How to Ask for Customer Reviews? (15 Ways with Examples)

Ever wondered how to ask for customer reviews and gather those golden stars for your business? Well, you’re in for a treat! 

Customer reviews are crucial for business success. It provides authentic insights that build trust, influence purchasing decisions, and enhance the overall reputation. Also, it serves as a powerful tool to attract new customers and establish credibility in the competitive market.

Knowing this, any business wants to get positive customer reviews. But how to do it?

Well, there are several things that you can follow. But it can be quite a task to research and choose which one will make an impact.

So, we’ve come up with some tips on how to ask for customer reviews and make your business shine brighter than ever!

Why do you Need Customer Reviews?

Before going through the lists, let’s break down why customer reviews are important!

Customer reviews serve as more than just testimonials, they play a vital role in building trust. When potential customers see positive feedback from others, it establishes a sense of reliability and authenticity, creating trust in your brand.

In addition, influence on purchasing decisions is another key aspect. Because modern consumers often turn to reviews to guide their choices. And, positive reviews act as endorsements. Influencing potential buyers to choose your product or service with confidence.

As per the record,

• 76% of consumers engage in the regular practice of perusing online reviews while exploring local businesses. (Source)
• Also, consumers who use Google to compare businesses is 87% and increasing. (Source)
• There are 46% of consumers who use Facebook to evaluate businesses. (Source)
• Besides, 26% of consumers were asked to leave a review for businesses in exchange for discounts. (Source)
• Customers prefer to look for written reviews. As per Yelp, 97% of customers follow written reviews along with star ratings. Whereas, only 3% of customers say they go for ratings within no texts. (Source)

Also, there are some benefits of having positive customer reviews on your website.

• Beyond being a one-way communication, reviews also enhance customer engagement. 
• Feedback collected through reviews provides a valuable resource for improvement.
• Shows a commitment to customer satisfaction, fostering a sense of connection between the brand and its customers.
• Also, customers who take the time to write reviews are likely to develop a sense of loyalty and keep coming back.
• Plus, reviews impact local search rankings, helping to rank well despite potentially lacking high-quality link profiles.
• Having multiple reviews encourages new customers to share their opinions and confidence in purchasing a particular product or service.

So, customer reviews spark conversations, creating a connection between businesses and customers. Whereas, responding, whether to positive or negative feedback, shows dedication to satisfaction and builds lasting relationships.

How to Ask for Customer Reviews?

Knowing why customer reviews are important, now you definitely want to get those golden stars and positive reviews for your business. So let’s see how you can do it!

1. Personalize the Request

First on the list comes personalizing the request. When it comes to getting customer reviews, a bit of personalization can go a long way. Instead of the usual generic “Leave a review,” try making your request more personal. 

Use your customer’s name and show genuine gratitude for their business. Write a message that feels like a real conversation, not just a mass request. Adding this personal touch not only grabs attention but also makes customers more likely to respond.

There are many ways to personalize the request:

• Send a personalized video to thank your customers for their support and kindly ask for a review. 
• You can connect via call, and guide them through the feedback form. 
• Enable customers to review products seamlessly on your mobile app after a purchase through a mobile device. 
• For products/services bought on the desktop via your website, facilitate reviews through the desktop with a follow-up email.

2. Reward Customers Who Review

Now, encouraging customers to share their experiences through reviews is a fantastic way to boost your business’s online presence. To further motivate your customers, consider implementing a reward system that shows your appreciation for their valuable feedback.

I) Loyalty Programs

Develop a creative loyalty program that ties in with customer reviews. Offer points, discounts, or exclusive perks for those who take the time to share their thoughts. This not only acknowledges their efforts but also creates a sense of belonging. 

II) Exclusive Access

Make your customers feel special by granting them exclusive access to new products, services, or features before the general public. This adds an extra layer of incentive for customers to leave reviews. Knowing that their input connects them intimately with your brand’s evolution.

III) Highlight Customer Reviews

Create a ‘Customer of the Month’ or a similar recognition feature. Showcasing the most helpful or insightful reviews. Not only does this acknowledge the individual, but it also motivates others to contribute quality feedback.

IV) Host Events

Organize special events or webinars exclusively for your loyal reviewers. This interactive approach not only expresses your gratitude but also provides a platform for direct engagement. 

It deepens the connection between your brand and its customers. Eventually, making them feel like valued contributors to your success.

3. Respond to all Reviews

On to the next point, we’ll dive into the crucial aspect of responding to customer reviews. And explore how it can be a game-changer for your brand.

Regardless of your hectic schedule, it remains a responsibility to acknowledge those who take the time to review your business. While steering clear of a robotic tone is crucial, a simple, timely “thank you” can foster a connection and encourage customer loyalty.

Your responses should possess:

• A personal touch.
• Demonstrating your commitment to engage with every review.
• Convey a genuine concern for consumer sentiment. 

However, negative reviews, far from being discouraging, contribute to the authenticity of your brand. Embrace them as opportunities to showcase your commitment to improvement and customer satisfaction. 

Moreover, if all the reviews are positive, people might get suspicious. To keep things real, it’s important to handle negative reviews honestly.

4. Make the Review Process Intuitive

You may know that customer reviews can be the lifeblood of your business!

However, the art of requesting reviews requires finesse. So, it’s important to ensure that the review process is a breeze for your customers. 

Start by strategically placing review requests at natural touchpoints. Whether it’s post-purchase, after-service completion, or delivery. Choose the moment when satisfaction is likely at its peak.

For example, if you’re downloading the theme Astra from the official theme directory of WordPress.org, there you’ll get to add your review of the theme. So all you need to do is simply click on the “Add My Review” button. It’s that simple!

After that, you’ll be prompted to a new page where you can add your review about the theme. You can also star rate the theme, add a review title, and then click the “Submit” button to complete.

Here are certain things you can do to make your review process intuitive!

• Utilize intuitive buttons or links, minimizing the effort required. 
• Consider employing QR codes that lead directly to the review page.
• Optimize your website or app for mobile users. 

This not only boosts the quantity of reviews but also increases the possibility of positive feedback. It’s all about making your customers feel valued and heard! 

5. Be on Review Sites

You should know that positioning your business on review sites is important today. Packed with user-generated opinions, these platforms generate considerable influence over potential customers. 

Here’s a closer look at why being on review sites matters!

Review sites like Yelp, Trustpilot, or Google Reviews, are where consumers go to share their experiences. Not just that, they also seek insights before making decisions. 

And for the surprise, Google holds 73% of all online reviews. (Source)

So, by establishing your business presence on these platforms, you open a direct channel for customers to express their thoughts. Eventually, let your potential customers discover your business.

Let’s take an example of a Yelp review site. Suppose you’re looking for restaurants, if you go to Yelp and type the name of the restaurant you’re looking for, it’ll show you what you’ll get and its direction. Along with that, you’ll see genuine ratings and reviews of the business. 

So, here customers not only find out about your business but also can write their reviews on how your service was. Also, it builds credibility for your site which will eventually attract potential customers.

6. In-Person Requests

Even though we do a lot of stuff online, asking face-to-face is still a great way. In-person requests for reviews might seem old-school, but they work. 

Here’s a little insight:

• 46% of consumers follow personal recommendations from friends and family. (Source)
• While 27% of consumers trust professionally written articles by topic experts. (Source)
• Surprisingly, 35% of customers trust reviews as much as recommendations from social media personalities they follow. (Source)

Here’s how to ask for customer reviews without making things complicated.

• Pick the right time: Choose a good moment. When the customer is happy or thankful is the best time. This makes them more likely to say yes when you ask.
• Talk to them personally: Use their name and talk about their experience. Make it personal, showing that you care about what they think.
• Tell them why it matters: Explain how their review can help others. Let them know their opinion is valuable. 
• Keep it simple: Make it easy for them. Tell them exactly where and how to leave a review. Maybe even give them a quick way, like a code, to get straight to the review page.
• Say thank you: Let them know you appreciate their time and thoughts. This makes them feel good and keeps them happy with your business.

It’s a simple way to get honest reviews that can make your business stand out online.

7. Personalize Testimonials

Bringing a personal touch to your testimonials adds authenticity and builds trust. When requesting reviews, encourage customers to include a photo and their name alongside their testimonials. This not only humanizes the feedback but also enhances credibility.

When a potential customer visits your website and sees a smiling face next to a positive review, instant connection. People relate to faces, and attaching a name to the experience makes the testimonial more compelling. 

Like, in the image below, you can see an example of a testimonial on the site of MonsterInsight. This demonstrates that their customer review is genuine and had positive experiences with their service.

How to do it?

• Asking customers if they’d be willing to provide a photo and real name. 
• Assuring customers that their personal information will be handled with utmost care.
• Make the process seamless. 

So, don’t hesitate to ask your satisfied customers to put a face to their positive experiences. It might just be the unique touch your website needs to stand out.

8. Social Platform for Interactive Review Requests

In today’s world of Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, social media can make asking for reviews fun and engaging. Start by making posts that connect with your audience. Ask questions that get them talking about their favorite product features or memorable service.

There are certain things you can do:

• Add some eye-catching pictures or infographics to your posts. 
• Create polls, quizzes, or contests related to your products or services. 
• Ask people to share their reviews as part of these activities.
• Stay consistent and pick specific days or themes for your review requests. 

Besides these, you can use special hashtags related to your brand. And ask customers to use these when they share their reviews. It not only promotes your brand but also makes customer feedback more visible.

At the end of the day, using social media for interactive reviews can turn the process into a fun and community-building experience.

Learn in-depth about social media marketing and find the best WordPress social media plugins.

9. Provide a Review Template

It’s important to simplify the review process, so consider offering a review template to your customers. This not only streamlines the feedback process but also ensures that you gather comprehensive and structured insights. 

Review templates will help you in:

• Establishing a standardized framework promotes consistency in the information gathered. 
• Saving customer’s time by guiding them through relevant points.
• Allowing for customization, letting customers highlight specific elements that stood out to them.

Providing a review template showcases a commitment to professionalism and a genuine interest in customer feedback. 

Here’s how to go about it:

I) Design Your Template

Begin by designing a user-friendly template that prompts customers to touch upon key aspects of their experience. Include sections for overall satisfaction, specific product feedback, and any notable team member interactions. 

II) Make it Easy to Follow

Ensure the template is easily accessible and straightforward. Whether integrated into post-purchase emails or available on your website. Convenience is key! Customers are more likely to share their thoughts if the process is seamless within less time.

III) Encouraging Specifics

Prompt customers to provide specific details in their reviews. Ask about their favorite features, standout moments, or any improvements they’d suggest. This review will be more insightful for potential customers and showcase that you value detailed feedback.

IV) Expressing Gratitude

Add a section where customers can share any positive experiences or interactions with your team. This allows you to spotlight exceptional customer service in your marketing materials, creating a positive brand image.

Remember, a thoughtful and well-designed template can turn a casual customer into an engaged reviewer. 

10. Peer Recommendation

It’s no secret that the influence of peer recommendations stands as a foundation for business success. Using the power of your customers’ voices, particularly those within their social circles, can exponentially improve your brand’s credibility. 

Here’s a breakdown:

11. Review Contest

To get customers excited and gather reviews, businesses often organize review contests. Furthermore, organizing a contest makes the review process interactive and enjoyable. Also, the contest encourages customers to write reviews and help reach potential customers. 

For example, the John Locke Institute organizes a book review contest for the students. Here, students can choose a book written by any of the faculty members. The winning prize is $500 plus a $1000 scholarship program.

Plus, the winning review will be published in the News & Opinion section of the website. 

So, here are some key considerations for hosting a review contest:

• Clearly outline the rules and guidelines of the review contest to ensure participants understand the criteria for entry and submission.
• Choose attractive prizes, motivating customers to actively participate and share their experiences.
• Ensure that the review contest is accessible, allowing all customers to participate regardless of their purchase history.
• Encourage participants to share their real experiences to maintain the integrity of the feedback.
• Define a specific timeframe for the review contest to create a sense of urgency and prompt timely participation.
• Specify the platforms where customers can submit their reviews, whether it’s on your website, social media, or third-party review sites.
• Utilize various channels, like email newsletters, social media, and in-store promotions to advertise the contest.
• Consider providing constructive feedback on submitted reviews, creating a positive and learning-oriented environment for participants.
• Express gratitude to all participants, whether they win or not. Consider sending thank-you messages, exclusive discounts, or special offers to show appreciation.

12. Explain Why Reviews are Important

Explaining to customers why reviews are important can help them understand the value of feedback. Moreover, this encourages them to share their experiences too. 

When explaining to customers why reviews are important, it’s essential to highlight the benefits. There are various ways in which reviews can benefit both the business and the customers themselves.

Here are some key points you can use:

I) Showcasing the Impact

Start by letting customers know how much their reviews can mean to others. Explain that one review from them can help many people make decisions about a product or service. Help them see that their words have a real impact and can shape the success of a business.

You can set up an email campaign specifically designed to address customers to leave reviews. Also, redirecting to testimonials with a review form right after a purchase is another widely used strategy. 

If you want to learn more about email marketing then do check our article.

II) Building Trust and Credibility

Share the idea that in the online world, trust is crucial. Describe how honest reviews from customers are more powerful than fancy advertisements. Moreover, you can help them understand that their reviews contribute to building trust and credibility for businesses.

Credibility plays a vital role when releasing a new product or a service. 63% of customers tend to purchase from a website with product reviews. Therefore, asking customers for a review right after a purchase, especially for new products can boost your sales in the long run. 

III) Strengthening the Connection

Explain that leaving a review is more than just a one-time thing. It’s a way for customers to connect with businesses. Describe how their feedback helps businesses improve and grow, creating a bond between the customer and the business.

Finish by thanking customers for being influencers. And express gratitude for their role in shaping the digital marketplace. Also, don’t forget to encourage them to share their experiences, making them part of a community that helps businesses get better.

13. Turning Negative Experiences Around

Sometimes you cannot avoid negative experiences despite your best efforts. However, a competent business can effectively turn these negative experiences into positive outcomes.

As per the record,

• 36% of customers are highly likely to leave positive reviews after having some negative experiences. (Source)
• Whereas, 43% may leave positive reviews if the business had turned an initial negative experience into a positive one. (Source)
• But there is a 10% of customers that won’t be leaving a positive review. (Source)
• Likewise, 3% are sure not to leave any positive reviews and the rest 7% wouldn’t forget that they have had negative experiences before. (Source)

So, turning negative experiences around requires a strategic and empathetic approach. By addressing concerns promptly, you not only protect the customer relationship but also demonstrate your commitment. 

Some of the steps you can take are:

• Actively listen to customer complaints without interruption acknowledging their concerns.
• Respond promptly to negative feedback, prioritizing their concerns and providing a clear timeline for resolution.
• Offer practical solutions to address the issues, and provide alternatives or compensation where appropriate..
• Personalize your responses by addressing customers by name and tailoring solutions to their specific problems.
• Implement preventive measures based on recurring issues to enhance overall customer satisfaction.
• Hire or train customer-facing staff to handle challenging situations effectively.
• Keep customers informed throughout the resolution process, providing regular updates and actions being taken.

14. Create a Positive Customer Experience

Creating a positive customer experience makes them feel valued, satisfied, and appreciated. Businesses should actively listen to customers’ needs and concerns and invest time and effort in improving the customer experience. Some of the techniques are:

I) Building Trust

Customer reviews play a pivotal role in building trust between businesses and consumers. When potential customers see positive reviews from satisfactory experiences, it builds confidence in the reliability and quality of the products or services. 

Besides, trust is a fundamental factor influencing purchasing decisions. Whereas, reviews serve as a form of proof, demonstrating that the business is credible and trustworthy.

II) Informed Decision-Making

Reviews provide valuable insights that aid potential buyers in making informed decisions. Also, they offer a real-world perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of a product or service. 

As a result, this helps customers decide while choosing a product or a service with confidence. Therefore, informed decision-making empowers customers to choose products or services that best suit their requirements.

For instance, below is an example of how the customer does not regret her decision to use the service of KHS Automotive company after reading other reviews on Yelp. Which indicated she was able to make an informed decision.

III) Business Credibility

By now you know positive reviews contribute significantly to the credibility of a business. Also, act as endorsements from satisfied customers. Moreover, a consistent stream of positive feedback attracts new customers and establishes it as a reliable choice.

For example, smartphone companies send new models to reputed tech media and YouTubers before the release date. This helps build credibility via the efforts made by the manufacturers to market their phones.

IV) Feedback for Continuous Improvement

Customer reviews, both positive and constructive, provide valuable feedback for businesses seeking continuous improvement. Positive reviews highlight what the business is doing right, while constructive criticism offers insights into areas that need to improve. 

For example, if you look at one of the reviews of the Astra theme on WordPress.org’s official theme directory. There you can see users’ concerns about their customizer issue. And you’ll see prompt reply from the technical support team.

This shows that they value their customer’s feedback, which eventually makes them more reliable and trustworthy.

15. Understand Customer Perspective

To gather meaningful customer reviews, it’s crucial to first step into the shoes of your customers. Understanding their perspective not only enhances your approach but also significantly improves the chances of receiving authentic and valuable feedback.

• Personalize your outreach: Begin by addressing your customers by their names. According to a survey by Forrester, 89% of digital businesses invest in personalization. This strategy can help you get the most customer reviews.
• Timing matters: Be mindful of when you request reviews. Choosing the right time, such as shortly after a positive interaction or a successful purchase, can increase the likelihood of customers responding positively to your request.
• Use social proof: Highlight the positive experiences of other customers in your review requests. When customers see that others have shared their thoughts, they’re more likely to feel comfortable doing the same.
• Optimize for mobile users: Ensure that your review requests are easily accessible on mobile devices. Given the high use of smartphones, making the process convenient for mobile users can lead to increased engagement.

Understanding the customer perspective goes beyond collecting reviews; it’s about building relationships and ensuring a positive experience. Implementing these strategies will not only boost your review count but also foster a stronger connection with your customers.

Examples of Positive Customer Reviews

Below we’ve made a list of some websites that have the best reviews and ratings from their clients on various review sites. Let’s check them out!

1. Astra

Astra, being one of the best WordPress themes, gets tons of reviews from its users. Let’s take a look at them below:

If you go to the official theme repository of WordPress.org, you’ll find over 1+ million active installations with a 4.9 out of 5 stars rating. Along with positive written reviews from the users.

Similarly, in Trustpilot, Astra gets 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,897 genuine users. There too you’ll find positive written comments, which show how satisfied users are with this product.

Moving on, the G2 Reviews website, Astra gets 4.6 out of 5 stars, with many positive reviews by its users. This shows the product has managed to satisfy every Astra WordPress theme user.

2. DreamHost

Dreamhost is one of the top hosting companies available in the market. This platform also displays its customer’s testimonials on its official website. 

Let’s take a look at how well it performs across many review sites.

So, if you go to the Trustpilot site, you can see it performs pretty well there. It has 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,634 real users, along with many positive reviews. 

Likewise, on the G2 Reviews website, DreamHost has 3.7 out of 5 stars along with positive written and video reviews. 

3. AARDY

AARDY is the USA’s renowned travel insurance marketplace with 4.8 out of 5 stars ratings on the Better Business Bureau site. You can also find tons of customer reviews posted on its official website. 

Moreover, on the official site of Trustpilot, AARDY scores 4.9 out of 5 stars from 21,710 real users. You’ll also find tons of positive written reviews by its customers. This says all about AARDY’s excellent customer service. 

4. Plantshed

Plantshed is an eCommerce website where you can get a variety of plants. Going through their website we’ll get to see lots of positive reviews from their customers talking about their service, quality, and prices.

Moreover, it scores an excellent 4.8 out of 5 stars on the Trustpilot review website. Along with many positive reviews from its 11,457 real users. 

5. Flashbay

Flashbay is also an eCommerce website that specializes in manufacturing on-demand custom-branded promotional technology products. When you visit the site, you’ll find all the reviews by its customers on its website.

Additionally, it gets whooping 5 out of 5 stars from its real 18,701 users on the Trustpilot review site. Not just the star rating, even the reviews are awesome about Flashbay.

Best Review Sites to Follow

After all this, now you may be curious about how to get customer reviews. Well, there is a way! What you can do is take help from the review sites.

So below we’ve made a list of popular review sites.

1. Google Reviews

First on the list, we have Google Reviews, which is vital for businesses. Because, most customers often rely on Google Reviews to make informed decisions, trusting the experiences of others. 

Google Reviews uses a 5-star rating system. Where you can rate their experience from one to five stars, with five being the highest. In addition to star ratings, you can provide written feedback, sharing detailed comments about your experiences.

Hence, Google Reviews significantly impacts a business’s local Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

For more information, you can check our article on getting more Google reviews for your business.

Also, go through our article to learn more about WordPress Google Reviews plugins. 

2. Yelp

Yelp is a popular platform that enables users to discover and review local businesses and services. Also, the platform’s review system and star ratings help you make informed decisions about where to dine, shop, or seek services.

On the website, you’ll get to see the complete details of businesses. From their locations to what the business offers. Not only that, you’ll see genuine user reviews and ratings for the same business. 

Overall, Yelp serves as a dynamic bridge between consumers and businesses.

3. Trustpilot

Trustpilot is one of the popular online review platforms where you can share and discover reviews about various businesses and services. Serving as a transparent and community-driven platform, it allows you to make informed decisions based on the experiences of others.

Moreover, the site features a wide range of businesses, providing a comprehensive resource for trustworthy reviews. Also, businesses on Trustpilot can use the platform to build trust with potential customers. 

4. G2 Reviews

Another popular review site is G2 Reviews, which focuses on business software and services. On G2 Reviews, you can leave reviews and ratings for various products, providing insights into their experiences. 

Additionally, these reviews cover a wide range of business-related software and services like CRM, marketing, finance, and collaboration tools. Offering potential buyers valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of different products.

Also, it provides verified user badges, indicating that the reviewer is a legitimate user of the software or service. Eventually, this adds an extra layer of credibility to the reviews

5. Angi

Angi, formerly known as Angie’s List, is a platform that connects you with local service providers. Particularly in the home services industry. There you can find and review various professionals, like plumbers, electricians, and contractors.

Not just that, on the website you’ll get to see the price range of the service listed on Angi. So you can check your price and book services in an instant. Or, request and compare quotes from highly rated businesses near you.

Tips on Getting Good Customer Reviews

There are certain things you can do to get good customer reviews for your business. 

• Provide excellent customer service to encourage positive feedback.
• Promptly address customer concerns and resolve issues professionally.
• Actively request reviews from satisfied customers.
• Make the review process simple and accessible.
• Express gratitude for positive reviews with personalized responses.
• Encourage customers to share specific details about their experiences.
• Showcase positive reviews on your website and social media.
• Implement feedback from reviews to improve your products or services.
• Respond to both positive and negative reviews to show engagement.
• Create incentives, such as discounts, for customers who leave reviews.

And there you have it! 

Now, we’ll answer some of the burning questions regarding how to ask for customer reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusions

We believe this article was a helpful guide on how to ask for customer reviews. We are sure that you’ll be able to ask customers for reviews easily by following these tips.

You can go through the article or any point in the article again if you need clarification. You can also leave your question in the comment section. We’ll be happy to help you with any confusion.

Also, check out our article on why Google Reviews are important and best eCommerce tools to improve marketing.

Also, connect with us on our social media channels like Facebook and Twitter.