How to build a reputation that attracts good reviews

Why good reviews are important

We know that good reviews are good for business. But why are they valuable?

Good reviews are important because people read reviews before they visit your website or connect with you

93% of customers will read reviews of local businesses to determine the quality they offer. And 72% of customers will only take buying actions once they've read reviews.

No matter how good your services are, you'll lose the interest of potential customers if your reviews don't inspire confidence.

Let's explore the other benefits of good reviews:

Trust and credibility: People are more willing to trust you if they see others have had a good experience with your services.

Online visibility: More quality reviews can get your business ranked higher on review sites. Higher rankings increase your chances of people noticing you online.

Sales and revenue: Positive reviews encourage people to choose your business over competitors, increasing sales and revenue.

Social proof: Proof of positive experiences gives potential customers the confidence to try your services.

How to build a positive reputation for your business

If you want clients to leave good reviews, you must create a positive experience that exceeds their expectations.

Here's how you can do that:

Always provide excellent service

No matter how big or small the project, deliver excellent service to all your customers. Giving every customer the same experience boosts your chances of getting as many positive reviews as possible.

Use technology

Technology can help you improve efficiency and deliver quality services. A digital tool like Job Management Software lets you automate tasks, simplify processes, and track progress. With less admin work and a tool to monitor tasks, you can free up time to spend on projects and make sure you meet deadlines.

Ask for feedback

Customer feedback highlights what clients love about your services and what they don't like. You can use this information to find ways to deliver a better service. Once you've made changes based on feedback, tell your customers. Share the improvements made on your website or social media platforms to show them you value their feedback.

Respond quickly to customers

Fast and helpful responses delight customers. They show them you value their concerns or questions, making them feel important and heard. This customer-centric approach can help you create an experience that attracts positive feedback.

Be open and honest

Customers want you to be open and honest about your services, prices, and policies. They're more likely to have positive experiences when they know what to expect. They also appreciate honesty when issues arise. It shows them you're willing to take responsibility and do what you can to solve the problem.

Be professional

Demonstrating competence, reliability, and integrity gives customers the confidence to trust you. Trust lets you build long-lasting relationships. When you have good relationships with clients, asking them for reviews is easier. You're also more likely to get good reviews from these customers.

The next step? Securing good reviews

With a strategy to create a reputation that attracts good reviews, the next step is to get clients to share positive feedback.

Most clients like to leave reviews, especially if they've had a great experience. But to get as many as possible, you must ask them to share feedback. Here's how:

How to get good reviews: 5 steps

1. Make it easy

Because the goal is to get as many reviews as possible, make it easy for customers to share feedback. The easier it is for customers to leave reviews, the more likely they are to do so.

In your communication, whether via email, SMS, or website, include direct links to the review pages you're featured on or your social media platforms. Direct links reduce the clicks needed for customers to leave reviews.

Provide instructions on how to share a review. Customers who understand the process will likely do what you've asked. Make sure your instructions are clear. They'll be encouraged to share feedback if your instructions are easy to understand.

2. Email your customers

Email is a convenient platform for both you and your customers. They can open emails at their convenience, and you can send personalised messages to many people at once. Most people use email daily, so it's a reliable way to reach people.

Before crafting your message, segment your email list. Email segmentation can help you get a higher open rate and increase your chances of getting reviews. Create a list based on purchase history to email people who've recently purchased your services.

Your message should be clear and concise. State the purpose of your email and tell your customers how to leave reviews. Use a compelling subject line to grab their attention.

Once you've sent your first email, send a follow-up message. Create a separate email list to send the follow-up email to people who didn't open your first email or click the review link.

3. Find the right time to ask

It's crucial to ask customers for reviews at the right time. You want to catch them at a time when their experience is fresh in their minds, and they're keen to tell others about your business.

One of the best times is after they've had a good experience with your business. There's a good chance they'll be willing to share a review after you've delivered a quality service or they've had a positive interaction with your team.

Another good time is after a customer mentions you on social media. Because they've already shared their experience, they'll likely be eager to share a review. You can ask them by responding to their post or comment. Or you could email them to let them know you've seen their post and invite them to share a review.

4. Offer an incentive

Incentives like discounts and free services encourage customers to leave reviews. Choose an incentive you know your clients will love to get more engagement.

If you're offering an incentive in an email, share it in your subject line. If your customers know there's something in it for them, they'll be more likely to open your mail.

Incentives are great, but customers may feel pressured to leave positive reviews. To get genuine feedback, encourage them to share honest and unbiased feedback.

5. Show your appreciation

When customers leave a review, they expect to hear back from you. Responding allows you to thank them and show them you value their feedback. This acknowledgement may encourage them to leave reviews in the future.

Responding also allows you to highlight your selling points. Showcasing your strengths can help you win over people reading your reviews.

Not all businesses take the time to reply to reviews. Doing so sets you apart from competitors and shows people your commitment to customer satisfaction. This differentiation may help you attract new clients.

Final thoughts

Searching for reviews is one of the first things people do when looking for services. Make sure your customers are saying good things about your business by:

• building a good reputation that attracts reviews;
• and encouraging clients to share positive feedback online.

If you'd like to know more about the role of Job Management Software in delivering quality services to improve your reputation, book a demo with us or try our software by signing up for a free trial.