How to Ask Customers for Reviews (with Examples)

According to Okendo’s research on ecommerce trust, 95% of consumers believe reviews are important when making a purchase decision, with a significant portion (34%) asserting that they are “extremely” important.

Although this data is an important reminder of the value of customer reviews for your brand, it isn’t all that surprising. We know online reviews wield immense power. They can make or break your business, influence purchasing decisions, and shape your company’s reputation. The bigger, and perhaps more urgent question to ask yourself is this: How do I go about generating reviews without feeling pushy or intrusive?

If this question is top of mind for your brand, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we describe exactly how to request reviews from your customers without turning into that annoying brand that won’t leave their inbox. To make this an easy-to-follow guide, we’ll also show real-life examples of review request emails from some of the fastest-growing brands. 

By the end of this blog, you’ll know exactly what to do to encourage more customer feedback. First, though, let’s remind ourselves why it’s important to ask customers for reviews.

Why Ask for Reviews

Since the boom of ecommerce, the role of customer reviews have skyrocketed in importance. Beyond serving as mere testimonials, customer reviews hold enormous influence, helping potential buyers make informed decisions and forming the backbone of trust in online commerce. Here are a few reasons why you should actively seek out reviews from your customers.

• Showcasing valuable social proof: Imagine walking into a store and seeing a product endorsed by countless satisfied customers. The chances are that you’d feel more confident about making a purchase. Similarly, in the digital realm, reviews serve as the equivalent of word-of-mouth recommendations. They provide valuable social proof that reassures online shoppers that your product is indeed worth their consideration. By showcasing reviews on your site, you offer potential buyers tangible evidence of your product’s quality, helping build trust. 

• Fostering Customer Loyalty: Beyond the immediate benefit of acquiring reviews, asking customers to share their experiences can also foster a sense of engagement and customer loyalty. When you solicit feedback, you signal to your customers that their opinions matter. This act of inclusion strengthens the bond between your brand and its customers, making them feel valued and appreciated. In turn, this increased loyalty can translate into repeat business and long-term customer relationships, vital for the sustained growth of any ecommerce brand.

• Collecting User-Generated Content as a Persuasive Tool: Authenticity is a prized commodity in ecommerce. User-generated content (UGC), in the form of reviews, is a testament to your product’s real-world impact on people’s lives. Shoppers, when browsing your site, are more likely to resonate with individuals who share similar needs and behaviors. Seeing that people like them are not only using your product but also deriving genuine satisfaction from it can be a powerful persuader. It creates a connection that transcends marketing rhetoric, tapping into the innate desire for relatability.

For additional insights and tips to help you make the most of your customer reviews, read: Maximize Review Generation, Increase Your Conversion Rate.

How to Request Reviews from Your Customers

Here’s how to make the most of asking customers for reviews:

1. Get Creative with Your Copy

When it comes to asking customers for reviews, your choice of words and the tone you use can make all the difference. If you’re too pushy, your customers might be put off. But if you’re too vague, they won’t know what you want them to do.

To stand out and encourage customers to share their experiences, it’s time to get creative with your copy. When you’re asking for reviews, the last thing you want to do is sound like a faceless corporation. You might consider using humor or memorable catchphrases to make your request more memorable. Or, just use a conversational and friendly tone that aligns with your brand’s personality.

Not only does the above create a deeper connection with your customers and show off your personality, it nudges them in the right direction so they don’t leave without having their say.

Culprit Underwear injects personality into their review request emails. See how they use they use their brand’s personality to grab the shopper’s attention. 

How to ask customers for reviews:

• Avoid dull copy and instead let your brand’s personality fuel how you ask for reviews
• Use emojis and emoticons to give emails a personal, friendly feel
• Incorporate memes or pop culture pictures to tap into your customers’ interests
• Write like you’re speaking to a friend

2. Personalize Your Communications

Customers crave personalized experiences. Generic, one-size-fits-all requests for reviews often fall flat. To truly connect with your customers and increase the likelihood of them leaving reviews, you need to personalize your communications.

A simple yet effective way to personalize your communication is by addressing your customers by their first names. Starting your message with a warm greeting like “Hi [Customer’s Name],” instantly adds a personal touch. It shows that you value the individual behind the email or message and aren’t just sending out mass requests. You’ll be able to quickly build trust and drive more engagement as a result.

You can also demonstrate that you’ve been paying attention to your customers’ interactions with your business. Mention specific products they’ve purchased or services they’ve used. Personalizing your communications shows your customers that you see them as individuals, not just numbers in your database. It fosters a sense of connection and trust, making them more likely to respond positively to your review requests.

How to personalize review requests:

• Use the customer’s name where possible
• Mention the product they have bought when asking for reviews
• Make customers feel special with the words you use