Where, When, and How to Ask for Customer Reviews

TL;DR

Learn when, where, and how to ask for customer reviews effectively.

Transcript

foreign I'm the best in the business and everyone knows it my skills and accomplishments are unparalleled they're simply nobody better Ugh who talks like that seriously who talks like that nobody likes somebody who brags about themselves all the time in fact there's a proverb that says let others praise you and not your own mouth think about that f... Read More

Key Insights

• Online reviews are crucial for building a business's reputation as they provide credible testimonials from satisfied customers, which prospective clients trust more than self-promotion.
• Google is the most important platform for collecting reviews due to its dominance in search engine usage, particularly for seller-side reviews in real estate.
• Yelp, despite its challenges, is influential as it feeds data to multiple platforms like Apple Maps, Siri, and Instagram, making it a valuable source for reviews.
• Facebook reviews are significant for SEO and can impact Bing rankings, especially with Bing's potential growth due to new AI integrations.
• Real estate-specific platforms like Zillow and realtor.com are important for reviews if they generate leads, as they can boost conversion rates.
• Timing is crucial when asking for reviews; it's more effective to ask during positive moments in the transaction process rather than at closing.
• Using a multi-channel approach, such as combining emails with text messages, increases the likelihood of customers leaving reviews.
• Phil Jones' two-question questionnaire technique can help clients articulate their experience, making it easier for them to leave detailed and meaningful reviews.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why are online reviews important for businesses?

Online reviews are critical for businesses because they serve as a form of social proof. When potential customers see positive reviews from others, it builds trust and credibility, making them more likely to choose that business over others. Reviews are considered more trustworthy than self-promotion, as they reflect genuine customer experiences.

Q: Which platform is considered the most important for collecting reviews?

Google is considered the most important platform for collecting reviews. It is the dominant search engine in the U.S. and Canada, handling over 90% of searches. Reviews on Google can significantly impact a business's visibility and reputation, especially in real estate, where sellers often search for the best agents on Google.

Q: How does Yelp influence other platforms?

Yelp influences several other platforms by feeding its data into them. For example, Yelp reviews and listings are used by Apple Maps, which in turn feeds Siri and Instagram's map search features. This cross-syndication means that a strong presence on Yelp can enhance visibility across multiple platforms, making it a valuable source for reviews.

Q: What is the recommended timing for asking clients for reviews?

The recommended timing for asking clients for reviews is during positive moments in the transaction process, rather than at closing. This could be after a successful contract signing, clearing contingencies, or post-occupancy. The idea is to ask when clients are most satisfied and not preoccupied with other tasks, increasing the likelihood of receiving a review.

Q: What is a multi-channel approach in asking for reviews?

A multi-channel approach involves using multiple communication methods to request reviews, such as sending an email with the review link and following up with a text message. This approach increases the chances of the request being noticed and acted upon, as it cuts through the noise of a client's busy life and prompts them to take action.

Q: How can Phil Jones' two-question questionnaire help in collecting reviews?

Phil Jones' two-question questionnaire helps clients articulate their experiences by asking them to list three things they enjoyed about working with the business and one thing they would change. This feedback can then be used to guide clients in writing detailed and meaningful reviews, as it provides them with specific points to mention, addressing the common barrier of not knowing what to say.

Q: Why should businesses focus on real estate-specific platforms for reviews?

Businesses should focus on real estate-specific platforms like Zillow and realtor.com for reviews if they generate leads from these platforms. Reviews can enhance conversion rates by increasing trust and credibility in the eyes of potential clients browsing these sites, ultimately improving the performance of leads generated.

Q: What is the impact of Facebook reviews on Bing rankings?

Facebook reviews impact Bing rankings because Bing pulls review data from Facebook pages. With Bing potentially becoming more popular due to new AI integrations, having strong Facebook reviews can enhance a business's visibility and ranking on Bing, making it a strategic platform for collecting reviews.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Online reviews are essential for businesses to build credibility and attract more clients. This episode discusses the importance of reviews and how they serve as a business's reputation.

• The episode highlights the best platforms for collecting reviews, such as Google, Yelp, and Facebook, and explains how each platform's reach extends to other services.

• Effective strategies for asking for reviews are discussed, emphasizing the importance of timing, multi-channel communication, and guiding clients on what to say in their reviews.