Reputation is very important when it comes to attracting new customers and the attention of search engines. It goes without saying that people prefer businesses that have a strong overall review score. Search engines also understand that the better the review score is, the better that business services its client base. Thus you will have a higher organic position in search engines when you have a solid review score.
Why You Should Ask for Customer Feedback
Positive feedback gives confidence to other potential customers. You are basically having someone who is a neutral party be your sales person. Plus, the more reviews you have, the more you are considered to be a tried and true solution for that something your potential customers are looking for. I recently had a company in Woburn Massachusetts who requested me to redo their web site. As I was about to go into my sales speech, the owner said “You don’t have to convince me. I already read your reviews and I know you are the right web designer for me!”. Score!
How to Increase Customer Feedback
Majority of companies simply skip the step of asking for customers feedback after their business dealings are done. Don’t skip this part, especially if you know your customer really liked what you did for them. Generally, customers need a little encouragement before they write you a review, so get in the habit of asking! If you don’t make a habit of asking for a review when they are leaving then send out a reminder email thanking them for their business and requesting to spend two minutes writing you a review online.
You may also want to consider incentivizing your customers to write a review. It will pay off in the long run as your average score continues to go up on major review sites or search engines.
Advertise Your Reviews and Feedback!
Imagine you have a solid 4.5 or a 5 star review score in Yelp or Google. Why not use that as an advertising point? You’ve earned a solid score, have a strong reputation, and you have the proof of it! Place it on your site and give a link for people to visit the review site and read more of your reviews. This is a great way to gain consumer confidence and complete a sale.
Be proactive and always ask your customers to spend a few minutes. Remind them that their great patronage helps you grow. Lastly, continue to do a great job with your business and you will keep earning those five star reviews!