Building a business is hard work. 

From launching a company to building a brand, to marketing your products and services, there are a lot of moving parts required for success. However, the work doesn’t stop there. Even after acquiring clients, it’s incredibly important to keep the momentum going.

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‍People buy from those they like, know, and trust. 

But how do you get someone to trust you who hasn’t met you yet? By presenting compelling social proof that your business solves real problems. Often overlooked, online reviews are often the determining factor when potential customers are deciding whether to engage with your company. In fact, “93% of consumers say that online reviews influenced their purchase decisions” and “31% spend more on a business with great reviews.”‍

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‍When asking for customer reviews, there are several important factors to consider.‍

Think of a search engine as the primary vehicle for garnering initial attention and the reviews as free marketing or advertisements to convince people to visit your website or physical location. If you have a brick-and-mortar business, it’s ideal to focus on Google reviews due to the high amount of search-related traffic you’re likely to receive. The number of positive reviews on Google can boost your chances of showing up in search results, increase your credibility, and build trust with potential consumers. ‍

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One of the hardest parts is actually getting your customers to take the time to write a review. ‍

However, there are plenty of tips and tricks readily available to help nudge customers in the right direction:‍

‍Just ask. It sounds simple, yet many business owners overlook this easy but obvious step. Follow up with your customers and politely ask them if they would feel comfortable sharing their experiences with you by leaving a review.

‍Thank them. Nothing says thank you like a handwritten thank you note or heartfelt email. You can even include a custom QR code that directs them to your Google listing to leave an online review.‍

‍Use prompts. Help your clients write you a killer review with helpful prompts to get them started:‍

I approached [your company] because…

The result was…

One thing I liked was their…

I found the experience…

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Online reviews have the potential to be your secret weapon. ‍

If utilized to their full potential, great reviews can open new doors and create opportunities while maintaining the meaningful connections you’ve cultivated with your customers. Reviews can actually be what takes your brand to the next level and beyond. 

Mothershed Design Co.’s Comprehensive Brand Package provides you with everything you need to gain clarity on your brand, including a custom thank you note to stay top-of-mind with your clients, request a testimonial, and make a lasting impression.

‍Book a call with us to stop wasting time and start growing your business.