How 360 Crue Performs Online Review Solicitation Campaigns

It is common knowledge that people are more likely to share their bad experiences than their good ones. The ratio is 5:1, as in 5 bad experiences are shared for every 1 good experience shared. Businesses and professionals alike would be wise to implement a strategy for soliciting reviews to increase the likelyhood of a higher instance of more favorable reviews. 360 Crue recommends an ongoing review solicitation campaign to offset the imposing unfavorable 5:1 ratio and take control of their own reputations.

A review solicitation campaign is a marketing effort designed to encourage customers to leave reviews about a business, product, or service. These campaigns typically involve asking customers to share their experiences on platforms like Google, Facebook, or specific review websites. 

Benefits of an online review solicitation campaign:

• Boosts online reputation: Positive reviews improve a business’s perceived value and can lead to more customers. 
• Increases brand visibility: More reviews on platforms like Google Maps can improve search engine rankings. 
• Provides free word-of-mouth advertising: Happy customers are more likely to recommend a business to others. 
• Gather feedback: Soliciting reviews can provide valuable insights into what customers appreciate and what areas need improvement. 

Strategies for running a review solicitation campaign:

• Automated review requests: Set up automated email or SMS campaigns to ask customers for reviews after they’ve had an experience. 
• Employee training: Train employees to politely request reviews in person or through follow-up calls. 
• QR codes: Use QR codes on business materials or at the point of sale to direct customers to review platforms. 
• Website widgets: Integrate review widgets on the business website to make it easy for customers to leave feedback. 
• Social media posts: Share review links on social media platforms to encourage engagement. 
• Incentives (with caution): Consider offering small incentives, like a discount or free item, for leaving a review, but be transparent about the incentive. 
• Customer feedback surveys: Include review requests in customer satisfaction surveys.

Important considerations:

• Legality and ethics: Avoid offering incentives that are contingent on a positive review. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has guidelines on advertising and endorsements, including online reviews. 
• Transparency: Be transparent about any incentives offered for reviews. 
• Focus on quality: Don’t just aim for a large number of reviews; focus on getting genuine, helpful feedback from customers.

By implementing a well-designed review solicitation campaign, businesses can leverage the power of online reviews to improve their reputation, attract new customers, and gather valuable feedback. 

*  360 Crue may change the tools and methods used as deemed necessary or sufficient given the specifics of each case.