Back in the pre-technological days, local businesses got by on word-of-mouth advertising—that is, you got more customers by people recommending your business to other people.

The marketing landscape has changed drastically since then, however. Nowadays, you can get a ton of information about a business right at your fingertips through the Internet. Knowing what businesses are good or bad has moved on from hearing about them to reading about them online. So, you want to get as many online reviews as you can. But you can not ask for reviews. 

But how do you do that?

It’s simple. Just follow these five techniques backed by our digital marketing agency expertise.

1. Collect Email Addresses and Phone Numbers

Having your customers’ email addresses and phone numbers on file is important for email and text marketing you can not ask for reviews but you can say you are on Yelp and Google! This will allow you to send follow-up emails or text messages once in a while and remind them you have a deal but never ask for reviews. 

You shouldn’t feel bad about asking them for their contact details. If they’re satisfied customers, they would probably love to hear back from you or share their experience with others. However, if they say no, just accept it and move on.

2. Have In-Store Links to Your Yelp and Google Sites but Do NOT ask for Reviews 

If you have a physical store, you should put up reminders like posters, placards, banners, and other signages. You can not ask for reviews, but you can show your review sites. You could even have your Google or Yelp at the bottom of your receipts. You can not ask for a review, but having your Yelp link in there may remind them of you. 

3. Make the Online Review Process Visible and Accessible

As I’ve mentioned earlier, having an online review process will probably land you more reviews. It also improves your local profile’s online visibility on search engines!

At the same time, though, you want to make sure it’s both visible and accessible. You don’t want to make your customers spend unnecessary time and effort trying to leave a review.  

4. Utilize Social Media Platforms

Social media should be an essential part of anybody’s marketing strategy.  

You can use social media in different ways. First, you can post review links to all your sites on your description so customers can easily click on them when they land on your page. Second, you can have fun Q&A sessions with your customers, like, “Did you like our new product?” or “What’s your favorite item on our menu?” Third, you can ask for suggestions on what customers want to see next.

You get a wealth of information and also drive your social media engagement.

5. Respond Appropriately to Reviews

Remember—people took time and effort to leave you a review. You need to respond and make sure you do so appropriately and thoughtfully.

If they leave a positive review, thank them for patronizing your business and say you’re looking forward to their next visit. Make sure that you don’t just copy-paste the same answers—personalization goes a long way to making your customers feel special.

If they leave a negative review, don’t sweat! Nothing in life is ever perfect. Responding to negative reviews shows you’re taking their feedback to heart and are open to improving. When doing so, just remember to acknowledge any mistakes, sincerely apologize, offer your point of view, and, if necessary, provide compensation.

This will make your brand look more authentic and engaging.

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