There are two processes for requesting reviews from your customers:
Manual (Free): This includes sending a templated email to all of your clients once they have completed an interaction with your company.
Automated (Paid): This includes the use of a review tool that automatically sends your customers an email and directs them to your listing to leave a review.
Manual Review Process
- Click the Ask for Reviews button:
- Copy your link:
- Any time you finish working with a customer (and you are confident they are happy), then send them an email like this:
—–
Hi there,
I just wanted to say thanks again for being a valued customer of [Company Name].
If you have 2 minutes, I’d really appreciate if you left a review on our Google Listing.
Here is the link: [Add link]
Have any feedback for me personally? Feel free to reply to this email and let me know.
Thank you,
[Your name and position]
—–
- Delegate this process to someone customer facing in your company.
- Make this an explicit responsibility for whoever is in charge of it.
- Have a specific trigger in your normal invoicing/payment process where these emails are sent.
- If whoever is responsible isn’t sending these emails consistently enough, then I would recommend blocking off a time in their calendar 1-2 times a week for them to do this.
Automated Review Process
The manual process requires someone staying on top of sending out emails.
In the day-to-day of running a business, it can be easy to forget about this.
If you would rather automate the process, there are review generation tools that can be used.
The trade-off is that they cost money.
If you are looking to save as much as possible, then opt for the manual process above.
If you’d rather automate it, then I’d recommend one of these tools:
BrightLocal Reputation Manager: A very affordable option at $8 per month. If you don’t care about the GoodReviews widget (below) – then BrightLocal is the best option.
GoodReviews: Plans start at $50 per month. They’ve got a great review widget that boosts conversions.
(I’m not being paid to make these recommendations.)