These days, it’s common to receive hundreds of emails per week. Some of these emails go straight to our junk folders or are simply ignored and/or deleted. This is true for your customers, too—meaning they may miss your review request emails. And even if your customer opens and reads the review request email, there’s no guarantee they’ll provide a review. In fact, customers often don’t leave feedback unless they experience something awful.
The good news is that collecting customer reviews to improve your online business reputation isn’t impossible—even if your customers are prone to missing your email communications. In this article, we’ll cover steps for review request email writing, creating a review email template, and tips for collecting five-star reviews.
Why should you care about getting reviews?
As a business owner, getting positive reviews should be at the top of your priority list. Research found that 77% of people read reviews when searching for local businesses.
Reviews are essential because they provide social proof that your products or services are worth investing in. Today’s consumers heavily rely on reviews before making a purchase decision, and they trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
Positive reviews can help your business in several ways. They can:
- Increase your visibility on search engines.
- Attract new customers.
- Build trust with your existing customers.
- Help you understand what your customers like and dislike about your products or services.
- Provide the information you need to improve your customer service.
Negative reviews also matter. While you may think negative reviews can only hurt your business’s reputation, that’s actually not true. There are benefits of negative reviews, too. They help you identify specific pain points in your buyer’s journey, areas for improvement, and ways to provide better customer service and support.
No matter what type of feedback you receive, it’s crucial that you respond. Thanking customers for taking the time to share reviews, answering their questions, and responding to their praise or criticism differentiates and humanises your local business’ brand.
5 Steps for Writing a Review Request Email
Are you new to writing a review request email or want to know how to ask for reviews? Here are five steps to help you get started.
1. Think about an attractive subject.
An email’s subject line is your first chance to grab the customer’s attention and stand out from the sea of emails they get daily. The right subject line can boost your chances of getting reviews from customers.
The subject line should be concise, clear, and relevant to the content of your email. It should also highlight the value that your customers will get by leaving a review. For example, you could use a subject line like “Share your experience and get 10% off your next purchase!”
2. Introduce Yourself and the Business
Being straight to the point is essential when writing a review request email. But you must still let your customers know who you are and where you work. These details provide context for your email and minimise any possible confusion on the customer’s end.
3. Thank the customer for choosing your product.
Gratitude can go a long way in building a positive relationship with your customers. By expressing your thanks, you acknowledge the customer’s decision to choose your company over competitors and demonstrate that you value their business. This can help create a sense of loyalty and encourage repeat purchases.
4. Get straight to the point and ask for an honest review.
Not all customers have all the time in the world to read a lengthy review request email. Avoid beating around the bush or using flowery language that may confuse or turn off the recipient. Clearly state the purpose of the email, which is to request a review from the customer and provide them with the necessary information and links to leave a review.
5. Offer additional contact channels to discuss any feedback.
Not everyone may be comfortable sharing their thoughts publicly, and providing alternative ways to give feedback can make customers feel valued and heard. Additionally, some customers may have more complex issues that cannot be addressed through a simple review. You can manage these concerns directly and provide a personalised solution by offering other communication channels, such as email or phone.
How to Ask for Reviews via Email: 3 Tips
When writing a request review email, you don’t have to stick to any template. It’s okay to be a bit more creative, just make sure you don’t overcomplicate things. Find clever ways to ask for reviews examples.
Also, there are certain factors you must keep in mind. Here are a few of them that will help you get the most out of your requests:
1. Reinforce your brand.
When writing a review request email, staying true to your brand’s voice and style is essential. Your email should reflect the personality and values of your brand, as this will help you establish a strong connection with your customers and make your email stand out.
Start by considering your brand’s tone of voice. Is it friendly and informal, or professional and serious? Once you have identified your brand’s voice, use it consistently throughout your email.
2. Make it easy to understand.
When it comes to writing a review request email, it’s crucial to keep things simple and easy to understand. The last thing you want is for your customers to be confused or unsure of what action you want them to take. By writing a clear and concise email, you increase the likelihood of your customers leaving a review.
3. Take the design into account.
The design of your email plays a crucial role in grabbing your customers’ attention and encouraging them to take action. A well-designed email can make a positive first impression and create a sense of professionalism and credibility. On the other hand, a poorly designed email can be quickly dismissed or even considered spammy.
4. Be polite.
When crafting a review request email, it’s important to remember that you’re asking your customers for a favour. You’re asking them to take time out of their busy schedules to provide feedback on their experience with your business. That’s why it’s essential to be polite and respectful in your email.
Using polite language in your review request email can help you build a positive relationship with your customers. It shows that you value their time and opinions and that you’re grateful for their support. Being polite also increases the chances that your customers will respond positively to your request and leave a review.
5. Keep it short.
A short email that gets straight to the point is more likely to grab your recipient’s attention and prompt them to take action. Be concise and focus on the most critical information, such as why you’re requesting the review and how it will benefit the recipient.
Also, remember that people read emails on their mobile devices, and long emails may not display correctly or may require excessive scrolling, which can be frustrating. So, keep it short, sweet, and to the point to increase the chances of your email being read and acted upon.
Inspiring Review Request Email Examples + Template
If you’re looking for a review request email example that delivers results, check out the following:
1. TradeGecko
TradeGecko is a SaaS business specialising in inventory and order management. Their review request email is concise yet lighthearted.
2. Volt Lightning
Volt Lightning is a business that offers professional landscaping lighting. Their review request email is pretty simple, and it includes only the essential details like the name of the product the customer bought, the order ID, and a clear call-to-action (CTA)
3. Mountain Hardware
Mountain Hardware offers clothes for climbing professionals and enthusiasts. Their review request email incorporates several CTAs and remains short and to the point.
4. Alkaline Water Plus
Alkaline Water Plus is a company that offers a wide range of water ioniser products. The subject of their email is catchy but remains clear about the email’s purpose. They ask for a review in exchange for a coupon, which is a great way to get reviews.
Get More Customer Reviews
If you’re struggling to collect quality feedback from your customers, lean on Podium—the communication platform that helps local businesses request and collect reviews quickly (especially with the free Google Review link generator). Send review invites automatically and use AI-powered response suggestions to respond to all customers efficiently. You can do so via several channels including text. Then, manage your reputation across several sites on a centralised, user-friendly dashboard.
