Reviews not only influence purchasing decisions but also build trust, improve SEO rankings, and provide insights for business improvement. Yet, many businesses miss out on this treasure trove of user-generated content (UGC) simply because they don’t know how to encourage customers to leave reviews.
If you’re wondering how to get more reviews, read on for actionable strategies to grow your review volume and reap the benefits for your business.
Why Reviews Matter
Here are the key reasons why reviews play a crucial role in shaping trust, credibility, and decision-making.
1. Boost Conversion Rates
Shoppers are more likely to buy when they see recent, authentic reviews. Product pages with reviews can experience a 354% increase in conversion rates and 446% higher revenue per visitor compared to those without reviews.
2. Increase Revenue
The numbers don’t lie: Businesses with just nine reviews see 52% more revenue, while those with 25 reviews can experience a 108% revenue boost. Reviews also reduce return rates by helping customers make informed decisions.
3. Establish Brand Trust
Roughly 80% of shoppers trust reviews as much as personal recommendations. Displaying reviews shows transparency, reassures customers, and helps establish your brand as credible.
4. Improve SEO Performance
Search engines prioritize fresh, relevant content — and reviews tick both boxes. They also naturally include customer-generated keywords, making it easier for shoppers to find your business online.
5. Refine Products
Customer reviews offer invaluable feedback. Negative reviews highlight areas for improvement, while positive reviews can uncover new use cases and opportunities for innovation.
What Shoppers Look for in Reviews
It’s crucial to focus on these key factors to maximize the impact of your reviews:
- Recency: Fresh reviews are often more trusted than older ones.
- Quantity: More reviews help validate the credibility of your business.
- Authenticity: Customers value real, unfiltered feedback over overly polished testimonials.
- Visual UGC: Photos and videos in reviews enhance credibility and help customers visualize how your products perform in real-life scenarios.
5 Proven Strategies to Get More Reviews
Implementing effective strategies to encourage reviews can significantly enhance your brand’s credibility and customer engagement.
Here are five proven strategies to help you generate more reviews and build trust with your audience:
1. Engage Customers with Surveys
Surveys are a great way to gather customer feedback and understand their experience. While not directly tied to reviews, these insights can help improve your offerings and naturally encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews.
2. Leverage Social Media
Social media is an ideal platform for connecting with your audience and requesting reviews. You can:
- Target customers who tag your brand or like your posts.
- Encourage influencers to share their thoughts.
- Provide a direct link to your review page for easy access.
Here’s an example of a social media review request template:
“Do you like [Product Name]? Share your thoughts with us by leaving a review here: [Link]. Your feedback helps us improve and inspires others to try it out. Thank you!”
3. Send Personalized Review Request Emails
Emails are an effective and direct way to request reviews. Include a simple call-to-action, like “Leave a Review,” and personalize the message by thanking the customer for their purchase.
Timing is critical — send the request shortly after the customer has had time to use the product while it’s still fresh in their memory.
Sample email template:
Dear [Customer Name],
It was a pleasure to welcome you to the restaurant last week and we thank you for choosing to spend your time with us. Should your time allow, we know your fellow diners would find value in learning more about your experience and we invite you to spread the word with an online review.
[Leave a Review Button]
4. Incorporate Visual UGC
Motivate customers to add photos and videos to their reviews. This type of content feels more authentic and helps future customers visualize how products fit into their lives.
Ask customers to submit visual content via email or social media. For example:
“Snap a photo of your [Product Name] in action and share it with us in your review!”
5. Utilize Review Syndication Tools
Review syndication ensures your UGC reaches a broader audience by distributing it across your website, social channels, and even third-party platforms. This strategy maximizes visibility and increases the likelihood of conversions.
Take charge of your online reputation with My Review Concierge, a game-changing software designed to help business owners effortlessly collect and manage reviews. Automate review requests via email, text, or social media, and increase your review volume with personalized communication.
With My Review Concierge, you can build trust, boost conversions, and grow your business by actively engaging customers and encouraging valuable feedback. Let this powerful tool do the heavy lifting while you focus on what matters most—your business!
