Social Proof and Customer Reviews: How to Collect Feedback for Your Website
Collecting online reviews is a fundamental part of your marketing strategy. Testimonials are considered an essential mark of trustworthiness. Customers typically rely on them when deciding whether to buy or use your product or service.
The latest research states that 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. And it’s not just about new customers; repeat buyers are also five times more likely to convert if you have over 100 reviews. Based on this data, there’s no doubt that collecting clients’ feedback is a necessary step in the customer journey, but how do you go about doing it?
Let’s look at some simple methods below:
Using gift vouchers to boost the count
With gift vouchers, your consumers can leave a review. It’s best to use a redeemable coupon across your website, and all the services offered, such as retail items and hotel stays. This simplifies your clients because they will get something out of it if they decide not to leave a review.
You could also offer an incentive for leaving reviews, such as 10% off their next purchase or double
points for using the app at checkout.
Adding discounts onto your invoices for reviews
If you have a review program in place, and it’s not working, take a step back to consider why. Are you offering discounted products or services? If so, add these to your invoices for review. In this case, try
adding discounts to your invoices for feedback. Businesses of all sizes can do this, whether you’ve got one employee or 50 employees.
Remember, a coupon code should be personalized, relevant, time-limited and easy to redeem.
How to ask for reviews
As a business person, various ways of requesting reviews can help. You should try and get the customer comments out into the world. Include a specialized link on your invoices and other communications with customers. Let’s say a link to the review section on the last page of your invoice.
Use this opportunity to use your customers’ information and preferences by tailoring the message to each person who receives it. For example: “We’re thrilled that you’ve been enjoying our product/service so much! Would you mind writing or leaving a quick review?”
It would help if you also considered asking for comments on your site and social media. Remember to:
- Ask for comments on the last page of your invoices whenever possible.
- Request for reviews on your site by using a review form.
- Enquire for feedback on social media, like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter.
Keep an email list and blast a campaign
Do you have an email list? If not, it’s time to start one. Email lists help you keep in touch with existing and potential customers. It is easy, simple and makes it convenient for consumers to share their thoughts on your products. It can lead to more sales, trustworthy products, and lower advertising costs. The following tips help when using an email list:
· Make it easy for everyone
Make it easy and quick for clients to find and leave feedback on the review form. The sheets should be easily accessible from your company website or anywhere where customers might be looking for feedback.
Also, ensure the review form is easy to fill out and submit. Customers don’t want a long survey when
trying to give feedback about their experience with the service or company. It should be short, clear and sweet.
· Invest in the right tools
Choose an email marketing platform that works for you. Is it free or paid? Paid services
offer more features and are customizable to your needs. Free services may be less intuitive, and you might have to code yourself.
Look at customer service and ease of use. If you’re new to email marketing, it helps to work with a provider with extensive documentation and training materials, especially if the company offers paid plans.
· Send the email lovingly
If you’re sending an email asking clients to leave reviews, make sure it’s personalized. The best
way is to use their name in your first sentence (or two). Make sure they know why they’re receiving this email. For example, “We appreciate all of our clients’ feedback.”
To maximize the chances of getting clients’ reviews reach out within two days after making a sale. However, if sales infrequently happen (for example, seasonal or flash sales), send these emails soon.
· Segment your audience
Lastly, dividing your audience helps target specific groups of people with the right message. This is
achievable in various ways, including interests, location, purchase history and client demographics.
Where to collect reviews
We’ll break down the best places or platforms for collecting reviews and how you can get started.
- Trustpilot is great for gathering feedback from clients who have recently interacted with your company. It helps insert review forms directly into your website, which means customers can leave their feedback on the spot.
- TripAdvisor also makes it convenient for consumers to offer feedback over the web by simply clicking a link on their website. This is perfect if you want to capture feedback right after they visit or book a reservation.
- Google has Google My Business Reviews platform. It allows users to access user-generated content. For example, Google Maps and Search products, including AdWords or DoubleClick Search Ads (DSA). That means a better experience for clients. This also improves conversion rates through better personalization suggestions based on what clients say about your company online.
Conclusion
Reviews are not just suggestions but also measure how good and trustworthy your trade is. If you provide a service/product, request your consumers to leave feedback or comments on your website. Not only does this provide excellent and invaluable insights into how people are using your product/service, but it also allows you to establish trust through transparency.
It also helps make recommendations easier for future customers by showing them why someone else might like what you can offer. Please visit Siguro or Book a call, so we can help you achieve this and more.