Tip #3: Actively ask your customers for feedback
Most of the time*, the best way to get a review is to ask for one! Ask your customers for a review after you complete a job, after they make a purchase, when you speak to them on the phone, or when you send a bill. Don’t wait – ask them while you’re still on their mind.
You should also consider setting up email blasts to request reviews. You can set up emails to send after a customer has made a purchase or used your service. You could also segment and personalize your customer lists so you only ask people with Gmail accounts to leave a Google review, for example. Make sure your email includes directions and a link to the site where you want the feedback.
And when you’ve started to receive reviews? Respond to them! Always engage with your customers’ reviews in way that is personal and not generic. If a specific employee or product is called out in the customer feedback, make sure mention it in your response.
*Yelp has strict policies about reviews. Don’t specifically ask for Yelp reviews. You CAN instruct customers to “Check us out on Yelp” and include the Yelp icon on your website.