How to ask for reviews from customers in a way that works
One of the problems that we have as business owners is trying to procure reviews from customers. A lot of people that I've spoken to over the years have likened it to cold calling. They don't like it. So I'm going to give you this format that has worked for me and that I have developed over the years. Make it your own.
First, you have to ask. There's no way around it. You just have to bite the bullet and do it.
Second, if you want this to really work you have to make it a habit. I suggest that you make it part of every process in dealing with a customer. I suggest that you included in your follow-up. I suggest that you actually put out calendar reminder on your phone and spend five minutes a week reaching out to people doing it. I'll show you a little bit more about that below.
Third, use a system that works. Customers don't want to leave reviews. They don't want to be bothered. However, they don't mind helping you out. So ask them for some help.
“As a small business owner, I/we work really hard at trying to make sure that you had the best __________ possible and I hope that you got everything you expected and even more. I want to ask if you could help me with 60 seconds of your time by leaving me a 5 star review online. Thank you as this would help me out a lot.”
Use this template to ask for help. Make it a habit. Remember that this is a Marathon Race and not a Sprint.
Consistency: when we are looking for reviews we are looking for consistency rather than a quick flood. I would rather have 2 per week over five weeks then 10 all at once and nothing after that.
Immediacy: looking for reviews now? Why don't you ask people that already know you? here's a simple way to do it. Use the template above Add contact five friends or acquaintances every week through Facebook Messenger or email. Write down who you contacted and mark off those that left reviews. The only problem with this method is that you will be disappointed in the people that you know as many of them will not do it. ;)
What is this discipline supposed to be called anyway?
What I do...what we do is often mislabled and certainly often misunderstood. SEO - search engine optimization. Reputation management. SEM - search engine marketing. Add to that all the sub disciplines and practices such as social media management, citation development, link building, website usability design, email list building, email marketing, PPC (pay per click) management.
My thought is that we need a new word that accurately describes and encompasses all of it. I'm calling it Online Visibility. Now everyone agree with me and we shall call it a day. Tomorrow we can deal with the big SEO companies that charge a lot or a little but, do even less for their clients.