By Jim Clanin
Today, the interactive nature of the Internet allows customers to express their opinions to a potentially wide audience of interested consumers. Most people express their reactions to a firm’s products or services frequently during conversation; not at many individuals actually write about their experiences as customers. Companies which create reputation management software increasingly recognize the importance of favorable customer reviews.
Did you know, simply obtaining 50+ of these posts online significantly impacts a firm’s Search Engine Optimization efforts? In some cases, companies experience more than double the expansion in click-through rates using this strategy alone! In 2015, one study discovered most consumers reported trusting online customer reviews as much as recommendations supplied by people known to them. To really boost the popularity of an enterprise in search engines, it helps to inspire customers to leave reviews about the business.
Use Ten Smart Strategies
Marketing experts today focus considerable attention upon the customer review process. Frequently, companies prompt satisfied customers to leave a review simply by making a polite request. Consider using these ten tips to encourage this behavior:
1. Ask customers to leave reviews immediately after the transaction.
Memories fade quickly. In order to leave an accurate review, customers need to recall the sale of a product or service easily. Asking for feedback online promptly helps ensure customers remember your firm and its products.
2. Encourage a quick, simple review process.
No one appreciates filling out a long, complex form. Respect the time and effort your customers invest when they furnish reviews or customer surveys at your request.
3. Embrace the energy of the early morning.
Some firms report requests for reviews submitted to customers in the morning elicit a higher number of replies.
4. Repeat the request only one time.
You usually won’t offend customers by repeating a review request once. Repeating unanswered prompts to submit a review a few days later improves response rates significantly.
5. Never dun a customer to submit a review.
Some customers won’t choose to leave reviews. Don’t offend these individuals by making multiple, repeated requests. Always use transparent, tactful, courteous review requests.
6. Tailor email requests carefully.
If you use emails to ask for reviews, design the message to make replying easy. Include links to pertinent social media sites. Usually, requests send mid-week deliver the best response rates. Marketing experts suggest using open-ended simple questions about the customer’s experiences with the firm.
7. Add sidebar links to review sites on your website.
By including links to review and social media sites, you’ll facilitate the process of obtaining customer reviews. You’ll also reinforce your firm’s commitment to supplying superb customer service!
