How do you get customers to post reviews? 4 practical tips!

Reviews are indispensable for online stores. It creates trust with potential customers. This is one of the decisive factors to make a purchase. Nevertheless, it can sometimes be difficult to get reviews for a webshop. Iskander from Blije Reviews gives you 4 handy tips!

Tip 1: Ask for a review after three to seven days

Make sure you ask for a review on time. Do this three to seven days after delivery. This is because then the customer still has everything fresh in their mind. In addition, chances are that the product has already been used once.

Keep in mind the actual delivery date and not the shipping date. For example, the customer cannot pick up the package at a PostNL or DHL point until two days later. You want to give them time to experience your product first.

For most online stores, this time indication works well, especially for products such as:

• Clothing
• Phone cases
• Lamps
• Garden furniture

You can make another distinction here. A customer who orders a phone case is likely to use it immediately. In that case, a review request after three days is fine. Someone who buys a shirt might not wear it until later in the week. You could then send an invitation after five days.

Note:
For some products, it is better to wait longer. Think of beauty products or travel. People often want to wait and see the result first. Think carefully about when your customer will see the results.

Tip 2: Create your own review invitation

Be unique and write your own review invitation. It is more personal and you stand out. Many webshops still use standard templates. By writing something different, you stand out. A funny twist is also allowed. This also makes it fun for the customer to read.

A touch of humor can also work, as long as it suits your brand. Customers appreciate it when they see that your message is not just an 'automated request', but really comes from you. This increases the likelihood that they will write a review. This is a tip you can apply today.

Keep this in mind:

• State the customer's first name.
• Don't make it too long.
• Playful tone (if that suits your online store).

In addition, the topic is also important. Test different variations to see what works. Start with a subject line where you directly ask for a review. Next month, write it something more general, such as "How do you like your garment?". By alternating, you'll discover what works best for your shop.

Tip 3: Specify what details they can write about

Make your review request as accessible as possible. You can do this by prefacing what the customer can write about, such as the service or operation of the product. Or you can simply ask if they are happy with the product. This way, customers don't have to think about what to write about themselves.

This also increases the likelihood of detailed reviews. Customers not only give stars, but also share why they are satisfied. This is valuable information for other potential customers.

For example, ask these questions in your review invitation:

• Are you happy with the product?
• What did you think of our service?
• Is it what you expected?

Writing a review takes little time. That's why it's okay to state that it only takes 30 seconds. This way you make it a small effort for customers, which increases the likelihood that they will leave a review sooner. Next, it is also important to respond to reviews.

Tip 4: Ask the customer personally after a positive experience

This is a tip that not many online stores apply yet, but is effective. After all, customers need a trigger to write a review. This can be an e-mail, but in addition you can also ask in person. Regularly, online stores still get messages from customers, after receiving the product. Are they happy with your help? Then you can ask them to put their experience in a review, if they haven't already.

Don't forget to add the link to the review page right away. That way you make it extra easy for them. Either way, keep this in mind:

• Ask when customers are happy with your help.
• Send along the link of the review page right away.
• Thank them in advance for posting a review.

In short: ideal tips to ensure that customers post a review.
Below is a brief summary of the points. So you can get started with this today.

1. Send a request within 3 to 7 days. Do this from the delivery date and consider how many days after that customers usually use the product.
2. Create your own review invitation. This makes you stand out more and it doesn't look like an automated request.
3. Specify what details they can write about. For example, about the service or operation of the product. By doing so, you make it easier for the customer.
4. Ask them personally after a positive experience. This is useful if you helped them via email, for example, after receiving their product.

Happy Reviews

Iskander helps online stores answer reviews on a daily basis. His response service Happy Reviews is now also available via WebwinkelKeur. Would you like to spend less time on review responses or get help with the right tone of voice? Then simply sign up through our partner page.