How can you request and thank customers for reviews?

1 Choose the right platform

The first step is to decide where you want your customers to leave their reviews. There are many platforms available, such as Google, Facebook, Yelp, DealerRater, or your own website. You should choose the platform that suits your goals, your audience, and your brand. For example, if you want to increase your visibility on search engines, Google reviews might be a good option. If you want to engage with your social media followers, Facebook reviews might be more effective. You can also use multiple platforms, but don't overwhelm your customers with too many options.

2 Ask at the right time

The next step is to find the best moment to ask your customers for a review. You don't want to ask them too soon, when they haven't had enough time to experience your service, or too late, when they might have forgotten about you. A good rule of thumb is to ask them within a few days of their purchase, when they are still excited and satisfied with their new car. You can also use triggers, such as a follow-up call, an email, a text message, or a thank-you note, to remind them of their positive experience and encourage them to share it.

3 Make it easy and personal

The third step is to make the review process as easy and personal as possible. You don't want to make your customers work hard or feel like they are just a number. You want to make them feel valued and appreciated. You can do this by providing them with a direct link to the review platform, by using their name and other details, by explaining why their review matters to you and your business, and by expressing your gratitude and enthusiasm. You can also offer them some incentives, such as a discount, a free service, or a referral program, to motivate them to leave a review.

4 Respond and thank

The final step is to respond and thank your customers for their reviews. You should do this regardless of whether the review is positive or negative. You want to show your customers that you care about their opinions and that you are willing to improve your service. You can do this by acknowledging their feedback, by addressing their concerns or complaints, by highlighting their compliments or suggestions, and by inviting them to come back or contact you again. You can also share their reviews on your social media or website, to showcase your customer satisfaction and loyalty.

5 Monitor and improve

The last tip is to monitor and improve your review strategy. You should keep track of your review performance, such as the number, the rating, the sentiment, and the content of your reviews. You should also analyze your customer feedback, to identify your strengths and weaknesses, your opportunities and threats, and your areas of improvement. You should also test and tweak your review requests, to see what works best for your customers and your business. By doing this, you can optimize your review strategy and achieve your goals.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?