When it comes to making decisions, customer reviews have a huge impact on what we choose. When we’re searching for a new restaurant, a reliable service provider, or even a product to purchase, we look for opinions or ask for reviews. Customer testimonials have become a trusted source of information, shaping the choices we make and influencing businesses far and wide.
Did you know that when shopping online, an overwhelming majority of customers, exceeding 99.9%, make it a point to read reviews? That’s right! A survey by Power Reviews shows that customers look for product reviews before making their purchasing decisions.
Now that we understand the power of customer reviews, how to ask for reviews from customers? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this blog, we’ll provide you with simple and effective techniques to ask for customer reviews. We’ll share templates and examples that you can use to request feedback from your customers easily.
Product reviews are an amazing way to attract new customers. Start rewarding customers with incentives for every review.
What is Customer Review?
A customer review is like a personal testimonial, a firsthand account of someone’s experience with a product, service, or business. It is a way for customers to share their thoughts, opinions, and feedback based on their experience.
Customer reviews often highlight the positives and negatives of a product or service, and they can be found on various platforms such as websites, social media, and review websites. These reviews are valuable sources of information for potential customers, as they offer insights into the quality, reliability, and overall satisfaction associated with a particular offering.
Why are Customer Reviews Important?
Customer reviews have the potential to enhance your brand’s social credibility and create favorable impressions among your target audience. Positive reviews build trust in your business, also make your customers confident and at ease when considering a purchase from your brand.
Here are some importance of customer reviews:
Trust and Credibility
Customer reviews provide social proof and build trust among potential customers. When people see positive reviews from satisfied customers, it reassures them that the product or service is reliable and worth considering. Reviews act as testimonials and validate the claims made by the business.
Decision Making
Customer reviews help prospective buyers make informed decisions. By reading about other customers’ experiences, they can gather insights about the product’s quality, features, performance, and suitability for their needs. Reviews often highlight both the strengths and weaknesses of a product, aiding in making a balanced decision.
Product Improvement
Reviews offer valuable feedback to businesses. By analyzing customer reviews, brands can identify areas for improvement, understand what customers appreciate about their products, and make necessary adjustments. This feedback loop enables businesses to enhance their offerings and deliver better customer experiences.
SEO and Online Visibility
Customer reviews contribute to search engine optimization (SEO). Reviews provide fresh and user-generated content, incorporating relevant keywords that search engines index. Positive reviews can also enhance a business’s online visibility by increasing its presence in search results and local listings.
Brand Reputation
Customer reviews play a crucial role in shaping a brand’s reputation. Positive reviews can boost a brand’s image and attract more customers. Conversely, negative reviews can harm a brand’s reputation and deter potential buyers. Managing and responding to reviews allows businesses to address concerns, demonstrate their commitment to customer satisfaction, and maintain a positive brand perception.
Competitive Advantage
Customer reviews can give a business a competitive edge. If a company has a higher number of positive reviews compared to its competitors, it can differentiate itself and attract more customers. Positive reviews can serve as a compelling reason for potential buyers to choose one brand over another.
Continuous Engagement
Encouraging customers to leave reviews fosters ongoing engagement. It provides an opportunity for businesses to interact with customers, express gratitude, and address any issues or questions. Engaging with reviews demonstrates a commitment to customer satisfaction and builds stronger relationships with the customer base.
Different Ways To Ask for Reviews From Customers (Examples)
When asking for reviews, it’s important to be polite, genuine, and appreciative. Make the process as simple as possible for your customers, and always express your gratitude for their time and feedback.
Ask for reviews via text
Send a personalized text message to your customers, expressing gratitude for their recent purchase and kindly asking if they would be willing to share their experience by leaving a review.
Example: “Hi [Customer Name], thank you for choosing our product! We hope you had a great experience. Would you mind sharing your thoughts in a quick review? It would mean a lot to us!”
Ask for reviews through Email
Send a follow-up email after a customer has received their order, thanking them for their purchase and kindly encouraging them to leave a review on your site. Provide direct links or instructions for leaving a review to make the process easier for your customers.
Example: “Dear [Customer Name], thank you for your recent purchase! We would love to hear your feedback. Could you spare a few minutes to leave a review? Simply click [insert link/button] to share your experience. We greatly appreciate your support!”
Ask for reviews post-purchase
Include a note within the product packaging, thanking the customer for their purchase and kindly requesting them to leave a review. Consider adding a QR code or a shortened URL leading directly to the review platform for their convenience.
Example: “Thank you for choosing our product! We hope you love it. If you have a moment, we would be thrilled if you could leave a review. Scan the QR code or visit [URL] to share your thoughts. Your feedback means a lot to us!”
Ask for reviews on your website
Place a visible call-to-action (CTA) on your website, inviting customers to share their experiences. This could be a button or a pop-up message that directs them to a dedicated review page or a third-party review platform.
Example: “Have you recently purchased our product? We’d love to hear from you! Click here to leave a review and let us know about your experience. Your feedback helps us serve you better!”
Ask for reviews on social media
Utilize your social media platforms to ask for reviews from your followers and customers. Craft a genuine and friendly message, along with a link or instructions for leaving a review, and post it across your social media channels.
Example: “Calling all our amazing customers! If you’ve had a positive experience with our brand, we would greatly appreciate it if you could share your thoughts in a review. Your feedback helps us grow and improve. Click the link [or visit our profile] to leave a review. Thank you!”
Strategies to Use While Asking for Reviews
While asking for reviews, it’s always necessary to keep certain strategies in mind. Here are some strategies to use while asking for reviews:
Find the right time to ask for review
Ensure that you strategically ask for review at the right time during their engagement with your brand to achieve the best outcomes.
So, when is the right time to ask for reviews?
- After completing the purchase
- When customers express interest
- After an achievement
- Following a repeat purchase or reorder from the customer
- After they mention or tag your brand in a social media post
- If they are actively exploring other products or services on your website
- When they refer another customer to your brand
Let’s look into few more real life examples of when to ask for reviews;
Example 1: Let’s say I purchased a dress for my birthday which is falling on next month. The right time to ask for review is to wait until my birthday gets over. So, I get the chance to use the dress before reviewing it.
Example 2: Prompt review: Let’s say I use Uber or Ola cabs, now I get to review the ride right after the right gets complete. In this case, you can send a prompt review asking for customers to rate their ride.
Choose a method that works well for your business
To ask for reviews, ensure that you choose a method that works well for your business. Here are some methods for you to consider;
- Tell your team to ask for reviews for every successful purchase.
- Integrate review requests into your email marketing automation campaigns.
- To build a strong bond, use the Net Promoter Score (NPS) to identify enthusiastic customers who are interested in your product.
- Provide optional review links on checkout pages or thank-you pages as a final step.
Use moments of customer happiness to your advantage
When customers are more interested in your brand than competitors or start to refer to your brand with others, it means customers are happy to shop with you. This is one of the right times to use customer testimonials to your advantage. At this time, your customers tend to give more valuable customer responses.
Start with a question that allows for open-ended answers
Start with questions that allows for open ended answers;
- “What are your views on the product?”
- “Would you consider purchasing again?”
Use an open-ended question to genuinely ask for customer testimonials. Ensure customer satisfaction before prompting them to submit a review.
Make things easier for the customer whenever possible
One important aspect to highlight is the element of time. If customers feel they don’t have enough time to write a review, they may choose not to do so. However, you can address this concern in advance when making the request, which can help change their mindset while you still have their attention. For example, you might mention that it will only take 2 minutes to complete the review.
Ask for review and reward customers with points or discounts easily using WPLoyalty.
How To Ask for a Review From Customers (Ready to use templates)
You can ask for reviews from customers with the ready to use templates given below;You can ask for reviews from customers with the ready to use templates given below;
Review Template For New Customers
Dear [customer name],
We’re delighted that you’re having the best experience with your recent purchase of [Product Name].
If you’re happy with your purchase, we kindly request you to write a short review on our website. Here is the direct URL for your convenience: [Insert URL].
If you have any query with the [Product Name], please feel free to contact us.
Thank you for your time!
[Email Signature]
Review Template For Repeat Customers
Hello [Customer First Name],
We greatly appreciate your continued support as a valued customer!
We have a special request that would mean the world to us. Could you spare just a couple of minutes to share your experience with us in a review? Your feedback holds immense significance to our brand.
If you’re willing to help, you can easily submit your review by following this link: [Insert review link].
Thank you once more for the purchase and the time you invest!
[Email Signature]
After A Recent Purchase
Hey [Customer First Name],
We wanted to extend our gratitude for choosing [Product/Service]! Your satisfaction means a lot to us, and we’re excited to hear about your experience. You can share your valuable feedback by leaving a review at [add direct URL to leave review].
Thank you for your time
[Email Signature]
To Long-Term Customers
Hey [Customer First Name],
Wow, it’s been [X] years since you started using our service, and we’re thrilled to have had such a long-standing partnership with you! Your continued support has been invaluable. We would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to share your experience by leaving a review at [add direct URL to leave review].
Thank you for being a loyal partner in our journey.
[Email Signature]
Request With An Incentive
Hey [Customer First Name],
We have an exciting offer just for you! Enjoy a fantastic [X]% discount on your next purchase. Claim this exclusive deal by simply leaving a review at [add direct URL to leave review].
We can’t wait for you to redeem your special offer!
[Email Signature]
How Not to Ask for Reviews?
When it comes to asking for reviews, it’s important to avoid certain approaches. Here are a few things to avoid when requesting reviews:
- Avoid being overly aggressive or continuously pestering customers for reviews.
- Keep the process simple and straightforward.
- Encourage honest and genuine feedback, both positive and negative, to gain valuable insights.
- Address negative reviews promptly to showcase your commitment to customer satisfaction.
Asking for reviews is the best way to build trust with your customers. Use WPLoyalty and start rewarding customers for reviews.
Conclusion
Asking for reviews from customers is a powerful tool for building trust, attracting new customers, and improving your business. By implementing the right strategies and using effective templates and examples, you can ask for reviews in a compelling and genuine way.
So, don’t hesitate to put these strategies into action. Start leveraging the power of customer reviews to enhance your business, foster customer loyalty, and drive continuous growth. Remember, each review is an opportunity to showcase your commitment to excellence and connect with your audience on a deeper level.
Learn more about The Role Of Social Media For ECommerce Success, How To Improve Customer Retention? And What Is Customer Retention? 5 Strategies To Keep Customers.
When requesting a review from a buyer, you can reach out to them via email, a feedback form, or through your customer support channels. Clearly express your appreciation for their business and kindly ask if they would be willing to share their experience by leaving a review.
The ideal time to ask customers for a review is when they have recently interacted with your product or service and are likely to have a positive experience fresh in their minds. For example, after they’ve received their order, successfully completed a transaction, or achieved a milestone.
While offering incentives or rewards may seem tempting, it’s generally best to avoid them. Incentivized reviews can compromise authenticity and may lead to biased feedback. Encourage customers to provide voluntary and unbiased reviews based on their genuine experiences.
Some common mistakes to avoid when asking for customer reviews include being pushy, incentivizing positive reviews, making the process overly complicated, ignoring negative feedback, and failing to address customer concerns promptly and constructively.
Negative reviews provide an opportunity for improvement. Respond to them promptly, empathize with the customer’s concerns, and offer a resolution if possible. Addressing negative feedback publicly shows your commitment to customer satisfaction and can help regain trust.
Get creative with your gratitude! You can send personalized thank-you emails, offer exclusive discounts or loyalty rewards to customers who leave reviews, feature their reviews on your website or social media platforms, or even create a customer appreciation program to acknowledge their valuable feedback.
