You already know how important product reviews are. They improve SEO, increase conversions, and more. They establish trust between you and your consumers, as well as in your products. However, the most pressing question remains: how can you persuade customers to abandon them?
Getting customers to leave product reviews is a difficult task for almost every e-commerce business. When you start from scratch, it’s even harder (cruelly). However, it’s worth the work when you consider the influence of reviews in building trust and boosting sales.
“The first step in getting a product or service reviewed is knowing that people don’t really want to evaluate it,” according to Econsultancy. Most people don’t want to spend their valuable time on your site writing a review unless you are an established business whose reputation is based on reviews (like Amazon). In fact, you need to give people a reason to write about you.
Let’s look at some of the things you can do to start promoting more good customer reviews with that in mind.
Just ask
It’s hard to ask for things when you don’t have something tangible to offer in return. However, when it comes to reviews, there is nothing wrong with asking directly.
According to a Bazaarvoice survey, 90% of respondents said they write reviews to help others make better purchasing decisions, and 70% said they want to help companies improve the products they create and sell. Many people will be happy to help spread the word if you are open and honest in your request for review.
It is essential to pay attention to the words you use when writing your request. Get rid of the sales talk and focus on the buyer instead of the seller. Instead of asking, “Would you like to give us a review?” or that bland language that gives the user an easy out, ask something more empowering and user-centric. “Let the world know what you think of your new product [insert here],” for example. You may even want to include the idea of helping a small business grow in your presentation.
Shopify also emphasizes the importance of punctuality. Customers should be contacted after they have had the product for a week or two. “This will give them time to learn about the product, as well as enough experience to write a review” Don’t wait too long, in this day and age when attention span is diminishing, it’s best to ask while first impressions are still fresh.
Offer an incentive
People are more likely to give when they know they will receive something in return, no matter how altruistic their customers are. Even minor incentives, such as a 5% discount on your next transaction or an advance on a future collection, can entice customers to write a review. Incentives can also help increase customer lifetime value and encourage repeat business.
As efficient as this strategy can be, Neil Patel cautions that incentives for new marketers hungry for positive reviews can be a moral gray area. “Even if your offer is not intended to be a bribe, most people feel compelled to provide positive feedback if they are paid for it.” Make it clear that he is looking for honest and unbiased comments, and if you give incentives, it is a good idea to urge your reviewers to mention them in their writing.
Take advantage of social networks
Potential buyers aren’t just looking for information about your products in your business. Consider posting favorable comments on a product in your store if you receive it on Twitter, Instagram, or any other social site (try setting up some notifications in Google Alerts to know when and where you are being talked about). The same principle applies in reverse: you can use social media to promote your brand and stimulate customer engagement by posting in-store reviews.
In fact, according to the Yotpo review app, when it comes to user-generated content, social media is important. They suggest using Facebook to post a photo of a product along with some conversation starter questions: “The informal platform mixed with direct questions will generate responses from people who might not otherwise communicate.”
Invite consumers to graphically share their experiences on social media sites like Pinterest and Instagram. For consumers who are short on time, posting an image or video may seem like a more convenient option than writing a review, and it can be much more effective.
Use an app
It is perfectly acceptable to use an app to collect and organize your customer reviews! Rivyo is highly recommended. This Shopify app can be set up to send automated tracking campaigns, improve your Google Shopping results, and even display nice reviews on your online store. Check out Rivyo right now to learn how it can help you collect reviews more efficiently.
