Have you ever planned on purchasing a product that’s been on your wish list for a while now?
If that’s ever happened to you (and I’m sure it has), what’s that one thing that you always check first, which then increases your FOMO and motivates you to click on that ”buy‘ button?
Well, I’m guessing it’s probably those glowing star ratings and comments that happy customers leave after acquiring the goods, right?
People around the world use product reviews and testimonies to decide if they’ll trust a product, service, or even the seller before making a purchase!
And I get it, building your reputation up from scratch can have a bit of a rocky start, but once you get the ball rolling with these 8 tried-and-tested strategies for getting customers to review and create testimonials for your products, your sales, and revenue will exponentially skyrocket!
2 types of customer feedback
Customer reviews
Firstly, we’ve got customer reviews, which are essentially snapshots of what a consumer thinks about the products or services your company provides.
You can think of these like today’s version of word-of-mouth, except they’re online, spread more rapidly, and have a wider audience reach.
These reviews, though sometimes anonymous, offer a window into the customer experience, and will help potential customers decide whether your product is worth the effort or not.
And with anyone able to publish a review online, the spectrum of feedback ranges from the good, the bad, to the downright questionable.
Yet, despite their varied nature, these reviews are regarded as credible sources of information, with a whopping 50% of consumers trusting them as much as personal recommendations.
In order to acquire more positive feedback from customers, make sure to be transparent about the features and benefits that your product has to offer, as well as not oversell to the point where your customers feel like your product is too good to be true, and end up flopping.
Customer testimonials
A testimonial, on the other hand, is a message where a consumer describes their experience with your company’s product or service.
They talk about what they liked specifically and proceed to recommend it to others, either through writing or video, and the best place to put this is usually on the above-the-fold section of your website to make it easier for visitors to locate.
Companies use these testimonials to show off their good rep and share real stories from happy customers, which increases customer trust and reliability, ultimately driving more sales over time.
For instance, imagine that you’re browsing through a website, trying to decide whether to splurge on that one fancy product that you’ve always wanted to buy.
When suddenly, you come across this video of someone just like you, gushing and singing their praises about said product.
Immediately, your trust is built and you’re in a hurry to get your hands on the good stuff.
That’s the magic of video testimonials!
And if you really want to make a real impression on your potential customers, gather up all those glowing testimonials and stick them all in one spot.
And where would that be?
Your website’s landing page, of course!
Instead of scattering your testimonials all over the place, keep them organized and easy to find on a dedicated landing page.
Having all your testimonials in one place makes it super convenient for potential customers to get the gist of what others think, and boosts their confidence in your brand.
8 surefire ways to quickly get reviews and testimonials for your business
1. Showcase your best reviews
Of course, if you already have a good number of reviews on your products, you might as well put them to good use by using them as social proof for your website, right?
Displaying reviews and testimonials on your website is an effective way to increase your credibility, gain the trust of potential clients, and rank higher on search engines altogether.
By displaying good comments left by previous customers, you’re basically providing your website visitors with evidence that reassures them about the quality of your products or services.
To solidify your standing even further, you can use visually attractive formats like star ratings, customer quotations, or video testimonials to improve the efficacy of your presentation.
These components not only draw the reader’s attention, but they also make the testimonials more compelling and persuasive, which, in turn, boost your chances of keeping your visitors’ attention locked onto your product.
2. Extend excellent customer service
When you go above and beyond to please your consumers, they become more inclined to give credit where credit is due.
Whether it’s addressing any concern or problem with empathy, answering inquiries quickly, or just making them feel like a VIP, outstanding service makes a lasting impression and encourages customers to leave positive product reviews.
For instance, consider the last time you had an excellent encounter with a company.
Chances are you couldn’t wait to tell your family, friends, and everyone within a 4-meter radius of you about it, right?
That just goes to show you the power of exceptional customer service in action.
So make sure you’re doing everything in your power to make your clients happy, because happy clients become walking billboards for your brand, spreading the word without you having to lift a finger!
3. Follow up on your customers
You know what they say, “ask and you shall receive, ” so don’t be afraid to follow up with your customers if you haven’t seen their review come through yet.
It’s not just about getting that initial review request out there and calling it a day, sometimes, you have to give your customers a gentle nudge to remind them to leave their feedback of their experience with your product.
It’s possible that they may have just gotten busy with their own personal lives and might’ve forgotten to leave a review, even if they had a great experience with your product or service.
But when you’re following up, always remember that there’s a fine line between gentle reminders and being pushy about it, so tread carefully and know where the boundaries lie.
After your customers send in their reviews, make sure to show your appreciation by sending a personalized thank-you message after each purchase or interaction.
Not only does this make your customers feel valued, but it also sets the stage for them to share their feedback and opens the door for ongoing communication.
By staying in touch with your customers even after they’ve made a purchase, you’re laying the foundation for a lasting relationship, and the more connected you are with your customers, the more likely they are to continue supporting your business and sharing their positive experiences with others.
Which is a win-win situation for everybody involved!
So whether you’re following up through email, phone calls, or even text messages, reaching out to say thanks and kindly requesting their input can go a long way in building rapport with your customers.
4. Make the review process as simple as possible
Let’s be honest, one of the things that immediately turn us off as buyers when reviewing the products that we purchase is the long-winded and convoluted method of doing said task.
People want a simple process, and they want to get it done as soon as possible.
If leaving a review feels like a hassle, chances are, your customers will lose interest and move on to other, more important priorities.
So, it’s incredibly crucial to streamline the process and make it as easy and straightforward as possible.
You can simplify the review process by providing clear and direct methods for your customers to share their feedback.
Whether it’s a direct link to your review page, a QR code that they can scan, or a simple email with a clickable button, the goal is to remove any barriers and make leaving a review a breeze.
By simplifying the review process, you not only increase the likelihood of receiving more reviews and testimonials, but also enhance the overall customer experience and boost your brand’s reputation.
5. Use social media to your advantage
In this digital era, you have to utilize the power of social media to expand your business and growth as much as you can.
Seriously, if you’re not using this goldmine to get reviews and testimonials, you’re missing out on a lot of potential!
These days, you can not only make money on online platforms, whether it be by utilizing Facebook groups, or even by monetizing your YouTube channel, but they’re also the ideal place for promoting your brand and obtaining feedback from delighted consumers.
So, why not encourage those pleased consumers to share their experiences with their followers?
After all, reading favorable comments and reviews from people in real life might persuade potential buyers to try your products or services.
For instance, when you come across a good review or suggestion from someone you trust on social media, aren’t you more likely to give that business a try?
This just goes to show that social media is a valuable tool for establishing trust and credibility with your target audience, and helps you to gain more reviews and testimonials for your products in return.
On top of that, once you’ve got your products ready to go live, you can add videos and insert links in the post description to help interested customers easily access your services.
6. Leverage email marketing
Email marketing isn’t just about sending newsletters and promoting your products anymore, rather, it can also be a powerful tool for gathering reviews and testimonials from your customers.
When designing your email’s content, keep it visually appealing and personalized based on your customers’ purchase history to make the interaction more engaging.
But beyond just sending out requests, email marketing can equally be a gateway to build trust with your customers by demonstrating that you actually value their opinions and experiences and not just see them as mere clients for your business.
In addition to that, email marketing is a really cost-effective approach compared to other marketing tactics like paid ads or snail mail campaigns, which is a huge bonus.
With email marketing, you can efficiently gather those sweet reviews, strengthen customer relationships, and enhance your brand’s reputation without breaking the bank!
7. Reply to existing reviews
Regularly engaging with your reviews is key to showing your customers that you genuinely value their feedback, whether it be positive or negative.
When responding to positive reviews, give your thanks and appreciation to show that you value your customer base and their continuous support.
On the flip side, if you address negative reviews with professionalism and empathy, you’re not only demonstrating your commitment to resolve your customers’ issues, but it can also showcase your brand’s dedication to improve and provide a positive experience for all.
Additionally, replying to the reviews sent in by customers is also an opportunity to present your brand’s personality and values because authentic and empathetic responses help humanize your brand and show your audience that you actually care about their well-being.
8. Give rewards to those that do review
Last but certainly not the least, if you’re looking to encourage your customers to share their experiences with your products to others, offering them something in return for leaving a review can be a great motivator for them to do so.
Whether it’s a small discount, a free gift, or exclusive offers and perks on future products or services, providing incentives can prompt customers to take that extra step and leave an outstanding review.
By rewarding your loyal customers, you not only amplify awareness of your brand but also foster stronger connections with your customer base.
This not only encourages more reviews but also opens the door to potential referrals, further expanding your reach and influence within your target audience.
Though, I would advise not to offer more than you can afford!
Gain Positive Customer Feedback For Your Business Today!
Maybe you’ve just launched your product and put it out on the market, but the responses (and sales) seem a little bit… lackluster.
And I get it, things can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you work round the clock just for your efforts to fall short and have no visible sign of progress.
but with a little bit of time and effort, you’ll be able to see your desired results and have people leaving stellar reviews in no time!
And if you found these tips helpful, consider joining our email list for free for more business-related content and receive updates on real-life experiences and expert advice to enhance your business knowledge and operations!
FAQs
How do I get testimonials without clients?
Though it’s more or less a roundabout way of going at it, you can still gain testimonials without clients by using indirect testimonials. For example, you can list a number of businesses that use the product or service you’re offering and in which countries they operate. You can also mention how long you’ve been in the business industry, subtly implying your popularity and experience.
What’s the most common type of testimonial today?
A quote testimonial, aka peer testimonial, is the most popular type of testimonial which refers to a direct quote from a pleased client about your product or service, and this kind of testimonial also typically includes a photograph.
Where can I find product testimonials?
Because testimonials are so important in winning the trust and confidence of your visitors, having them near the top of pages will draw their attention as they arrive on each page. They can be utilized in almost any part of your website, including in the header and navigation menu.
How do I get real reviews?
To get favorable feedback for your products, be proactive in asking clients for it. Also, make sure your items are featured on review sites and reply to all reviews (even bad ones) to demonstrate your dedication to your customer’s happiness. Lastly, share positive reviews on your website and social media, provide incentives for reviews, train your customer care personnel, and think about arranging events to engage with consumers.
What is the minimum number of Google Reviews?
A decent rule of thumb is to strive for 10 to 15 fresh reviews every month in order to maintain a favorable online presence and consistent development. However, highly competitive sectors or enterprises with a huge consumer base may aim for 20 to 30 reviews every month in order to stay competitive in the online marketplace.