The polite way to get more customer reviews - how to ask for customer reviews more effectively.

If you run a small business, you'll definitely already know how valuable reviews from your customers are. They can be the difference between someone choosing your services or deciding to go with your competitors. But getting those reviews? That can be a bit more of a challenge, especially if you’re just starting out and you're getting to grips with digital marketing. Don’t worry, we’ve been there, and we're here to help you navigate the polite way to get more customer reviews!

Why they matter
Before we go and get into the ‘how,’ let’s first take a look at the ‘why.’ Customer reviews serve as social proof. They are reassuring to potential customers, showing them that your business is trustworthy and delivers on its promises. When was the last time you bought something online without checking the reviews first? Exactly. Reviews can improve your SEO, enhance your reputation, and they ultimately drive more business your way.

Start by offering exceptional service
It might seem pretty obvious, but the first step to getting more reviews is providing a service that is, well, worth reviewing! People are more likely to leave a review if they’ve had a memorable experience, whether it's because of your outstanding products or your friendly customer service. We once had a client who was struggling to get reviews, but after some digging, we realised that the problem wasn’t asking for reviews - it was that their service wasn’t consistently great. So, make sure you’re delivering excellence every single time.

Make it really easy for customers to leave a review
If your customers have to jump through hoops to leave a review, we can pretty much guarantee they won’t do it. Simplify the process as much as you can. One tactic we’ve seen work well is sending a follow-up email after a purchase or service, thanking the customer and including a direct link to your review page. Keep the tone casual and the instructions simple. Something like:

"Hi [Customer Name],
We hope you’re enjoying your [product/service]. If you have a moment, we’d love to hear your feedback! Just click here to leave a review: [Link]"

This approach works because it’s quick, personal, and doesn’t feel overly pushy.

Timing is everything
When you ask for a review matters just as much as how you ask. The best time to request a review is shortly after the customer has received your product or service. This will be when the experience is still fresh in their mind. We once helped a small café owner who was asking for reviews many weeks after customers had visited. When she started asking within a day or two, the number of reviews she received doubled.

Personalise your request
People appreciate when you take the time to personalise your communication. Instead of sending a generic, mass email, try reaching out individually. Address customers by name, reference their purchase, and express genuine interest in their feedback. It’s more work, yes, but the personal touch can significantly increase your response rate.

For example:

"Dear Sarah,
We noticed you recently purchased our organic skincare set. We’d love to know how you’re finding it! Your feedback helps us improve and helps others make confident choices. Thank you for being a valued customer."

Respond to reviews - good and bad
Engaging with the reviews you receive is just as important as getting them. Thank customers for their positive reviews and address any negative ones with professionalism, showing a willingness to make things right. This shows that you value feedback and are committed to providing excellent service. We once saw a small business turn a negative review into a five-star one just by responding thoughtfully and addressing the customer’s concerns.

Leverage social media
Social media is a very powerful tool for encouraging reviews. Regularly engage with your followers and subtly remind them that their feedback is welcome. We’ve seen businesses use Instagram stories or Facebook posts to highlight customer reviews and gently prompt others to share their experiences too.

Keep the conversation going
Finally, remember that asking for reviews isn’t just a one-off task. It should really be an ongoing part of your customer engagement strategy. Keep the lines of communication open with your customers, and continuously encourage them to share their thoughts.

Getting more customer reviews doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By providing excellent service, making the process easy, and timing your requests well, you can increase your review count without feeling like you’re being very annoying and pestering your customers! Remember, a little politeness and personalisation go a long way in making your customers feel valued and appreciated. For more tips don't forget to have a read of our other blogs - and follow us on Facebook to stay up to date...