5 Tips for Gathering Better Reviews with Personal Interactions:?

Reviews are such an important part of business. Negative reviews can cause potential customers to have negative perspective about your business and can negatively impact search rankings. On the other hand, positive reviews can positively impact both of the above - and they're a solid indicator for a business owner that interactions are running smoothly. Let's explore 5 quick ways to better your review gathering process.

1. Be Direct and Make It Easy

• How to Ask: Make sure to specifically ask, “Would you mind leaving us a Google review?”, then direct them to the page to leave a review - leverage QR codes, handouts, send an email/SMS, etc.
• Why It Helps: Individuals are 70% more likely to leave a review when ASKED to do so. Don’t make them work for it though, convenience is key!?

2. Timing is Everything

• When to Ask: The best time to ask for a review is right after a successful interaction or transaction. This is when the customer is most likely to be satisfied and willing to share their experience. If you see someone smiling after using your services or showing appreciation to your staff, this is when you ask. Waiting a week to prompt a customer after their service or purchase may be too long.?
• Why It Helps: Promptly asking for a review increases the likelihood of capturing genuine, positive feedback.

3. Be Personable

• Have a conversation: Begin with an introduction, give the person your name and ask for theirs. Maybe, shake hands if you feel comfortable - or anything else you’d naturally do in a conversation. Make small interactions with customers that show you care. “How was your experience today?”, “Is there anything else you need?”, “Can I help with anything?”, etc.
• Why It Helps: People are more likely to relate to … PEOPLE. They’re using your services but staff is what pushes the review forward!?

4. Guide the Review

• What to Suggest: Encourage customers to use specific keywords related to our product or service in their review. Consider key services, location and adjectives (ex. Best, top-rated, fast) and you’ll come up with a complete, keyword centric review!
• Why It Helps: Using relevant keywords can help your business rank higher in search results.

5. Follow Up and Show Gratitude

• How to Follow Up: Send a thank-you message to customers who have left a review, and consider sharing exceptional reviews on your social media channels. Respond to their review and like it on Google. If you’re using a CRM, place the review in their contact information so that on their next visit/usage, your team can thank them directly for the review.?
• Why It Helps: Acknowledging and appreciating the effort taken to leave a review can encourage repeat business and foster a loyal customer base.

By implementing these tips, you can not only increase the number of positive Google Reviews but also improve your business's visibility and credibility online. The review process has been overtaken by automated, machine-like messaging that benefits companies in gathering more reviews in an effortless way, but when done right - a little extra effort can go a long way!?