It’s a psychological phenomenon: when we’re dissatisfied, we want to let off steam. When we’re satisfied, we take the service for granted and move on to the order of the day. The result for entrepreneurs: online reviews are often more negative than reality.
But you don’t have to sit idly by and watch. Reviews can be controlled – in compliance with GDPR, of course, and without buying any (which we strictly reject!). Here are three tactics that work immediately:
1. Ask at the “moment of happiness”
The best time to ask for a review is not three weeks later in a newsletter, but immediately after the service has been provided.
- The customer picks up their repaired car and is beaming?
- The haircut is perfect?
- The project has been successfully completed? Say right now: “I’m glad you’re satisfied! That helps us a lot. Would you mind confirming that briefly on Google?”
2. Make it super easy (QR codes)
No one likes to manually search for your company name to write a review. Create a direct link to your review form (you can do this in your Google profile) and convert it into a QR code. Print it on receipts, business cards, or place a small display at the counter. “Scan me for feedback” works.
3. The personal email follow-up
If you work in B2B or have had email contact, send a personal email after completion. No impersonal distribution list. Write: “Thank you very much for your cooperation. If you were satisfied with my work, I would be very grateful for a short review here [link].”
Why is this so important?
Reviews are the currency of trust today. A profile with 4 reviews seems less trustworthy than one with 150 – even if the average rating is identical. Quantity (“review count”) is also a ranking factor.
We help you collect and manage reviews
With the right tools, you can automate review processes and always keep an eye on what people are saying about you. Let’s build your reputation together.
