Google is the first port of call for many people when they need to find information or make a purchase. When researching a business, potential customers often check out their Google reviews to see what others say about their experience. This is why Google reviews are crucial for companies; they can easily influence potential customers’ purchase decisions.
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However, getting good reviews can be challenging. Customers are busy and may not be willing to take the time to leave a review. This is where text messaging comes in. SMS messages have a 98% open rate, making it convenient for businesses to ask their customers to leave a review. By providing a link in the text, customers can easily click and leave a review without going to a website or filling out a form in a few seconds.
In this article, we will explore the art of requesting Google reviews via SMS. We will discuss the benefits of using text messaging for this purpose, share some best practices, and provide you with some proven templates to make the process easy. So let’s get started!
The Advantages of Seeking Google Reviews through Text
High Open and Response Rates
Text messages boast an impressive 98% open rate and a remarkable 45% response rate, contrasting to email’s 20% open rate and 6% response rate. This translates to a significantly higher likelihood of your review requests being both noticed and acted upon when delivered via text.
Timeliness
Text messages are typically read within five minutes of receipt. This immediacy allows you to reach your customers precisely when their interaction with your business is still fresh in their memory, increasing the chances of obtaining a timely and authentic review.
Direct Link to Google Reviews
Including a direct link to your Google reviews page in your text message is a breeze. This seamless access simplifies the process for customers, enabling them to leave a review conveniently.
Personalization
Text messages lend themselves to easy personalization, allowing you to address each customer by name and include other pertinent information. This personal touch elevates the review request, making it feel more authentic and genuinely appreciated.
Convenience
Texting provides unparalleled convenience for customers to leave a review. They can do so from virtually anywhere and anytime, making the review process effortless and accessible.
Affordability
Texting is an incredibly cost-effective means of collecting Google reviews. Numerous SMS marketing platforms offer budget-friendly pricing plans, and typically, sending a text message costs less than a penny, making it a cost-efficient choice.
Segmentation
With SMS, you can easily segment your customer list and send tailored messages to specific customer groups. This level of customization allows you to craft messages that resonate with each customer’s unique interests and experience, further increasing the likelihood of receiving positive reviews.
Best Practices for Requesting Google Reviews via Text
Conciseness is Key
Keep your messages short and to the point. Your customers are busy, and long messages may discourage them. Be concise and get to the point. The goal is to make it as easy as possible for them to leave a review.
Personalization Matters
Personalization is key to creating successful SMS marketing campaigns. Customers feel connected and valued when you address them by name. You can also make your messages more relevant and relatable by tailoring them to their specific experience with your company.
Offer an Incentive
It would help if you considered giving your customers a good reason to leave a review, such as a discount on their next purchase or a free gift. This will not only encourage them to leave reviews, but it will also show your appreciation for their feedback.
Strategic Follow-Up
Don’t just send one message and leave it at that. It’s important to follow up with your customers a few days after your initial request. A polite reminder can prompt those who may have initially overlooked your message. Make sure your follow-up message is friendly and non-intrusive, and emphasize how important their input is to you.
Give Your Customers the Best Support
When you give your customers the support they need, they’ll feel appreciated and positive about your business. Use SMS updates, reminders, and exclusive promotions to build customer relationships. A strong bond will make them more likely to support your business and give you positive feedback.
Ensure Timing to Ask for a Review
The timing of a review request is essential. The perfect time to request a review varies depending on the type of business. For instance, a restaurant owner can ask their customers to leave a review after their meal, while a software company can ask their customers to leave a review after using the software for a few weeks. Ideally, it would be best to ask for a review after a positive interaction or transaction when the customer’s experience is still fresh.
Show Appreciation
Express appreciation to customers who take the time to leave a review. Thank the customer for their review supporting your business and providing genuine reviews for your company. Tell them how their review will add value to your business and help others to make a decision.
Respond to Negative Reviews
Always appreciate customer feedback, even if it’s negative. If a customer is disappointed with your service or product, reach out to them directly and apologize for their experience. Let them know that you appreciate their feedback and that you’re taking steps to address the issue. Ask them for more details about their complaint so that you can take the appropriate action.
Send an SMS Link
To make it convenient for customers to leave a review, send them a short link to your Google reviews page in an SMS. You can use a tool like TruText to shorten the link, which provides URL-shortening tools and business texting services. Copy that link and paste it into the SMS. This makes the more convenient it is for customers to leave a review, the more likely they are to do so.
Ask for Reviews from the Right Audience
You must ask the right person for an honest and helpful review. Make sure your customers have had enough time to use your product or service before you ask for their feedback. The more they’ve used it, the more informed their opinion will be.
Proven Templates for Requesting Google Reviews via Text
Hey there! Your opinion matters to us. Share your recent experience with {Business name} on Google. Click here to leave a review: [Review Link]
Hi {{first name}}, could you share your thoughts about your recent experience with {Business name} on Google? Your review helps us improve! [Review Link]
Hi {{first name}}, Your opinion matters to us. Could you leave your honest opinion with us? Click here to leave a review: [Review Link]
Hello! Help us spread the word about our service. Leave a Google review today and let others know about your experience. [Review Link]
Hi {{first name}}, Your feedback matters, [Customer’s Name]! Please take a moment to leave a Google review. We’d love to hear from you. [Review Link]
Hi [name]! How many stars would you give us? We’d appreciate your review here: [link]
Did [business name] deliver a 5-star experience, {{first name}}? We’d love to hear your thoughts in a Google review: [link]
Your review can make a difference, {{first name}}! If you have a moment, please leave one here: [link] Help [business name] grow and reach more people.
How was your recent experience with [business name], {{first name}}? We value your feedback, so please leave a review and let us know: [link]
Proven Templates for Requesting Google Reviews via SMS
Hi [Customer’s Name]! Your opinion matters. Could you spare a few minutes to share your experience in a Google review? [Review Link]
Hello again, [Customer’s Name]! Your review can help us improve. If you haven’t had a chance yet, please share your thoughts on Google: [Review Link]
Hey [Customer’s Name], it’s been a pleasure serving you. We’d love to hear your thoughts in a Google review whenever you have a moment: [Review Link]
Hi there! We value your feedback, [Customer’s Name]. If you haven’t already, please consider leaving a Google review for us here: [Review Link]
Hey there! We’re on a mission to make things even better. If you haven’t left a Google review yet, please consider doing so now: [Review Link]
Hey [Customer’s Name], it’s been a little while. We’d love to hear how we’re doing. Please leave a Google review when you can: [Review Link]
Hi there! We hope you’re still enjoying your experience with us. Your review would mean a lot. Share your thoughts on Google: [Review Link]
Request Google reviews from customers using TruText
TruText is a business texting platform that helps companies grow by making it easy to request customer reviews via Text. It also allows you to shorten links, save templates, send messages in bulk or individually, and schedule them to be sent at the perfect time.
Try TruText free for 14 days. Sign up now.
