5 Secret Strategies to Unlock the Power of Online Reviews
Many small business owners understand the importance of online reviews, but don’t know how to go about getting them. Whether you’re a restaurant owner or a freelancer, online reviews are essential for boosting your visibility and credibility. But how do you go about earning those coveted stars? Here are five secret strategies for increasing your online review count.
Ask Your Customers in Person
One of the most effective ways to get more reviews is simply by asking your customers face-to-face when they come into your store or office. Most people are willing to help out a local business if they have enjoyed their experience, and it takes only a minute or two to leave an online review. You can also hand out cards that have links to your review pages on Yelp, Google and other sites – this makes it even easier for customers to leave feedback.
Offer an Incentive
Another great way to encourage customers to leave reviews is by offering them something in return. This could be anything from a discount coupon or free product sample, to entering them into a prize draw if they leave a review within a certain period of time. Make sure you make it clear that any incentive offered isn’t contingent on leaving positive feedback – this could backfire if someone leaves a negative review and then feels like they were duped into doing so!
Reach Out via Email or Social Media
The majority of businesses have email lists and/or social media accounts that they use regularly – why not take advantage of these platforms to ask for reviews? You can include links directly in emails and posts that point users towards your review page, making it easy for them to leave feedback without having to search around for where they should go. Keep messages short and sweet – no one wants their inbox filled with long requests for reviews!
Respond Quickly & Professionally
Another of the secret strategies is that whenever someone leaves you an online review – positive or negative – make sure you respond quickly and professionally. Not only does this show potential customers that you care about customer service, but it may even encourage them (or the original reviewer) to come back! If someone has left you negative feedback, try not to take it too personally. Instead offer an apology and find out what could be done differently next time around so that similar issues don’t arise again in future!
Automate Where Possible
Finally, there’s nothing wrong with using automation tools such as software programs or plugins that remind customers after their purchase (via email) that they can leave you feedback on popular websites like Local trust Navigator. As long as reminders are sent out at appropriate times (e.g., not immediately after purchase) then automated reminders can be very effective at encouraging more people to leave reviews without needing much effort on your part!
Earning more online reviews doesn’t have to be difficult! By following the five secret strategies outlined above, small business owners will find themselves quickly racking up those all-important stars on their profiles across the web. From simply asking customers face-to-face when they visit your store/office, through offering incentives for leaving reviews plus using automation techniques – there’s something here for everyone looking to increase their online presence through customer feedback! Try these tips today and see just how powerful online reviews can be in transforming your business’s public image!