In today’s competitive landscape, many businesses still rely on directly asking for Google reviews. But this approach can feel transactional and unengaging to customers. The key to collecting more reviews lies in creativity – turning feedback collection into a seamless, natural part of the customer journey rather than a forced afterthought.
The Direct Approach, often it works.
Most businesses use direct methods to request Google reviews, such as flyers, receipts, or post-service interactions. While these tactics may get some results, they can also come across as repetitive or too straightforward. Customers often ignore such requests if they feel pressured or unengaged. This rational strategy misses the emotional connection that encourages genuine feedback and customer perceives the desperation attempt to it.
A Creative Approach to Feedback
Businesses that creatively integrate feedback requests into the customer experience see better results. Instead of focusing solely on asking for reviews, a more subtle and thoughtful approach works best. Here’s how:
- Collect Feedback First, Then Encourage Reviews: Shifting the focus from reviews to feedback creates a more relaxed interaction with customers. They feel like they’re contributing to business improvement rather than simply fulfilling a request. We built feedly to ease and help out this process – whether in restaurants or professional services – you can automate the feedback process using QR codes and email requests. Once feedback is gathered, customers can then be gently encouraged to leave a Google review as well, creating a more natural flow.
- Smart QR Code Placement: QR codes are a powerful tool when used creatively. Instead of placing them in predictable spots like receipts, think about where your customers are most likely to engage. In restaurants, QR codes can be placed on table tents or menus, inviting feedback while the experience is fresh. For cleaning businesses or professional services, QR codes can be strategically placed on invoices, service completion forms, or even equipment. The easier and more natural the process feels, the more likely customers are to engage.
- Automated Email Requests at the Right Time: Sending automated emails after a service is completed allows businesses to request feedback when the experience is still fresh. Restaurants might send a follow-up email a few hours after a meal, while cleaning businesses or other professional services can request feedback once the job is done. Timing these requests thoughtfully helps boost engagement and can lead to more reviews being posted on Google without overwhelming customers with direct appeals.
Many businesses stick to a rational, straightforward approach when trying to gather Google reviews. But creative thinking can make all the difference. By focusing on seamless feedback collection through tools like QR codes and automated emails, businesses—whether restaurants or cleaning services – can gather more genuine feedback, which in turn drives Google reviews.
Make your creativity your superpower.
In the end, businesses that creatively weave feedback collection into the customer experience enjoy higher engagement, more authentic reviews, and ultimately stronger customer relationships.
