Want More Good Reviews? Train Your Customers And Make It Easy For Them

The internet has flipped the script on how small businesses grow. It used to be all about word of mouth or traditional advertising, like an ad in the local paper or on the radio. Now, your reputation often starts, and sometimes ends, online. One bad review can sting, but a steady stream of good ones can drive real growth. The catch? Most happy customers don’t leave reviews unless you remind them.

Let’s be honest, if you want positive feedback and want people to use your online tools, you have to show them the way. In 2011, my wife, son, and I visited Antigua and noticed something smart: every restaurant printed a reminder to rate them online, right on the receipt. It was everywhere. Fast forward over a decade, and many businesses here in the Virgin Islands and across the mainland still hand out receipts with no mention of reviews or a website link. It’s a missed opportunity.

If you’re serious about leveling up, start asking for what you want. Send follow-up emails. Add a quick line to your receipts or checkout screens. If it’s within your budget, consider offering an incentive—perhaps a discount on their next visit if they complete a survey or leave a review. And if you want your customers to do more business online instead of calling or showing up in person, let them know there’s a benefit to doing so. Airlines have trained us for years: book online, skip the fees. Do the same with your customers.

Running a business is tough, but you can make it easier by training your customers to follow your processes. Don’t be shy, communicate, remind, and reward. The more you guide your customers online, the more your business (and your sanity) will grow. Start today and watch the difference.

How are you getting feedback from your customers? What simple change can you make this week to get more reviews or online orders? Share your ideas or your wins!

Actionable Steps to Get More Positive Reviews

• Train your team: Make sure everyone on staff understands the importance of reviews and knows how to encourage customers.
• Ask every time: Ask satisfied customers for a review, either in person or during follow-up conversations.
• Automate reminders: Send a follow-up email or text after each purchase/service with a direct link to your review page.
• Make it easy: Provide a QR code at checkout or on receipts that links directly to your preferred review site.
• Include a review request in your signature: Add a friendly review prompt with a link in your email signature.
• Follow up quickly: The sooner you ask, the more likely customers are to respond—don’t wait days or weeks.
• Promote your review sites: Feature links to Google, Facebook, Yelp, or TripAdvisor on your website, social media, and in-store signage.
• Incentivize feedback: Offer small rewards, like a discount, freebie, or entry into a giveaway for leaving a review (while following each platform’s guidelines).
• Respond to all reviews: Thank those who leave positive reviews and address any negative feedback professionally—this shows you care and encourages others to share their experience.
• Share positive reviews: Highlight good feedback on your website or social media. When customers see you value their input, they’re more likely to contribute.