How To Get More Online Reviews - And Why They Matter
As a business owner, you're probably constantly on the lookout for ways to bring in new customers. A simple way to increase your customer base is through online reviews. Here's why you should never neglect the chance to publicise your happy customers, along with tips for collecting more reviews.
Why you should care about online reviews
Imagine someone who has never had their carpet professionally cleaned before, and what they’ll want to know when researching the options available. New customers are likely to be anxious about who they can trust, as well as sceptical about the industry. By having a range of positive online reviews, you can reassure customers that you are a tried and tested business.
Reviews are a great way for existing businesses to generate new business. On some search engines, good reviews help your business appear higher in search results. By pairing them with before and after photos, you showcase your cleaning skills and the happy customers benefiting from them.
How to get online reviews
Make reviewing your business simple
By making it as easy as possible for customers to leave reviews, you increase the chance that they do so. List your business on review sites like Yelp and Google to allow clients to leave feedback easily. Including feedback forms and reviewing links on your website, social media and even your email signature is also an effective way to collect reviews. You could even create a QR code for physical materials so that customers do not have to type out a link.
Ask for reviews
Whether it's face-to-face, through follow-up emails or both, asking for a review makes people more likely to leave one. Like you, customers are likely to have busy schedules and may not even think of leaving a review unless asked. When you ask for a review, make it clear where you would like them to leave it.
Respond to reviews
Many review websites will let you publicly respond to reviews left for your services. If you respond to every review, no matter how good or bad, potential clients can see you engaging with your customer base and showing that you care. Keeping a professional tone even in the face of criticism demonstrates that you do everything you can to ensure a positive experience for your customers, and encourages them to feed back.
Show off your reviews
Showing how grateful you are for positive reviews on your website and social media channels creates a sense of community. It also emphasises how much they matter to you, inspiring regular clients to leave one. Plus, you get to flaunt all the nice things your customers are saying!
Join the NCCA
For more advice about marketing, customer service and running a cleaning business, join the National Carpet Cleaning Association. Our members get access to exclusive training and forums, helping them to improve their cleaning business. Membership also grants you a space in our carpet cleaner directory, allowing new customers to find you.
