Your aim should be for every customer to have such a positive experience that they want to tell everyone about it. In the digital age where plates of food and selfies with treasured products are the norm on social media feeds, this should seem like an easy task. Websites such as Amazon.com make it easy to leave all types of reviews. However, there are some internet trolls that delight in leaving bad reviews, so you have to encourage as many positive reviews as possible.
A brief word about the temptation about paying for positive reviews. It is a quick solution, especially if you are starting out, but can hurt your business in the long run. Patrons may be swayed by a first visit, but if they read that the vegan offerings of your business are amazing and you aren’t what you claim to be. You may be setting them up for disappointment and your business for failure. Let the truth of your products be spread through word of mouth. Most people can spot a fake review within seconds.
So how should you get reviews written about your product or service. Below are 5 ways to get positive reviews.
#1 Encourage it
Encourage positive reviews, by asking for them. Most people who have had a positive experience with your product will be happy to leave a review. If they leave a positive review while still at the store or website, make an effort to say thank you.
#2 Give samples
Samples sway almost anyone. If you have a new facial mask or gluten-free cookie, consider sending trial sizes to loyal customers or just place them on a counter.
#3 Provide a link
Create a special link on your website specifically for feedback. Mention that reviews could be featured on the website. Make the link easy to find and send a follow-up email thanking them for their words, positive or negative. Remember that not everyone will love your product. A midline review can help a customer gauge the quality and effectiveness of your product. Too many positive reviews will set off alarms and may taint your reputation.
#4 Stay calm
Everyone in life is dealt a deck of cards, but how you play them determines your path of life. If you happen to receive a scathing review and are fearful it will damage your reputation, then make sure to handle it with care. You should not respond defensively, or it will come across as hostile. You can respond on the forum and try to offer some form of compensation or seek the person out on your own. Offer a complimentary product or reimburse the cost of the product. Discretion must be shown in doing this too often, however, or people may leave reviews just for the desired perks.
#5 Pay attention
Let’s say some of the feedback you have received as been mixed. They don’t like the taste or texture of your goods. Take steps to better the most complained about situations. You cannot make everyone happy all the time, but whatever measures you can control such as packaging and setting up expectations, focus on what can be changed.
Takeaway
We all want to be heard, so stand out by actually listening. Patrons will be more likely to leave positive reviews if their feedback is perceived as valuable and actionable.
Crème de Mint has specialized in beauty, food and supplement packaging design for more than 15 years. Our CPG branding agency knows how to create compelling, craveworthy designs that can help your brand stand out! Book a call today to chat with us about your packaging design.