How to Grow Your Business with Client Testimonials and Reviews
Hi there, I hope you are having a great day.
Let’s begin our newsletter with something funny.
The reason that aliens have never visited us is that our solar system has received terrible reviews.
We only have one star.
As a natural part of the client journey, reading and watching reviews and testimonials allow consumers to make a more informed decision before hiring the right wellness professional.
90% of consumers read online reviews or testimonials before visiting a business and 88% trust online reviews as a personal recommendation from a family member or friend.
Building your social proof is essential to the success of your business.
According to Qualtrics, 93% of consumers say that online reviews influence their buying decisions.
How do you go about getting positive reviews and testimonials from your clients to grow your business? Let’s break down everything you need to effectively request, collect, and use reviews and testimonials, attracting more clients to your business.
Why are client testimonials and reviews important?
Client testimonials and reviews bridge the gap between word-of-mouth marketing and feedback that influences consumers’ decisions. This social proof is required to build trust and authority that your business delivers quality services. According to Oberlo, 54% of potential clients will read at least four reviews before trusting you with their business.
In addition, client testimonials and reviews can improve your local SEO (search engine optimization). With 97% of consumers discovering local businesses (including wellness professionals) online, reviews and testimonials not only boost your credibility but also impact your search rankings. Positive reviews on sites like Google increase the likelihood your business will appear in search results when people are searching for professionals like you in their area.
What factors impact local search algorithms the most?
Quantity: The number of reviews
Velocity: Frequency of the reviews
Diversity: Being featured on multiple review sites
Finally, client testimonials and reviews can help you identify areas of improvement for your business. If you see a pattern of negative feedback, you can address the issue and make changes to prevent it from happening again.
How to ask clients for reviews and testimonials?
It can be awkward to request reviews, but timing is everything. After a client has completed a class, treatment, or personal training session with you, this is the perfect time to ask. 68% of clients report that they are happy to leave a review when asked.
Where to get reviews and testimonials?
There are a few different methods you can use to collect client reviews and testimonials.
Review sites: Get reviews on third-party review sites. The most popular review sites are Google reviews 63% of consumers and Yelp 45.18% of consumers.
Conduct a survey: A survey or questionnaire is effective at collecting feedback, but it’s important to keep the survey short— 75% of customers prefer surveys to be a maximum of five questions.
Use video: It’s a good idea to ask for video testimonials or reviews. Whether you add them to your website, social media, or other marketing channel, video reviews are effective. 79% of people have watched a video testimonial to find out more about a business, product, or service.
How to respond to and track client reviews?
Often review sites will notify you by email when a new review comes in. By tracking and responding to reviews promptly, you will boost your online reputation. When a client leaves a review, it’s vital you respond. A study by Womply Research found that replying to just 25% of reviews can increase your revenue by 35%. Another study from Harvard Business Review suggested that when you respond to reviews, there may be an increase in the number of reviews you get, along with an increase in their overall rating. The study's authors also mentioned that if clients notice you are responding to reviews, they are less likely to leave a negative review to avoid any potential conflict or uncomfortable interaction online.
Whether it’s a good or bad review, always respond positively, reply within a day, address the reviewer by name, and thank them for leaving the review. In the case of a negative review, there are more considerations to keep in mind. How do you respond?
Keep the interaction simple and to the point.
Acknowledge the client’s pain points and apologize for not meeting the client’s standards.
Be open to further discussion and ask them to call or email you immediately so you can address their concern personally.
Get reviews and testimonials working for you
To summarize, a prospect will do their homework before investing in you or your business, and client reviews and testimonials are one of the best ways for them to trust you. Plus, by boosting your local SEO, client reviews will impact your search ranking and help drive more traffic to your business.
I hope this helps.
See you soon.
Laurent
