As a small business owner or marketer, you know how important customer testimonials are for your business. They are social proof that can significantly influence potential customers’ purchasing decisions. However, getting customers to take the time and effort to write a review can be challenging. That’s why our team at 98 Buck Social put together this ultimate guide to help you encourage customer testimonials.
Before you can encourage your customers to leave a testimonial, it’s important to understand why a testimonial matters. Testimonials can establish credibility and help build trust with potential customers. According to research, 92% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase decision. Reviews can be the deciding factor between choosing you over a competitor, so it’s critical to have a robust collection of testimonials that highlight your strengths.
The best way to get customers to leave a testimonial is by providing a great experience. Focus on making your customers happy and exceeding their expectations. If they have a positive interaction with your business, they’ll be more likely to want to share their experience with others. From providing exceptional customer service to offering personalized solutions, making your customers’ experience a positive one can encourage them to sing your praises.
Make it simple for customers to leave a testimonial by setting up a process. You could provide a feedback form on your website or email your customers. If you’re a physical business, display printed instructions for leaving a review on Google or Yelp. The simpler and quicker it is to leave a review, the more likely they are to follow through!
It’s perfectly acceptable to incentivize customers to leave a testimonial. Offer them a discount on their next purchase or gift card as a thank you for taking the time to leave a review. This not only encourages customers to talk about their great experience but also entices them to come back and use their discount or gift card.
Don’t wait for too long before following up with a customer after their purchase. Sending an email or survey after a purchase can indicate how their product performed and how their overall customer experience was with the company. This indicates that you value their feedback and gives them the nudge they need to leave a review!
Getting customer testimonials isn’t rocket science, but it requires you to be intentional, committed, and strategic. Use these tips to encourage your customers to leave feedback and always remember to keep your approach customer-centric. Apart from boosting social proof, customer testimonials are an excellent way to build customer loyalty and foster customer relationships. Start implementing these tips today and watch your business grow to new levels of success!