Customer reviews or testimonials can be your best marketing tools, provided they are organic. According to Finance Online, 89% of respondents revealed that they depend on positive online reviews influence their purchasing decisions.
Top 5 Ways to Attract Positive Reviews from Customers
Here are some of the best ways you can attract positive customer reviews naturally:
1. Reach out Personally
Your online store’s success and popularity depend on the customer experience you provide. By reaching out to them personally, you can make a memorable impression that can compel them to leave reviews. This means going beyond automated order confirmation emails and sending a direct message expressing gratitude.
A personalized thank you note is a great way to convey gratitude and tell customers you value their support. It will also give them an opportunity to ask direct questions regarding their order. A swift and accurate reply can compel them to leave a positive review or even turn a 4-star into a 5-star rating.
Top 10 Thank You Note Messages for Customers With a Recent Purchase
Here is a top 10 list of possible ways you could thank your customers:
- Thank you for your recent purchase from [Store Name]! We’re grateful for your trust in us and hope that [Product Name] brings joy and beauty into your life. With gratitude, [Store Name]
- We want to express our sincere appreciation for choosing [Store Name] for your recent purchase of [Product Name]. Your support means the world to us, and we’re committed to providing you with exceptional products and service. Thank you, [Store Name]
- Dear valued customer, we wanted to take a moment to thank you for your recent purchase of [Product Name] from [Store Name]. Your support allows us to continue doing what we love, and we’re dedicated to delivering products that exceed your expectations. With heartfelt thanks, [Store Name]
- Thank you for choosing [Store Name] for your [Product Name] purchase. We take pride in handcrafting each item with care, and we hope it brings a smile to your face. Your support means everything to us! Warm regards, [Store Name]
- Dear customer, we’re sending our heartfelt thanks for your recent purchase of [Product Name] from [Store Name]. Your trust in our craftsmanship fuels our passion, and we’re honored to have you as a valued customer. Sincerely, [Store Name]
- Thank you for your recent purchase of [Product Name] from [Store Name]. We truly appreciate your business and hope that our product brings you happiness and satisfaction. We’re here to assist you should you have any questions or concerns. With gratitude, [Store Name]
- We’re thrilled that you chose [Store Name] for your [Product Name] purchase. Thank you for supporting our small business and helping us follow our dreams. We’re committed to providing you with exceptional products and service. Thank you, [Store Name]
- Dear customer, thank you for your recent purchase of [Product Name] from [Store Name]. Your support allows us to continue creating unique and high-quality products. We’re honored to have you as a part of our [Store Name] family. Gratefully, [Store Name]
- Thank you for choosing [Store Name] for your recent [Product Name] purchase. Your support means more than words can express. We’re dedicated to ensuring your satisfaction and look forward to serving you again in the future. Warmest thanks, [Store Name]
- Dear valued customer, we want to express our heartfelt appreciation for your recent purchase of [Product Name]. Your support encourages us to continue creating and delivering products that bring joy and inspiration. Thank you for choosing [Store Name]. With gratitude, [Store Name]
Feel free to personalize these messages with specific details about the product or add your own touch to make them reflect your store’s unique voice.
2. Offer Incentives in Exchange for Reviews
Google hates fake reviews and may penalize you if it finds any on your website. While it’s true that most customers rarely leave reviews, much less a star rating, they can be persuaded. Some people may require a friendly nudge to leave some positive comments. One of the best ways to do that is through incentives.
Promise to offer incentives in exchange for reviews and see them flood in. Just make sure you give a 2-star reviewer the same voucher as the 5-star one, so you remain within guidelines.
3. How to Ask for Reviews by Email
An automated post-purchase email encouraging reviews can also help you populate your testimonial page. Send it a few days after the purchase, so you don’t seem pushy. Here is a sample you can use, but feel free to edit it as you see fit:
Hi (customer name),
We hope you are in great spirits and enjoyed (product name). We would appreciate it if you could leave a review on our site to help other shoppers. Please use this link (hyperlink) to leave a review and star review.
Thank you for your business. We look forward to serving you again.
Regards,
(Name or email signature)
4. Create Online Business Profiles on Review Sites
Customers are unpredictable – some may leave glowing reviews, but some may not. The first step in getting control over the reviews you get is by creating business or review and social profiles.
Capitalize on first impressions. Before users see reviews, make sure they see high-res images of core products, an intro about your company, practical user reviews etc. It can compel them to give your brand a chance and leave reviews after.
Plus, make sure your business profile is detailed and complete. This includes opening hours, pictures and other info that can help customers make informed decisions. Claiming your business on review sites such as Yelp can also help. Here are some things you can do:
- Track customer leads the review site generates for your business
- Respond to reviews directly or via a public message
- Add pictures and a link to your site.
- Make sure business hours and contact information are up to date.
5. Take Care of Customer Complaints ASAP
Mistakes are part and parcel of life, no matter how hard we try to prevent them. The same is the case with your business. Customers will complain, orders will get delayed or misplaced, and other issues may crop up. Instead of pointing fingers or blaming the customer, provide solutions.
Whether you sell on Etsy or Amazon, give the buyer what they want and prevent the issue from cropping up again. For example, if a customer is angry that their order is delayed, apologize and let them know you are looking into it and inform them as soon as the issue is resolved. To turn their negative experience into a positive one, offer to waive the shipping fee or any other incentive that can compel them to leave a positive review.
You can even use ChatGPT for Gmail to write an appropriate response to a customer for you, though be sure to edit it.
How to Get Customer Feedback in a Spreadsheet
Consolidating and managing customer reviews can be time-consuming. Export Emails to Google Sheets is an extension that allows you to extract the information in email, and convert it into an organized Google Sheet.
One of its uses is for customer feedback. The wizard can email parse all customer notifications and communications from Etsy, eBay, Shopify, and any other ecommerce site.
It will organize them into a Google Sheet by notification type, URL, message and customer name, and much more. To use the wizard, click on the link, scroll down, click on ‘Order status and customer feedback,’ and cloudHQ will do the rest.
cloudHQ will automatically scan your emails for any emails from Shopify, Etsy, eBay, or other online store that is related to customer feedback or order status…
…and populate the information into a Google Sheet for you, like magic!
Wrapping Up!
In the ever-evolving world of online stores, customer reviews play a crucial role in building trust and attracting new buyers. By implementing these five strategies – reaching out personally, offering incentives, asking for reviews by email, creating online business profiles, and promptly addressing customer complaints – you can cultivate a positive review culture that fuels the growth of your store.
Remember, the power of customer feedback extends beyond just boosting sales; it helps you improve and deliver exceptional experiences. Embrace the power of reviews and watch your online store thrive with the trust and loyalty of satisfied customers. Let the voice of your customers be a testament to your dedication and quality. Start implementing these strategies today and see the positive impact they can have on your business.