Ninety percent of consumers say positive online reviews influence their buying decisions. Safe to say, reviews can either make or break your business. So, how do you persuade your customers to give stellar online reviews?

Provide Excellent Customer Service

It may seem like an obvious first step, but providing outstanding service equates to more positive reviews for your business. You want to give customers an experience they’ll never forget.

Go the extra mile by being polite, attentive, and quickly responsive to their questions. The better the service, the more satisfied and eager they will be to leave a positive review.

Make It Easy For Your Customer to Write a Review

If the review process is too complicated, your customer is going to give up quickly. That’s why you must make writing a business review as simple as possible. To do so, make reviews a separate page or button on your business’ website to fill out.

Fun tip: Include a link to your review form at the end of all of your e-newsletters. That way, it is easily accessible to already loyal customers.

Create A QR Code For Customers to Scan

You can also create a QR code to attract customers to your different review options.

Share that QR code via email, business cards, signs in your store, anything! It's a super-easy and simple way to get more reviews from your valued customers.

All they have to do is take out their phone, open their camera, and hold it over the QR code. Then it will automatically scan the code, taking them to your review page. Why don't you give it a try and leave us a review!

Simply Ask Your Customers for Reviews

Want to encourage customers to leave a review? Just ask them directly! After a customer purchases a product or service, ask them to leave a review about their experience and include a call-to-action on the receipt. If you make an online sale, create an automatic review form pop-up or a survey at the end of their e-receipt.

Explain to Customers Why Reviews Are Important for Your Business

Remind customers that reviews are necessary for both business and individual success. When you post on your social media accounts, emphasize the person behind the brand and how much the support means to you. If users feel a personal connection to your business, they’re more inclined to leave a positive review.

Create A Giveaway for Leaving a Review

Let’s face it – most people won’t do you a favor unless they get something in return. It is important to remember that when asking others for a review (especially a positive one).

No matter what, all reviews are welcome! It is against the guidelines of Google to entice people with free items or money for a positive review. You can, however, hold a drawing or contest for a prize specifically for reviewers.

If you send an email to customers asking for a review, the subject line must clearly state you’re offering an opportunity for a prize if they leave a review – nothing guaranteed.

Share Your Reviews on Your Business’ Social Media

Congrats! All of your hard work paid off, and you received a positive review. Now it's time to share that review online to show off how well your business is doing. Doing so will encourage other customers to write positive reviews of their own. This cycle should rack up tons of positive reviews, hence increasing your brand connections.

Need guidance navigating negative reviews? Let our team of professionals at Social Stamina help by setting up a free social media consultation today.

Seven Proven Tips for the Best Online Customer Review Strategy