Firstly we need to talk about the difference between reviews and testimonials. It’s important to understand their characteristics so that you understand how each one can benefit your business in the right way.

Reviews

Reviews are collected and managed by third-party (like google, Facebook, Yelp etc) so you don't have to do anything but ask the customer to write one. A review is likely to come from a customer who’s had a snapshot experience of your business for example over a peak or where they’ve experienced the gift of giving.

To put it into perspective - the average customer will read 10 reviews before feeling able to trust a business.

Testimonials

Testimonials are gathered in and managed by your business. You’re more likely to get a testimonial in the form of email feedback or a hand written card. Testimonial might be more from weddings or funerals as these are more personal.

You can use testimonials anywhere from social media, Website, business cards….

Why do you need customers reviews?

1. It pushes you up your search ranking online

2. It boosts customer trust of your business

But How can ask without feeling cringey??

They’re a no denying it….It's heart pumping asking someone to write a review for your business - You have given them this amazing journey, you’ve looked after them with customer service and you created and sent out a product that you're proud of and now you have to wear your heart on your sleeve and ask someone to rate all your hard work.

The main thing to do is to ask with confidence.

You know you and your business have done your best so now it’s time to trust your customers.



Keep asking in different ways too.

Customers lives are busy and they may forget or not have time to do it straight away, scroll down to find out too ways to ask.

Give them a topic to write about.

This will help get their review started and can be anything from customer service, ease of ordering, in store experience or a whole host of other things. Its also great if you’re wanting to make your reviews show more diversity as you can lead the customer towards a specific subject or area. For example, if lots of your reviews talk about amazing customer service perhaps ask for how their experience was to order it or in what way did you exceed your expectations….

Where to ask people for reviews

Ask in person

Ask any repeat or regular customers. This way doesn’t always work as they can get distracted by something else before writing it but think about Finding a way to make it easy for them whether that’s having an iPad on the desk for them to do it while they wait or giving them a card with a scannable QR code.

By Email

When you're sending an email you can include a direct link to exactly where they need to write that review. It's going to make it nice and easy! Oh and by the way, if you’re not sure if asking by email is worth it…you’d probably be surprised to know that up to 80% of reviews originate from follow up emails asking shoppers to review their purchase.

Social media

This one is so easy to do as you can include a direct link if you put it up on Facebook; and on Instagram you can put the link in your bio.

Lastly (and importantly)

Make sure you use your reviews regularly afterwards. Your reviews are free content for you to use to help new customers feel they understand how you work and feel that they can trust you.