The WISE Guide to Asking for Reviews

While it may be tempting to write off your online reputation as just another vanity metric, the fact is negative reviews can destroy your business. A top-heavy collection of defamatory reviews on Yelp, Glassdoor, and Google doesn’t just erode consumer trust; it also hurts search engine rankings and your SEO potential.

So how do business owners rebalance the scales and get their happy customers to leave more positive reviews?

Just Ask

Unhappy customers love telling you and the world how they feel. Happy customers need to be nudged into leaving positive reviews.

The good news? If you know how to ask customers for reviews properly, roughly 70% of customers will likely leave one. The key is to make the request at the right time and in the right way.

We suggest asking clients for reviews after you have reached a project milestone. If the customer forgets, follow up once the project is completed or after they extend service.

Add Review Links to Messages

If you send order confirmation emails or monthly newsletters, you already have a vehicle to ask customers for reviews. All you have to do is add simple, direct links to your review platforms with a friendly call to action. For example, your digital newsletter might include a module that says,

"If you're happy with our service, please know that positive words go a long way in helping our company fulfill its mission. We're always grateful for your reviews!"

The message is short, genuine, personal, and emotionally resonant—exactly the kind of language that prompts customers to take action.

Target Engaged Customers

Instead of blasting positive review requests to every customer, hone in on those most engaged with your brand. More specifically, when deciding how to ask customers for reviews, target those who:

• Are long-term partners
• Place multiple orders or continue renewing services
• Engage with your brand on social media
• Send referrals your way
• Have left positive reviews in the past

Never Underestimate the Power of the Personal Touch

Think about the positive impact a handwritten thank-you note can have, especially in a digital world that feels more disconnected than ever.

Writing a handwritten message shows genuine gratitude and can create a powerful emotional connection with your customers.

These notes don't have to be lengthy—but they must be genuine. Here's a simple format that works well:

• Address the customer by name
• Thank them for their business
• Reference something unique about your interaction with the customer
• Make a gentle review request
• Provide a QR code or simple URL, making it easy for the customer to share their experience

Here’s an example:

“Dear [Customer’s Name]: Thank you for trusting WISE with your reputation management needs. I am so pleased our team was able to remove those false reviews from Yelp! I’m also looking forward to launching your new website.

I know our team sincerely enjoyed working with you, but if you have a minute, we’d love to hear about your experience working with us. Just scan the QR code below to share your thoughts. It only takes a minute and would mean the world to us. Best, [Your Name]

Incentivize Reviews

While we do not advocate “buying” positive reviews, we are not opposed to incentivizing them. When learning how to ask customers for reviews, remember that transparent incentives can encourage satisfied customers to take one extra step and share their genuine experiences.

The key is in rewarding an honest review—not using rewards to guilt customers into leaving disingenuous feedback.

In other words, do this: “Leave a review and get 10% off your next purchase.”

Don’t do this: “Leave a 5-star review to receive a 10% discount off your next purchase.”

Develop an Online Review-Building Strategy

Many clients approach us about managing their online reputation. While we do have a nearly 100% success rate at removing false, fake, or defamatory reviews on Google, Facebook, and Glassdoor, we can only give you the tools to build a strong online presence. Building authentic reviews requires direct engagement with your customers. And no agency (not even WISE) can emulate that genuine relationship.

Want to learn more about how to ask customers for reviews? Get our Guide to Building an Online Review Strategy, a free resource that offers:

• Data-driven insights into how reviews influence your Google ranking
• Step-by-step instructions for creating an effective review strategy
• A review request email template that gets results
• Tips for monitoring and responding to reviews
• Methods for turning customer feedback into business improvements