We all know that online reviews are the lifeblood of local businesses. If you’re not raking in those five-star ratings, you’re missing out on potential customers. But let’s be honest: how do you get those coveted reviews without getting lost in the clutter of everyone’s inbox? Spoiler alert: Email alone won’t cut it.
The Problem with Email ReviewsEmails are boring. They’re like the old pair of shoes you keep in the back of your closet—used, but you wouldn’t exactly want to wear them out. Customers are inundated with messages daily, and guess what? Your review requests are just another email fighting for attention.
Here’s a shocking stat: SMS texts boast a staggering 98% open rate compared to a measly 20% for emails. That’s not just a slight edge; it’s a gaping chasm. Not to mention, people respond to texts in just 90 seconds—but emails? That’s a leisurely 90 minutes. If you want to grab your customers’ attention, SMS is where it’s at.
Introducing SMS Mode for Reputation ManagerBrightLocal is raising the stakes with the launch of SMS Mode, designed specifically to help businesses gather reviews faster than ever. After a successful beta test, this feature is now live for customers across the UK, USA, and Canada.
Why should you care? Let me break it down:
No More Noisy Inboxes: Sidestep those crowded email boxes entirely. Your messages will stand out in a way that emails just can’t. Text messages are five times more likely to be opened than emails.
Personal Touch: You’ve worked hard to make customers happy—don’t let a generic email ruin that connection! With SMS Mode, you can send a personalized message right after a great interaction, reminding customers of the awesome service they just received.
Immediate Feedback: Waiting weeks for responses? Not anymore. With the Single Send function, you can ask for reviews right after your customer walks out the door.
No-Fuss Follow-Up: Did your customer miss your initial text? No worries! SMS Mode automatically sends follow-ups, giving them that gentle nudge without you lifting a finger.
Flexible Setup: You can personalize your messages and choose to send them in bulk or one at a time. Plus, you’ll have a clear, easy process to collect customer phone numbers (with consent, of course).
The Numbers Don’t LieBusinesses that embrace SMS for review requests see tangible results. With an average response rate of 45%—compared to just 6% for emails—this is the upgrade your review strategy has been waiting for.
Get Started for FreeRight now, BrightLocal is letting customers in the USA, UK, and Canada send up to 50 SMS messages for free. That’s right, free! Just think of all the positive reviews you could be racking up while your competitors are still fumbling through their inboxes.
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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