We all know the answer to this question because WE READ REVIEWS… Right?!? AND we make purchase decisions based on those reviews. 90% of consumers read online reviews before visiting a business or making a purchase and 88% of consumers trust those reviews. Positive reviews can have a HUGE impact on the success of your business. Consumers will place their trust in a business based on positive reviews and will spend 31% more on a business with excellent reviews. The statistics go on and on supporting the connection between positive reviews and a successful business. The million dollar question is, how do you get those customers to, as we like to say… Share the love?

Here are a few ideas to get you started on the path to 5 star reviews:

1. Do GOOD work. Yes, this is obvious but true. Pay attention to what is being said and address it if it needs to be addressed.
2. Ask. Yep, don’t be afraid to ask for a review. Encourage anyone that interacts with your customer base to ask for reviews. Make sure that you time the question right. Ask when you know they just had a positive experience or ask an open-ended question like, Do you like your new basketball hoop?
3. Provide different places to review your business. Google, Yelp, Facebook, Amazon, BBB and even your website. Claim as many online listings as you can. When you reach out to your customer for a review make sure you are clear about where you want the review. If you are looking for a review on Facebook, use messenger to communicate that. If you are sending an email, make sure you link directly to where you would like a review to be submitted.
4. Offer an incentive. Your time is valuable and so is theirs. Give them a reason to take the time to write a review. Offer discounts, coupons, gift cards, hold a contest, your options are limitless – be creative. Example: Have a coffee on us! Leave a review and receive a $10 gift card to your local coffee shop.
5. Say THANK YOU. Always respond to reviews, especially the negative ones. (we address negative reviews in this blog post)
6. Don’t be shy! Share your positive reviews with prospects and customers. Promote them on social media and occasionally go on yelp and google and thumbs up positive reviews to move them to the top.
7. Host an event just for your customers. Create an engaging fun experience for your customers where they can meet other people that have your business in common. Let them know that you appreciate their business. This will increase their positive sentiment toward your business and can be an easy transition into a positive review.

Create a plan using a combination of in-person and digital methods to help generate reviews from current and future customers. Continue to assess how your plan is working and adjust accordingly. You can’t ignore the statistics… reviews are here to stay and you want to be on top of what is being said about your business.

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If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, it’s time to make your brand AuSum. Contact us today to discuss your design needs and let us help you leave a lasting impression on your target market.