Online Customer Reviews (Why and How to Get Them)

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By Winny M.Jul 17, 20250

Customer reviews nowadays act as a loudspeaker that captures the attention of everyone.

It helps in advertising your business, products, or services. Every time a customer shares their reviews, it is like they are recommending your business to everyone.

Reviews help you gain the trust of potential customers and make them choose you over competitors.

This article will elaborate on the reasons online customer reviews are relevant for businesses and how they can be obtained easily.

With the examples provided, we hope the process will be enjoyable and easy to follow.

Why Online Customer Reviews Are Important

#1. Establishing Trust with Customers

Everything in business depends upon trust. When people notice valid reviews from other buyers, they are more inclined to purchase from you.

If a customer leaves a review like, “This business is incredible. They walked me through different options. That enabled me to choose the right product for my needs.”

This review can make your business seem more credible and trustworthy.

Real People, Real Stories

Reviews are considered authentic, which builds trust and is more reliable than advertisements.

Trust in businesses has been declining as people increasingly turn to the internet and social media; therefore, authentic reviews do have an advantage.

Proof of Quality

“Good reviews” are one way to put it; however, they show that the business does deliver on promises.

Comfort for New Customers

Kind staff can ease new customers’ worries when shopping at a new store and even boost their willingness to try the business out.

#2. Helping Customers Make Choices

When people shop online or look for a store, they check reviews first. Reviews act like a guide, helping them pick your business over others. The more great reviews you have, the easier it is for people to choose you.

Stand Out from the Crowd: Imagine two coffee shops. One has 100 reviews with 4.8 stars, and the other has 10 reviews with 3 stars. People will pick the one with more and better reviews.

Show What’s Special: Reviews point out your standout features. As an example, you might say: “This pet shop has rare fish!”

Speed Up Decisions: Customers want to decide fast. A review like, “Fast delivery and great quality!” helps them say, “Yes, I’ll buy here!”

#3. Boosting Your Online Presence

Apart from assisting customers, reviews also help with online presence. Customers will notice you faster, and advertising will be next to free, simply because you have more reviews.

Better Search Rankings: Having a lot of reviews works wonders for you. For instance, if you own a bakery and have 200 reviews on google, you might pop on the first page of best bakery near me search.

More Website Visitors: Reviews can attract people to your site. Take this example if someone remarked saying “This store’s clothes are so trendy!” many people would love to check you out.

Local Power: if you have a physical store, reviews on Google Maps or Yelp help customers find your location. Reviews like “Best ice cream in town!” will get you more footfall.

#4. Growing Your Business

Good reviews lead to more customers, more sales, and a bigger business. They’re like free advertising that keeps working for you.

Acquire New Customers: New customers could come in as a result of positive reviews. Take, for example, “This toy store has the best deals!” It may encourage someone to do business with you.

Ensure Customers Return: Reviews reignite customer memories as to why they admired you. “I always get my coffee here!” serves as an encouragement for return visits.

Foster Community Development: Reviews foster a sense of community. Positive reviews from other customers encourage them to experience the joy, therefore fostering customer participation.

How to Get Online Customer Reviews

Getting online customer reviews is easier than you think. You just need to ask the right way, make it simple, and give customers a reason to share. Here are detailed ways to get more reviews.

#1. Make Reviewing Business Simple

If offering a review feels like a laborious task, customers will be very unlikely to do it. On the contrary, when putting little effort during the process, customers are willing to share more.

Direct Links: Give customers access to your review page through a hyperlink.

Active Customers: Create short and concise review forms. Only ask one or two questions such as “What did you love about our product?”

Mobile Accommodating: Ensure that your page is compatible with mobile devices, as many customers use their phones.

Multiple Options: Provide a few places for customers to submit their reviews, like Google, Yelp, or your website. A restaurant, for instance would say, “Review us on Yelp or our site!”

#2. Asking at the Right Moment

Timing is key when asking for reviews. Capture customers in their happiest moments, and they will readily share their thoughts.

Right After Paying: Sending emails to customers who just bought items a few days ago will be ideal. An email like “Is your new toy a hit? Let us know if you enjoyed your purchase!” makes it very easy to capture excited customers.

Following Good Service: Customers who receive excellent service typically praise it. For instance, a review that states, “The staff helped me pick the perfect gift!” demonstrates customers’ appreciation of outstanding service.

Post-Event Gratification: If you conduct an event such as a bakery cupcake decorating class, request feedback immediately after. A customer may say, “The class was so much fun!”

Make Use of Emails and Texts: A brief, warm, informal text message works well. For instance, “Did you love your new shoes? Send us a review in a jiffy.”

#3. Deliver Amazing Products and Services

Let your clients tell of your good practice by providing services they cherish. People who enjoy awesome products and services can’t wait to talk about you.

Top-Notch Quality: Satisfy the market with the right products. For example, a bakery with fresh, soft cookies will get reviews like “These cookies are the best!”

Friendly Staff: A trained and kind front-line staff will guarantee a good response. For instance, “The cashier was so nice and answered all my questions, thank you for such kindness” is a possible review.

Solve Problems Fast: When properly handling a situation involving a mistake, act efficiently. If a customer received the wrong order, send the correct one along with a complimentary item. “They fixed my mistake and gave me a free cupcake!” is a typical response.

Go the Extra Mile: Attention to detail is crucial. With regards to uncharged gift wrapping, “The wrapping was so cute!” can be expected.

#4. Encourage Reviews with Incentives

To leave a review, some customers might need an additional push. Pairing these suggestions with small incentives can make review requests less demanding.

Discounts or Coupons: Discounted offers are a great way to promote business. Reviews can be incentivized by offering a certain percentage for the next purchase. “Write a review and get 10% off coupon for your next purchase!” works well.

Fun Contests: Contests are a great way to add excitement to reviewing. With the title of this contest, “Leave a review for a chance to win a 20$ gift card,” reviews would surely flow in. These can be tailored to specific stores, like a “Best Pet Photo Review” for a pet store.

Thank You Gifts: Coupons or stickers with a thank you note go a long way, “Thanks for your review!” certainly gives users that warm feeling of appreciation.

Be Clear: Explaining how reviews are beneficial is crucial too. “Your review helps us grow and serve you better,” makes it clear.

#5. Use Social Media To Boost Reviews

Reviews can also be asked for on engaging platforms such as social media. Everyone loves exposing their thoughts to the wider world.

Catchy Posts: “Loved our pizza? Tell the world!” would serve perfectly for the pizza shop’s review page. It can be employed for every business. Adding emojis along with pictures enhances the fun factor.

Highlight Reviews: Share the best reviews on your social media platforms. For instance, you can say, “Thanks, Sarah, for saying our toys are the best!” This motivates others as well.

Engage with Comments: Actions like “Great food!” can receive a response like “Thanks! Can you share that on Google?” It’s polite and effective.

Use Stories: A simple “Review us today!” add that as a swipe-up link, making it easier on Instagram.

How to Address Online Customer Reviews

Respond to Every Review

Acknowledging reviews showcases your concern. It enhances customer perception by depicting your business as warm and approachable.

Thank Positive Reviews: Replies receiving positive feedback can be, “Best coffee in town!” “Thanks so much! Come back for another cup soon!”

Counter Negative Reviews: “My order was late,” “We’re so sorry! We’re working to make deliveries faster. Please give us another try.” Acknowledging the complaints will earn trust.

Stay Professional: Maintain kindness even if the review is negative. For instance, when someone writes, “Terrible service,” responding with, “We’re sorry you feel that way. Can we talk to make it right?” demonstrates professional etiquette.

Personalize Responses: Use the customer’s name, if possible. An example is, “Hi Emma, thanks for your awesome review!” which feels friendly and helpful.

Learn from Feedback

As a business, reviews can be your report card. They capture the attention of what you have been executing effectively and the areas that require further improvement. Ensure to utilize them to get better.

Spot Trends: If several reviews say, “The store is always clean,” make sure to continue them. If the feedback is “The checkout is slow,” work on ways to improve it so that it is quicker.

Ask for More Details: If a review states, “It was okay,” respond with, “Thanks for your feedback! What can we do to make it amazing?” Gathering details helps in understanding how to improve.

Show Off Your Reviews

Excellent reviews are like brilliant pieces of art; you should showcase them proudly! Displaying reviews both helps create trust and grow new customers.

On Your Website: Have a designated page called “What Our Customers Say.” “This shop has the best games!” is an example of the type of reviews you should feature to impress your website visitors.

On Social Media: Create bells and whistles to post reviews on your business pages. Snap a picture of your product and add, “This cake was a hit at my party!” as a caption.

Where to Collect Reviews

Google Reviews

Google is the king of reviews and contact details. Almost everybody checks Google prior to purchasing anything.

High Visibility: Google reviews show up when people search your business. A 4.5-star rating with lots of reviews, grabs attention.

Easy to Use: Customers just need a Google account to leave a review. Send them a link to your Google Business Profile.

Social Media Platforms

The easiest reviewed social media platforms are Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. They are good because they are easy and allow friends to interact.

Your Website

You might say your website is like your home on the net. Integrating a section for reviews can enhance trust and improve retention.

Dedicated Review Page: Set a separate page where customers can make reviews through a form that is very simple to fill out. Ask open questions like, “What did you think of our product?”

Homepage Highlights: Display important reviews on your homepage. Statements like “This shop has the coolest gadgets!” are attention-grabbing.

Build Trust: Reviews on your website help foster a sense of safety for prospective visitors. For instance, “I love my new shoes from this store!” serves as an endorsement that motivates people to shop.

Other Review Platforms

Some other review platforms can be very effective for your business. Choose the ones that are best suited for your sector.

Yelp: Best for dining establishments, beauty salons, and retail shops. A comment such as, “Best tacos ever!” can attract quite a number of food enthusiasts to your eatery.