Struggling to get reviews from your clients? Here are 7 things you can do to fix it!

I think we can all agree that online reviews matter now more than ever. Studies show that consumers READ and TRUST reviews even more than they do a referral from a trusted friend or colleague. 

Reviews not only help you build trust and create some much-needed social proof. They also help you rank higher in Local Search.

But the process of turning happy clients into happy-clients-who-want-to-leave-a-review can be a lot of work.

Here are a few ways you can simplify your review process, and generate more reviews.

1 – Tee-Up the Review. 
Throughout the entire transaction, from the first meeting to the closing, make sure your clients know that your goal is to give them the 5-star experience. Make sure they know ahead of time that you depend on these online reviews to help you out. When you finally send that request for a review, they will be expecting it!

2 – Timing is Everything!
When is the BEST time to ask for that review?
If your clients are in the middle of a move, they likely don’t have time to sit down and write a review.
Statistics show that the best time to ask for that review is after key milestones in the transaction.
Offer accepted, Passed Inspection, post-closing before the keys are delivered, etc.
However, you might wait until they have settled into their home. The One-Month Anniversary would be a great time to not only check in with them, but also ask them for a that review.

3 – The Delivery Method
Contrary to popular belief, Email is NOT the best method to deliver a review request. Your request could either fall victim to the SPAM folder, or simply get lost in the sea of marketing emails that we all receive.
Take a cue from your clients’ native communication style. If you frequently text your clients (as most of us do) then that might be the best delivery method. Text Messages also have a significantly higher open rate and are less likely to be ignored.
If you are connected to, or communicate with your clients on Social Media (YES, YOU SHOULD BE) a DM is another great way to send your request.

4 – Keep It Simple!
Leaving a review for you should be quick and easy for your clients! Who has time to create a Zillow Account, and answer 50 questions to leave a review? Especially when your clients are in the process of moving?
Google is arguably the easiest and most effective place to collect these reviews. Especially if your client has a Gmail account already. 
Your Facebook Business Page is another great place to gather reviews. Most earthlings have a Facebook Account already, so leaving a review here is a cinch.

5 – Ask Them for a Favor 
I know this may seem silly but you are a small biz just like the coffee shop down the street. You are trying very hard to build your reputation and online presence. Ask them if they can help you? Let them know that if they could take a few minutes to share their experience, it would help you out tremendously and mean the absolute world to you.

6 – Make it Personal
Scripts are a great place to start and can give you a general idea of what to say. But if you really want to get your clients attention, add some personality to your request. Put in some details specific to the transaction or about them specifically. 
“Thank you so much for trusting in me and allowing me to guide you through the process. Seeing happy homeowners is the most gratifying part of this profession. I am so happy for you both, and overjoyed that your children and your dog can have a backyard of their own to play in now. Can I ask you for a favor?”

7 – Reply to Your Reviews!
Have you ever put your hand up to high-five someone and been left hanging? Well, not replying to your reviews is a lot like that. 
Replying to your reviews not only acknowledges them, it gives you the opportunity to say thank you. Here is another tip, you can also use the reply to help them tell their story. 
“Thank you so much for the kind words and for trusting me to guide you through the process. It was so great to get to know you both. Good luck on your move to Texas. That $30k extra we made on your home will certainly help!”

Studies have shown that consumers not only read reviews, they also read the replies before making a decision to purchase a product or use a service!

Still not sold on the importance of reviews? Here are 51 Customer Review Statistics to Make You Rethink Using Them.