How do you convert more leads with online reviews?

1 Encourage happy customers to leave reviews

One of the easiest ways to get more online reviews is to ask your satisfied customers to leave them on platforms like Google, Facebook, Yelp, or DealerRater. You can do this by sending them a follow-up email, text message, or phone call after they purchase a vehicle or service from you. You can also offer incentives like discounts, coupons, or freebies to motivate them to share their positive feedback. Make sure you thank them for their reviews and respond to them publicly to show your appreciation and engagement.

2 Showcase your reviews on your website and social media

Another way to use online reviews to generate more leads is to display them on your website and social media pages. This will help you build trust and credibility with potential customers who are browsing your online presence. You can use widgets, plugins, or tools that automatically pull reviews from different sources and show them on your website. You can also share your reviews on your social media accounts, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn, to reach a wider audience and create social proof.

3 Address negative reviews promptly and professionally

No matter how good your service or product is, you will inevitably encounter some negative reviews from unhappy customers. Instead of ignoring or deleting them, you should address them promptly and professionally. This will show that you care about your customers' satisfaction and that you are willing to resolve any issues or complaints. You should apologize, empathize, explain, and offer a solution or compensation. You should also invite the customer to contact you privately to discuss the matter further and avoid escalating the conflict online.

4 Use reviews to improve your service and product

Online reviews are not only a way to attract and convert more leads, but also a way to improve your service and product. You should monitor and analyze your reviews regularly to identify any trends, patterns, or areas of improvement. You should also solicit feedback from your customers on how you can enhance their experience and meet their expectations. By using reviews as a source of insight and learning, you can improve your customer satisfaction, retention, and loyalty.

5 Ask for referrals from your reviewers

One of the most effective ways to generate more leads from online reviews is to ask for referrals from your reviewers. Referrals are one of the most trusted and influential forms of marketing, as they come from people who have already experienced your service or product and can vouch for its quality. You can ask your reviewers to refer their friends, family, or colleagues to your dealership by offering them incentives, rewards, or recognition. You can also create a referral program that tracks and rewards your reviewers for every successful referral they make.

6 Follow up with your leads from online reviews

Finally, you should follow up with your leads from online reviews to convert them into sales. You can use tools or software that notify you when someone mentions your dealership or leaves a review on any platform. You can then contact them via email, phone, or social media to thank them for their interest, answer their questions, and invite them to visit your dealership or schedule a test drive. You should also follow up with them periodically until they make a purchase decision or opt out of your communication.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?