Customer reviews are the cornerstone of any successful digital marketing strategy. With the overwhelming majority (https://www.statista.com/forecasts/997187/attitudes-towards-online-shopping-in-the-us "overwhelming majority") of consumers consulting online reviews before purchasing a product or service, online reviews matter now more than ever. Whether you are just starting to implement a process for obtaining client reviews or you are looking to streamline your current process and grow the number of online reviews for your law practice, here are some strategies to help you achieve your goals.
Get the Timing Right
Asking for client reviews can be delicate. It may feel awkward to make the request in person, and you have to trust that the client will take time out of their day to complete this task. You also don’t want to ask a client for a review if they’ve recently complained to you or seem dissatisfied in some way. Instead, capitalize on high-momentum situations—perhaps you just negotiated a favorable settlement on behalf of the client or exceeded their expectations. Express your gratitude for these clients and tell them you would very much appreciate their feedback. Then, direct them to the online review site where they can write a quick review then and there.
Streamline the Process
The more you can streamline and simplify the review process for your clients, the more likely they will be to follow through with your request. There are several automation tools available to law firms that send review requests to clients after they’ve concluded a meeting with you. Many of these tools provide clients with a one-click option to rate your legal services and write a brief message. The rating and message will then appear on the review site, making the entire process as fast and convenient as possible for your clients.
Harness the Power of Your Existing Client Relationships
While automation is a great way to capture the reviews of newer clients, you should also consider asking those clients with whom you’ve cultivated lasting relationships to write a review. Sometimes, a personal request goes a long way in incentivizing a current or former client to write a thoughtful review. Trust your intuition—if you think a client would be open to writing a review, ask them. Similarly, recognize that you do not have to ask each and every client for a review, so lean on those clients who are the most likely to sing your praises.
If you’re looking to improve the online review process for your clients, call LegalRev today at (800) 893-2590 to discuss your goals.