Do you ever wish people would keep their opinion to themselves? Most of us do, but for the sake of your business, you must encourage your customers to get talking. The importance of a positive online reputation is more significant now than ever before. For the first time, people want to share their experiences, and what they say has an impact. Your brand is now defined by those who experience it, so how do you get them to share their experiences? Here are a few ways to get your customers talking.

Be Present.

Your business should have profiles on a wide range of review sites: Yelp, Google Local, Yahoo Local, Angie’s List, LinkedIn, and Trip Advisor are just a few possibilities. We advocate the creation of a profile on any and all sites that are relevant to your business. An easy way to ensure you’re listed on all suitable sites is by visiting GetListed.org.

In 2016, every business is part of a “review-driven industry” so suit up and get ready to lend an attentive, engaging ear.

Make it easy.

Most customers won’t look for ways to leave reviews, so put direct links to review sites in multiple places such as a follow up email, newsletter, and your website. Yelp even offers “find us on Yelp” banners which can be quite helpful.

Be sure to pay attention to the customers you already have. A pool of loyal customers is invaluable. By resolving any and all issues with consumers, you can increase your chances of creating a loyal relationship with your valued shoppers. You must have happy customers to get positive reviews!

Incentivize.

People are busy, and some need further incentives to take time out of their day to write a review. Make sure that you are incentivizing them to write a review, not for writing a good review. Don’t actually pay for reviews. Free samples, or a monthly giveaway where one reviewer a month is chosen at random are great ways to incentivize.

Don’t forget to thank your reviewers by sending them a discount code, coupon, or resource to show your appreciation!

Follow a routine.

Not every customer will get around to the review, so it is extremely important to make this task a regular business routine. Over time, you will accumulate a great deal of reviews and experience real results within your business.

Simply, ask.

Customers are more likely to give feedback right away, so offer them a way to do so at the time of purchase. Here are a few different ways in which you can ask for reviews:

• Personal email: A personalized email from a real person at your business can go a long way. Include a link where customers can quickly and seamlessly leave a review.
• Single-page handouts: This should be given to the customer at the time of purchase and should effortlessly walk them through the instructions to post a review.
• ReviewBiz button: This button compiles links from key local directories and packages them into a neat piece of code which can be places on your site, allowing customers to click through to your business listing on the directory of their choice.
• Autoresponder email: If you have a customer list, emails requesting a review can automatically be sent when a purchase is made.
• Video: A video containing a short walk-through of review instructions.
• Social media: Some review sites allow customers to use their Facebook username, instead of having to create one for that particular site.
• On-site: Designate a laptop or tablet in your store as a review station. This gives people the opportunity to review in real-time.
• Paid services: Companies like DemandForce will reach out to your customers and help you get reviews posted.
• QR code: Placing a code on a sticker or decal will allow customers to scan it using a smartphone and immediately leave a review.
• Snail-mail: People generally pay more attention to personalized snail-mail from a familiar business. Mailing review requests and instructions can provide great results.
• Gift: Send customers a little gift such as a pad of paper with your logo, or a magnet/decal along with a request for a quick review.

As you begin to accumulate reviews, be sure to manage your online reputation. Feedback should be checked for and replied to daily to let your customers know that you’re listening. Resolving issues with customers leaving negative reviews is crucial – ignoring them won’t make them go away!

An effective reputation management process is not a one-man job. If you need some guidance, consider teaming up with an agency to optimize your reputation management efforts on social, search engines, and third-party review sites.