We are living in a world where customer opinions can be seen and heard more than ever, since the introduction of the Internet.

People are seeking to validate all kinds of businesses through the reviews of past or current customers and receiving customer reviews are so important for your business. 

In this latest blog, we look at some of the reasons that reviews are important in more detail and how to get more of them.

The Know, Like & Trust Factor

It’s one of the fundamentals of sales and marketing.  Before people purchase any kind of goods or services they need to know, like and trust the product, person or company.  Reviews can really help to build a personal connection and enable any potential customer to make a decision…often on the spot…after reading a good review. 

Standing Out in a Crowded Market

There’s a lot of competition out there, no matter what business or trade you’re in.  Having good reviews on your website, social media or google etc can help you stand out from the competition, especially in a crowded market.

Boosting Your Online Visibility

When people search online, reviews do more than just help them make decisions they can actually help your business get noticed in the first place! Search engines like Google look at both the number and quality of your reviews when deciding which businesses to show at the top of local search results!  The more positive reviews you collect, the better your chances of appearing in those key searches.

For example, if someone looks up “best electrician near me,” businesses with great reviews are more likely to show up first. This extra visibility can bring in new customers without you having to spend a fortune on advertising!

Word-of-Mouth Marketing

Reviews are like today’s version of word-of-mouth, but with an ability to reach more people.   When happy customers share their experiences online, they’re basically spreading the word for you…for free!  This can create a ripple effect…one great review attracts new customers, and they might end up leaving their own glowing feedback, continuing the cycle.

Encouraging your satisfied customers to leave reviews, whether on Google, Facebook, or industry-specific platforms like Trustpilot, can help you amplify this effect. The more reviews you gather, the more new customers you’ll attract, creating a cycle of growth.

Providing Valuable Feedback

Reviews aren’t just a way to show off what you’re doing right…they’re also a great way to understand where you can improve. Customers will often share specific details about their experience, which can highlight areas for growth that you might not have considered.

For example, a customer could mention that while your plumbing services were top-notch, the communication leading up to the job could have been clearer. That’s valuable insight! Instead of seeing critical reviews as negative, you can use them as constructive feedback to refine your business practices!

Showcasing Expertise

When customers write about their positive experiences, they often highlight your specific skills and expertise. For example, a reviewer might detail how you fixed a complex wiring issue that other electricians struggled with, or how you created a custom piece of furniture that exceeded their expectations.

These details help showcase your expertise in a way that goes beyond what you can say about yourself. Reviews provide concrete examples of your ability to deliver high-quality work, which is invaluable especially for tradespeople who rely on specialised skills to stand out.

How To Get More Reviews

Start by asking the customer directly, straight after a successful job or service as they are more likely to leave the review then.  Let your customers know how much you’d appreciate a review, and let them know where to leave the feedback. You can also include review requests in follow-up emails or invoices.

Make the process quick and convenient for them. Offering small incentives, like a discount on future services or a freebie, can also encourage people to take the time to write a review. And don’t forget to respond to existing reviews, showing that you value feedback can motivate others to share their thoughts too!

So, don’t be shy about asking for reviews from your happy customers. A few kind words from them could be the key to winning future customers!