Customer Reviews Are Your Secret Weapon—Here’s How to Use Them

Nov 4

Word-of-mouth has gone digital—and online reviews are now one of the most important factors in local buying decisions. In fact, studies show that over 90% of customers read reviews before visiting a business.

Here’s how to turn your reviews into a marketing advantage:

1. Ask for Reviews—Strategically

Most happy customers are willing to leave a review—they just need a little nudge.

Best times to ask:

Right after a successful service or sale
In a thank-you email
With a follow-up text

Pro tip: Include direct links to your Google or Yelp review pages to make it easy.

2. Make It Part of Your Process

Don’t leave reviews to chance—build them into your workflow:

Add a review request to your receipts or invoices
Include a QR code in your shop or on packaging
Have your staff ask verbally after a great experience

3. Respond to Every Review (Yes, Every One)

Responding shows you care—and Google takes notice too.

For positive reviews:

Thank them personally
Highlight a specific detail they mentioned

For negative reviews:

Stay calm and professional
Acknowledge the issue and offer to make it right

4. Showcase Reviews in Your Marketing

Your best reviews are content gold.

Ways to use them:

Feature quotes on your website
Turn them into testimonial graphics for social media
Include them in email campaigns

5. Monitor and Measure

Track how many reviews you get each month and what people are saying. Use this feedback to improve your service—and your reputation.

Tools to try:

Google Business Profile dashboard
Review management software (like GatherUp or NiceJob)

Final Thought: Let Your Customers Do the Talking

Reviews aren’t just nice to have—they’re a growth tool. When managed well, they boost your visibility, build trust, and turn happy customers into your best marketers.

At Galley Marketing, we help businesses set up smart systems to grow reviews and reputation. Let us show you how.

Julie Karges https://www.juliekarges.com