How To Get Customer Reviews

There are two types of SEO: local & non-local. I wish I could think of a better name for the non-local businesses, but I can't at the moment. 

Local businesses use different strategies. The need two things:

• customer reviews
• business listings

In today's post I want to share 6 examples that local businesses in my area have used to get customer reviews. Some are bad, while others are quite good at getting them.

1. Costa Vida

This is one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in Utah. My fiancee and I probably go there once a month. The receipt for your meal tells you that if you call in and take a survey, then you'll get free chips and salsa next time you visit. 

Not only are the chips and salsa amazing, but we also do the survey every time we go. Great move Costa Vida! :)

2. Victoria Secret

I had a little bit of help from my fiancee on this one. I learned that you order something, the receipt says you can save $10 off your next purchase that's over $50 if you call in and take the quick survey. She's used that several times. The only downside, she says, is that the stores don't carry a great selection as compared to what's available online. 

3. Wingers

For years, my buddies and I would fill out the survey to receive 6 free wings with our next purchase.Wingers used to do this and they need to bring it back. 

4. Old Navy 

Old Navy also has the same offer that Victoria Secret has. Save $10 off your next $50 or more purchase.

5. Paradise Bakery & Cafe

I've never actually liked their food, but my fiancee used to work there. She said that you can take the survey to get a free cookie. You have to take the survey while you're in the store. I was surprised to know that not very many people ever did it. 

When I asked my fiancee why this was the case, she said that they never told anyone about it. That right there is the problem. You, local business owners, need to train your staff to make these surveys known to customers.

6. Taco Bell

Every Taco Bell receipt says that you have a chance to win $1,000 if you fill out the survey. This is a terrible way of getting customer reviews. It's like gambling, something for nothing. (Most people lose.) You'll get more reviews if you give an immediate benefit. 

Final Thoughts & Conclusion

Customers are more than willing to fill out a review if they feel like they'll get something worthwhile out of it. Hopefully these examples give you some ideas on what you can do to get more customer reviews. One final thought is that you need to keep the survey short. Ask between 5-10 small and easy to answer questions.