Last time you thought about making a major purchase, what was the first thing you did? If you’re like most people, you probably headed online and started reading reviews.
Today, not only do the bulk of people read reviews before making significant purchases, they do it for just about everything. From restaurants and roofers to toothpaste and pens, people want to know what other people think before trying it out for themselves.
The correlation between a strong reviews management strategy and small business success cannot be overstated. A solid portfolio of positive reviews doesn’t just amplify revenue – it influences consumer behavior on a deeper, more personal level.
Research underscores this reality, revealing that customers painstakingly read through both positive and negative reviews to form a well-rounded view of a business – often before even considering contacting the business directly. Positive reviews can also improve your search engine rankings, giving you more opportunities to get noticed and increase your revenues.
Virtually every business owner knows it’s important to get reviews, but when you’re busy running a company, it’s something that often falls through the cracks.
Customers are busy too, so if you want them to take time out of their day to leave you a review, you’ll need to get creative. While the process often starts with an ask, that’s typically not enough. Try these four ideas and watch your star ratings grow.
1. Embrace the Power of QR Codes
QR codes are essentially modern bar codes. Scan one with your smartphone, and you’re instantly directed to a designated online spot—like a review page. It’s a straightforward, budget-friendly way to combine offline experiences with online feedback. Getting creative with QR codes can be a game-changer when it comes to gathering those five-star reviews.
- In-store signs: Frame QR codes and hang them prominently on your walls or place them right next to the checkout register. Ask customers to leave a review before they leave. This can help you quickly and easily capture reviews while the experience is still fresh in their minds.
- Packaging & product labels: Maximize the impact of the unboxing experience. Stick a QR code on your product labels, encouraging customers to share their immediate reactions as reviews.
- Receipts & invoices: Your receipt or invoice is often the last touchpoint with the customer. Why not include a QR code that directs them to a review page? A quick thank-you message alongside the code can also go a long way.
2. Consider a Reviews Contest
Add a competitive edge to your review-gathering strategy. People love the opportunity to win something, and this natural inclination can work in your favor. Schedule regular contests where you select a reviewer at random to win prizes such as gift cards or top-selling products. Not only does this approach incentivize the review process, but it also boosts customer engagement and injects an element of fun into your brand’s community.
Working on a tight budget? The prize can be as simple as a shoutout on your social media. This simple act of appreciation is a great way to turn your customers into brand advocates.
3. Go Viral with a “Review Us” Challenge
Harness the power of social media by initiating your own ‘Review Us’ challenge. Create a unique hashtag and encourage your customers to post videos or pictures showcasing their experience with your products or services. Unlike traditional reviews, this method brings visual and creative elements into the fold, making the review process fun and engaging. Plus, it’s an excellent way to amplify your brand’s visibility online.
These social testimonials not only offer fresh, authentic views of your products but also encourage a wider range of customer interaction.
4. Systemize Your Process
Having the right tools in place can significantly impact your ability to successfully gather reviews. Imagine how much easier it would be if you had a tool that allowed you to upload a CSV file and send out review requests with a click of a button, or instantly generate a QR code that you can use in your marketing plan? Discover Bradenton’s Reviews Management Tool allows you to do just that!
It also makes it easy to respond to reviews, share them on your social media platforms, and even embed them directly into your website. Get access now for just $25 a month! Learn more and subscribe today!
