, train your staff to kindly ask for reviews when a customer is clearly satisfied.
Want to make it even easier? Set up a QR code at the register so customers can leave a review before they even walk out the door. Or, use a tablet where they can type their feedback right after they’ve had a great experience.
2. Leverage Email
Email is the classic way to ask for reviews, and it works. Automate the process with your CRM or email marketing platform to send out review requests after every purchase or service. Timing matters here—don’t wait a week. The sooner after the customer interaction, the better.
Pro Tip: Follow up if they don’t respond to the first email. Sometimes people just need a gentle nudge. And if you want to go all in, create a review request email template, so you’re ready to go every time.
3. Get Creative with SMS
Emails are great, but don’t sleep on SMS. People are constantly on their phones, and a quick text asking for a review feels more personal. Plus, the open rate for SMS is off the charts compared to email.
Example: “Hi [Customer Name], thanks for visiting [Your Business Name]! We’d love to know what you thought. Leave us a review here: [Link]”
4. Use Your Website
Your website is prime real estate. Create a dedicated page where customers can easily leave a review. You can link to it in your emails, social media profiles, and even your order confirmations. This page can include links to all your preferred platforms, from Google to Yelp.
5. Integrate Review Requests Everywhere
Don’t stop with the basics—add review requests to your business cards, invoices, receipts, or even your email signature. A simple line like “We’d love your feedback! Leave a review here: [Link]” goes a long way.
Responding to Reviews: The Secret Sauce
You can’t just collect reviews and call it a day. The way you respond matters just as much as getting the reviews in the first place. 57% of consumers say they’re less likely to use a business if it doesn’t respond to reviews. So, if you’re ignoring feedback, you’re essentially driving customers away.
Respond to positive reviews to show appreciation, but make sure you also handle negative reviews with grace. A well-handled negative review can turn into a win by demonstrating that you care about making things right. Check out our guide on dealing with negative reviews if you’re unsure how to tackle them.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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