Marketing Around COVID19 - Part 3 - Reviews

Marketing Around COVID-19 – Part 3 - Are you Working on Getting Reviews?? 

One of the world’s largest online advertisers said it best:
“What others say about your business carries more weight than what you can say about your business!”  --WordStream

We here at DonPaul Enterprises couldn’t agree more, however, when we recently published a little survey, we found that many of our Clients don’t ask for reviews and those who do, don’t always make it easy for their supporters to provide a review!

In the past, we’ve written articles on the importance of testimonials and reviews, and I think it’s time to revisit the topic, because you can never receive too many positive reviews.

When you are new to business, it can be challenging and even a little embarrassing to ask for a review, but knowing specifically what you are going to say can make it easier.

Research and follow more experienced companies. They understand the power in obtaining reviews, and they have developed some easy-to-swallow tactics to get their call-to-action taken!

One of the most effective methods for requesting a review is email. When you provide a “survey” type feedback form, you can not only get rave reviews, but your Clients can give you pointers on your strongest and weakest service areas.

Sending your clients the link to your review page works well too. Here you’ll want to think about what outcome you are trying to achieve when it comes to displaying your testimonials to the public.

There are tons of places your Clients can leave positive feedback. According to Review Trackers, experts in online reputation management, Google is fast becoming the most popular platform for reviews. The thing is, you must activate most any platform where you want to accept reviews. Additionally, even if you PAY for some level of service on those platforms, other competitive ads will appear right alongside yours. Yes, it’s a business, folks.

For that and other reasons, we recommend always developing a page on your Website to accommodate testimonials and reviews and make them video reviews whenever possible.

No matter where you decide to direct your Clients to leave their accolades, be certain to develop a strategy and make positive reviews a part of your marketing plan.

Let’s not forget about negative reviews… I know you don’t want them, but they can be the best thing that ever happens to you! A bad review can be humbling. It can compel you to accept the fact that you may not be able to please all the people, all of the time.

We hope you never receive a negative review, but if you do, here are a few actions, shared by the U.S. Small Business Administration, to help you turn things around:

Respond promptly and positively. Try not to take it personal. Avoid getting defensive and don’t make excuses (even if you don’t think it’s your fault).

Take the conversation offline ASAP. Assure your Client that you will handle the matter and invite them offline to fix the problem.

You may have been hacked, so, request that the information be removed. There’s usually a contact method for whichever application you are active with.

Apologizing, discounts, and making other offers. You can try, but it may not work.
Think outside the box. It’s worth your best effort.

The bottom line: Others will look at how you handle negative reviews. Your actions can positively impact any negative reviews that may come your way.

If you’d like to learn more tips and strategies for requesting reviews …or if you feel uncomfortable asking for reviews, schedule a chat with me. I’ll help you overcome any hesitation.

Here’s to hoping you’ll have hundreds of positive reviews and testimonials.