So you have done a great job and have the reviews to prove it. What next? Take advantage of the kudos and use them in your marketing campaigns. Here are a few ideas.
#1. Success stories with reviews
Once you have captured reviews, collect them and pick out the most favored ones for case studies. Write a story about the client and the project performed or installed by your company. Please include any problems you encountered in the bio and how you solved them with the homeowner’s cooperation. Choose at least three scenarios of work/service you offer in different parts of town to highlight each with quality photos. Highlight these case studies on your website, blog, and/or e-newsletters. The “real deal” is what people want to read, how you accomplished the task and the client’s testimony. That speaks volumes and will generate more leads and quality reviews for your business.
#2. Make a video review
Some people are just camera hogs and want all the attention. Give them an opportunity, and they will put on their best face. When you find that client, use it to your advantage and film them. Prompt them with questions such as 1) What were the issues surrounding this project that prompted you to call our company? 2) What did you do in your landscape? 3) How did we handle the job and meet your expectations? Keep the video to 2-3 minutes maximum, involving a good editor. Practice beforehand and give your client a heads-up on what questions you will ask. Give them guidance on being brief but effective with their time. You may have someone to hold the camera while you get in the video to guide the conversation. Post on YouTube (which Google owns and let SEO begin).
#3. Use excerpts
Sometimes you get those once-in-a-lifetime quotes that you can’t let sit idle. Use them in your marketing campaigns. Post them or links to the reviews on your website, social media, print materials, and e-newsletters to verify your credibility and illustrate how your products and services solve problems and improve daily living from the client’s perspective.
Notes: After acquiring permission from the client to use their testimonial, use only their first name and last initial to protect their privacy and the town they live in.
i.e., <Jane D., Asheville, NC>
Mining for gold is easy when you have great reviews from your clients. That’s why follow-up is key after the sale! If you need help acquiring client reviews, call me, and I can help!
