I am following up with yesterday’s post on customer reviews. I gave reasons to start asking for reviews but today I want to help you to think about getting reviews. This comes down to you providing the means for people to write a review. If people are 10 times more likely share a bad experience how much more do you need to fight for recommendation on good experiences? I think that our fears are people will then write a negative review. The truth is that they are going to do that any way so why not ask those that haven’t thought about. Here is how you can get those glowing reviews.
Start asking your repeat customers for a review. These are the easiest because they are already committed to your business. You have established rapport with them so leverage that relationship to get the ball running.
Next you should include links from your website to places where people can write a review. Instead of having your recommendations on the site you can use the business listing as a way to show the authenticity of your customers. This will also help people to include a comment about your company.
Then you should include something on promotional material for these sites. Put your website and how to write a review for the company. As you ask for feedback you can hand them your business card and it has a way to remind them of your request. Not everyone will do it but you reducing the barriers to getting yourself recommended. On the rest of your materials you can have a way for people to recognize your business for a job well done.
Finally, don’t sweat the disgruntled people. There are people out there who may not like you but if you are doing a great job then you have really nothing worry about. If you are concerned, simply gauge the level of satisfaction and then ask for that recommendation. I would lean toward attempting to get as much feedback as possible. For people who are not happy it might be your opportunity to shine all the more and resolve the situation. The result could be your greatest customer today.
Local business reviews really are a benefit to any company who utilizes them. The easier you make it for them the more you will get. So start asking and see where it takes you. Do you have ways in which you are using recommendations online? Has utilizing reviews been successful for you? Share your thoughts about gaining customer reviews.