Getting customers to leave reviews can be tricky, but it’s essential for building trust and attracting new shoppers. Customer reviews on Shopify help your potential customers make informed decisions and give you valuable insights to improve your products and services. In this guide, we’ll share simple tips to encourage customers to share their experiences on your Shopify store.
How to Get Reviews on Your Shopify Store
Wondering how to encourage customers to write reviews? There are numerous ways to get customer reviews on Shopify stores. After experimenting with various strategies, we’ve found these top 10 methods to be the most effective in generating valuable customer feedback.
#1 Send Follow-Up Emails to Request Reviews
Knowing how to ask for reviews effectively can make a big difference. Send a follow-up email to customers once they’ve made a purchase, thanking them for it and politely asking them to leave a review. Include a direct link to the review page to make it easier for them to share their feedback. Personalize the email with the customer’s name and details about their purchase to make the request feel more genuine.
Example
Hey [Customer Name],
Thank you very much for choosing [Product Name]! We hope you’re loving it. We’d really appreciate it if you could take a moment to share your experience with us.
Just click [here] to leave a review. It’s quick and easy!
Thanks a million,
[Your Store Name]
#2 Offer Rewards to Encourage Reviews
Provide customers with incentives to leave reviews, such as discounts, coupons, or entry into giveaways. This can act as a powerful motivator for customers who might not otherwise take the time to leave a review on your Shopify store. Clearly explain the incentive in your request to encourage more responses.
Example
You can offer customers 10% off their next order as a thank you for leaving a review. Other rewards could include a $5 coupon, free shipping on their next purchase, or entry into a monthly giveaway for a gift card. These little perks can motivate customers to take a few minutes to share their thoughts.
#3 Simplify the Review Process
Ensure that leaving a review is a simple and quick process. A complicated or lengthy review process can discourage customers from completing it. Use a straightforward, user-friendly interface and limit the number of steps required to submit a review.
Example
Have a clear “Leave a Review” button on your site, and ensure that writing a review only takes a couple of clicks and a few moments of their time. If feedback sharing is hassle-free, your customers are more likely to share their thoughts and help your Shopify store out.
#4 Showcase Customer Reviews Prominently
Display customer reviews on your website, especially on product and home pages. Highlighting existing reviews shows new customers that their feedback is valued and encourages them to contribute their reviews to your Shopify store.
Example
Show off your customer reviews so that everyone can see them! Put them on your product and home pages so new visitors can read about real experiences. When people realize that you appreciate and share actual customer feedback, they’re more likely to submit their own stories.
#5 Personalize Review Requests for a Genuine Touch
When requesting reviews, personalize your messages in emails or on your website. Use the customer’s name and mention their specific purchase to make the message more genuine and less automated.
Example
“Hey [Customer Name], we hope you’re loving your new [Product Name]. We’d be grateful if you could share your thoughts with us. Your feedback is truly valuable to us!” This personal touch can make a big difference in encouraging reviews.
#6 Timing is Key: Ask at the Right Moment
Request reviews at the right time, typically when customer satisfaction is at its highest. This is often shortly after the product has been delivered and the customer has had time to try it. Sending review requests too soon or too late can reduce the likelihood of receiving feedback.
Example
Reach out for a review about a week after the customer receives their product. This gives them enough time to try it out and form an opinion. You could say, “Hey [Customer Name], it’s been a week since you got your [Product Name]. We hope you’re loving it! Could you kindly take a moment to leave us a review? We’d really appreciate it!”
#7 Use Social Proof to Highlight the Importance of Reviews
Highlight the importance of feedback to new customers by highlighting the number of reviews or the average rating on your product pages. Social proof can be a powerful motivator, encouraging customers to add their reviews to the collection.
Example
By displaying a notification that “24 people are online now on this page,” you can create a sense of urgency and trust. This approach shows high engagement, reassuring potential customers of your website’s popularity and prompting them to purchase before items run out.
#8 Automate Review Request Emails
Use apps or Shopify’s built-in features to automate review request emails after each purchase. Review request automation ensures that every customer receives a request without any manual effort from your side, increasing the overall number of reviews you receive.
Example
First, send an order confirmation email right after purchase to reassure your customer. Next, send a shipping notification when the order is shipped to keep them informed. Once delivery is confirmed, send an email to let them know their order has arrived.
Give them time to use the product and send an automated review request email about a week later. If they haven’t left a review after a week, follow up with a subtle reminder.
#9 Respond to Reviews to Show You Value Feedback
No matter if the reviews are positive or negative, you should reply to all customer reviews on your Shopify store. Acknowledging reviews shows that you value customer feedback and are committed to improving their experience. Knowing their feedback will be heard can encourage more customers to leave reviews.
Example
When someone leaves a positive review, thank them warmly. For example, you might say, “Hi [Customer Name], thank you so much for your great review! We’re delighted you enjoyed [Product Name]. Let us know if there’s anything else you need!” If the review is less positive, address their concerns thoughtfully and offer a solution. This shows you value their feedback and are dedicated to improving their experience.
#10 Create a Review Reminder on Thank You Pages
Encourage customer feedback by adding a subtle reminder on the thank you page or in the order confirmation email. This ensures that the request is seen immediately after purchase, while the experience is fresh in the customer’s mind.
Example
“Thanks for shopping with us! We trust that you’re loving your [Product Name]. We would greatly appreciate it if you could share your experience by leaving a review. Your feedback is incredibly important to us.”
Tips to Improve Customer Reviews Quality on Shopify
After gathering customers’ feedback, the next step is to improve them. Here are some friendly tips to help you get more detailed and useful feedback!
Provide Top-Notch Customer Service
Make sure your customer service is quick to respond and helpful. Quickly address inquiries and resolve any issues to make customers feel valued. Exceptional service can turn a potentially negative experience into a positive one, encouraging favorable reviews.
For example, train your team to handle customer issues promptly and follow up to ensure satisfaction.
Ask Specific Questions
Guide customers to provide detailed and specific feedback by asking targeted questions. Instead of a general review request, ask about particular aspects of their experience.
For example, in your review request emails, include specific questions like, “Can you tell us about the durability of the [Product Name]? How was the fit and comfort for you? Was our customer service able to assist you effectively?” These targeted questions encourage customers to provide more detailed useful feedback.
Educate Customers on Giving Useful Feedback
Educate your customers on what makes feedback useful. You can explain what kind of feedback is most helpful through a blog post, an FAQ section, or a brief note in your review request emails. For instance, create a blog post titled “How to Write Helpful Reviews” and include tips like commenting on the product’s quality, usability, and specific features. Add a section in your FAQ that provides examples of detailed feedback. In your review request emails, add a note such as, “Your detailed feedback helps us improve and helps other customers make informed decisions.”
Wrap up
Getting those valuable customer reviews on Shopify doesn’t have to be hard. With a little effort in providing great service, small incentive offers, and a simple feedback process, you’ll soon see a steady flow of reviews. These reviews not only help you improve but also attract more shoppers to your store. Give these tips a try and watch your Shopify store thrive with positive and helpful reviews.
