3 Ways to Increase Customer Reviews Online

Online Reviews

Online reviews are a powerful tool that businesses can use to encourage sales. Consumers love to read reviews and check that the experience they will receive is going to be a positive one. Online reviews are highly influential, but they can be difficult to gain. How can you encourage your customers to take the time to review your business online? Here are few tips to help.

Make it Easy for Your Customer

Some customers will want to leave as a review on Facebook, others will prefer Google while there will be some that want to review on sites such as TripAdvisor or Trustpilot. Be everywhere that your customers are so they can leave a review where they feel comfortable.  When you select your sites, provide information on how to leave a review on each of the websites – giving easy to follow instructions for your customers to use if necessary. Additionally, if you have a review section on your own website, fill blank boxes with ideas and guidance to help encourage the type of response you’d like to receive.

Never Buy Reviews

You can buy pretty much anything, from social followers and likes to views on YouTube. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Fake reviews can be bought, but why would you? You want to build a business that your customers can trust.  This may mean you will receive a negative review from time to time. Don’t panic, negative reviews give you the perfect opportunity of showing off your excellent customer service skills. They are also helpful for spotting issues that need to be addressed.

Listen and Respond

Take the time to read reviews and leave a reply. The response you provide helps to install trust in potential customers and shows the real side of the business. Read through the reviews once a week and reply accordingly.  This also gives you an opportunity to get to know your customer base better, learn their likes and dislikes and make improvements across all levels based on what you learn through this conversation.

Online reviews are not something to fear. Let your customers have their say, inform you of their thoughts and experiences and share those emotions with potential customers.