Feel free to get creative when it comes to asking for reviews. Here are some ideas and suggestions to help you get started.
Ask for reviews on your website
Your website is a great place to ask customers to leave you a review. Here are a few ways to do it:
- Include a link to your review page in your header and your footer.
- Use an image editing site like Canva to create an eye-catching image for your link.
- Create a standalone reviews page on your site where you can also ask for a review.
- Embed your latest reviews in the sidebar, with a link to your reviews page on Google or other sites.
Calibrate your timing
You want positive reviews, so the timing of your request is important. To increase the chances of a positive review, choose points along the customer purchase journey when your customers are likely to be satisfied with your product or services.
For example, if you’re sending an email after purchase to ask for a review, make sure enough time has gone by for your customer to use your product or services.
On the other hand, be careful not to wait too long: You want to ask for a review while their experience is still fresh.
Include an ask in other interactions
In addition to purchases, consider other key areas where you’re likely to engage with your customers, such as during customer support interactions.
Make your request for a review a standard part of the process. For example:
- If you use an automated email asking for feedback after the resolution of each support ticket, include a request for a review in that email.
- Instruct your support team to ask for a review after they’ve resolved a customer’s issue.
Use your QR code in-store
Pay particular attention to areas where the code would catch your customers’ eye or places where your customers are likely to linger.
For example, you could put your QR code linking to your review site on a sign by your checkout counter. Or you could place your code on a two-sided custom window decal adhered to your door, where it can catch the attention of both current and returning customers.
Print out review request cards
Include both your shortened link and your QR code on printed cards. Your ask can be as simple as “Please leave us a review” on a business card. A postcard provides extra room to include a longer message with additional branding or promotions.
Leave a stack of cards by the checkout where people are likely to pick one up. Employees can also hand them out, and you can keep some on hand for whenever the opportunity to ask crops up, such as during conversations with customers.
Tell customers how long it will take
If your customer has never left a review on Google before, they might think it’s a long, drawn-out process involving multiple steps. If they assume it will take up a lot of time, it will be easier to put off writing a review “until later.”
So let customers know leaving a review will only take a few minutes. Explain that the link will take them directly to the page where they can quickly rate and review your business.
Post your request on social media
Since you’re already interacting with an engaged audience on these platforms, they’re good places to ask for reviews.
It’s also a place where you can get creative with your request. For example, you could screenshot a recent positive review and share it. Then, ask your audience to share their personal experiences in a review of their own.
Tell them why
Don’t be shy about telling customers why reviews matter to your business. Your most loyal customers will likely be happy to support you.
You can also let them know that their review can be helpful in other ways, such as helping:
- You identify areas that need improvement
- Other people decide whether your business is a good fit for their needs
- You see what you’re doing well
