15 Creative Ways to Encourage Customer Reviews
Tom Bates: 3-23-2025
In today’s digital world, online reviews play a crucial role in shaping your business’s reputation. Positive reviews can build trust, attract new customers, and set you apart from competitors. But how do you ask for reviews in a way that feels natural and effective? Here are 15 creative strategies to inspire your customers to leave valuable feedback.
1. Emphasize the Value of Their Feedback
Let your customers know how much their reviews mean to you and your business. Whether in person or through digital channels, take a moment to express gratitude and explain how their feedback helps you improve and serve them better. This thoughtful approach creates a connection and encourages future reviews.
2. Simplify the Review Process
The easier you make it for customers to leave a review, the more likely they are to follow through. Provide clear, step-by-step instructions and keep the process as simple as possible. For example, send a straightforward email with direct links to review pages, making it easy for customers to share their thoughts.
Example:
Hi [Customer’s Name],
Thank you for choosing [Your Business Name]! We’d love to hear about your experience. Please click the link below to leave a review:
[Review Link]
It only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us continue to improve.
Thanks again for your support!
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Business Name]
3. Personalize Your Requests
Make your review request feel more personal by addressing your customers by name and referencing specific details about their experience. A customized message shows that you value their individual input and helps build rapport.
4. Include Review Requests in Follow-up Emails
After a purchase or service, follow up with a friendly email asking for feedback. Include an easy link to your review platform and express your gratitude for their business. This ensures the request feels timely and relevant.
5. Host Review Contests
Turn asking for reviews into a fun and rewarding activity. Offer incentives for the most creative or humorous reviews, or set up a raffle where every review submission is an entry to win a prize. Make sure to set clear guidelines and deadlines for the contest.
6. Add Review Requests to Receipts
Include a review request or a QR code on your receipts—whether paper or digital—making it easy for customers to share their thoughts right after a purchase. This is a convenient way to capture feedback while their experience is still fresh.
7. Ask for Reviews During Face-to-Face Interactions
Train your staff to politely ask for reviews during in-person visits. A friendly, natural request can go a long way. Keep the conversation casual, and never pressure customers into leaving feedback.
8. Showcase Your Existing Reviews
Displaying positive reviews on your website and social media pages can inspire others to share their feedback. After a great customer interaction, ask loyal patrons if they’d be willing to share their thoughts in a testimonial. Publicly sharing reviews helps build trust with new customers.
9. Send Handwritten Notes
For loyal or frequent customers, send a handwritten note expressing your appreciation and asking for a review. This personal touch is a great way to show customers how much you value their support and can make them feel more inclined to share their thoughts.
10. Reach Out via Phone
For your most satisfied customers, a personal phone call can be a great way to ask for feedback. Keep the conversation short and friendly, express gratitude, and kindly ask if they would be willing to leave a review. Make sure you’re contacting customers who would be open to this kind of outreach.
11. Partner with Other Local Businesses
Collaborate with nearby businesses to exchange honest reviews. This reciprocal approach builds a sense of community and mutual support, while also helping each business strengthen their online reputation.
12. Ask When Customers Express Satisfaction
Whenever customers compliment your business, it’s the perfect time to ask for a review. Train your employees to recognize these moments and make a lighthearted request when customers express their happiness.
13. Provide a Review Template
Help customers who might not know what to write by providing them with a simple review template. This could include prompts and examples, making the process easier. Be sure to emphasize that they can always write their own review if they prefer.
14. Send Review Requests via SMS
A quick text message can be an effective way to request feedback. Keep it short and sweet, and include a direct link to your review page. Make sure your message adheres to all relevant regulations, like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
Example:
“Hey [Customer’s Name], we’d love to hear about your experience with [Your Business Name]! Click here to leave a review: [Review Link]”
15. Leverage Social Media Mentions
When customers post positive comments or tag your business on platforms like Instagram or Facebook, take the opportunity to engage. Tag them back and ask if they’d be willing to leave a review. This public acknowledgment can inspire others to share their experiences as well.
With these 15 creative strategies, you can encourage your customers to leave reviews in a way that feels natural and engaging. Whether through personalized requests, fun contests, or simply making the process easy, there are many ways to get your customers to share their feedback. Start implementing these tactics today and watch your online reputation soar!