Before booking a restaurant, choosing a hairdresser, or contacting a craftsman, most consumers do the same thing: they check online reviews. This behavior perfectly illustrates the power of social proof: we naturally tend to trust the experiences of others rather than commercial messages.
For a local business, collecting reviews is no longer just an advantage—it’s a real necessity. Reviews reassure potential customers, improve your visibility on Google, and help you identify both your strengths and areas for improvement. But how can you convince your customers to take the step and share their experience?
Choosing the Right Moment
Timing is often the key to getting a review. A satisfied customer is far more likely to leave feedback if the request comes immediately after a positive experience. For example, a restaurant can offer a QR code to scan directly at the time of payment, while a craftsman can send a thank-you email after the service is completed, including a direct link to their Google Business Profile.
Making the Process Simple and Quick
If leaving a review becomes a chore, your customers may postpone it… and eventually forget. The ideal approach is to minimize the steps required. A clearly visible button on your website, a QR code printed on invoices, or a link integrated into your appointment confirmations makes the process almost instant. Business tools like Deliver or Planner by Linkeo even include these features to simplify review collection.
Valuing Every Feedback
A customer who takes the time to write a comment wants to know they are heard. Responding to reviews—whether positive or negative—shows that you care about your customers. Even better, sharing authentic testimonials on your social media or directly on your website can build trust and encourage other customers to do the same. Imagine a hairdresser posting a photo of a happy client alongside their review: it becomes a natural and credible showcase of their expertise.
Creating a Customer Review Culture
Encouraging reviews should not be occasional but embedded in your customer relationship. A simple message like “Your feedback matters to us” on your communication materials can subtly remind customers of the importance of leaving a review. You can also personally thank loyal customers who regularly share their experiences, explaining that their feedback helps others make confident choices.
Turning Reviews into a Growth Driver
Beyond their primary purpose, customer reviews are a powerful marketing tool. They can be integrated into your sales pages, used in local advertising campaigns, or highlighted on your homepage. A positive review is not just feedback; it’s an authentic testimonial that inspires trust and naturally attracts new customers.
In Conclusion
Social proof is not a trend—it’s a cornerstone of purchasing decisions in the digital age. By encouraging your customers to leave reviews and valuing their feedback, you strengthen your credibility, improve your visibility, and create a virtuous circle around your business.
At Linkeo, we support artisans, local businesses, and SMEs in this process—not only through the creation of high-performing websites and tailored business solutions but also through our expertise in local SEO. As part of our Google Business Profile (GMB) offering, we help our clients optimize their business listings and implement concrete actions to effectively solicit reviews. The goal: maximize your local visibility and turn every customer feedback into a real growth lever for your business.
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