online reviews Getting More (And Better) Online Reviews

[Ron Ipach]

I'm going to go out here on a limb here and tell you -
YOUR ONLINE REVIEWS ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR IN ATTRACTING MORE CAR COUNT!

Lemme 'splain...

First of all, the reviews given by your customers reveal the health of your business. If your customers aren't saying good things about you, that's a warning sign that you better get your act together right now and start providing a better experience for your customers.

Also, if you only have a few handfuls out of all the hundreds or thousands of customers you've worked saying good things - that's not a healthy sign either. They may like, or even love, doing business with you, but if they aren't telling the world (aka writing an online review), their little secret is hurting your chances to attract more car count.

You see, studies show that 92% of folks will read reviews before making a buying decision, and if you don't have a stellar reputation (4.7 or higher), they'll move on to the next shop.

In fact, I advise that you completely stay away from any form of online advertising for new customers unless your score is at least a 4.7 out of 5.0. Why? Because your prospective new customer will easily be able to compare you with everyone else and will more than likely choose the shop with the better reputation - negating all the time, money, and effort you've put into your advertising efforts.

Look, you can argue with me all you want, but we're talking human nature here. Most will always go with the higher recommended shop. Why not? If you don't have a great reputation score, all you're really doing is advertising for your competitors that do.

But your score isn't the only factor being looked at. There are actually three factors that are important about your reviews.

1. Quality (4.7 or higher overall score is needed)
2. Quantity (These days, a minimum of 75 reviews are needed, but in highly competitive areas, 150+ is needed)
3. Recency (You must be getting 1 or 2 new reviews every single week)

=== So you say you do a great job, your customers love you, but they just aren't writing those positive reviews that you need in order to let the rest of the world know how awesome you are, right? Here are three ways to get more reviews:

1. Ask. (Duh!)
2. Bribe. This has been very effective for a lot of my clients in the past, however it's also considered a no-no by the review sites and may get your account shut down if they find out.
3. Use an automated service like Soapboxx to do it for you that will email or text your customers after their service, ask if they were happy, and then send them directly to Google, Facebook, YP, or wherever you wish so they can write a quick word about their experience.

Soapboxx is the only automated review-boosting service created specifically for the auto repair industry and the beta-testing of the software has just been completed. (See just a few of the remarks from the users below) Go to www.Soapboxx.io for more details.

Check out what some of the members of the new Soapboxx platform are saying...

Whatever you choose to do, ask, bribe, or automate the whole thing - put getting more 4-5 star reviews at the top of your to-do list. It's simply the best thing you can do to help attract more car count to your shop!

[bstewart]

Are you affiliated in any way with Soapboxx? This post, while slightly informative, feels like you're plugging your own business.

[Ron Ipach]

Yes I am. I created it and own the company. And yes, I'm plugging my own business just like every good business person should be doing every day.

Someday soon, when you get your own shop (I see your profile says you're a "Future Shop Owner"), you'll be doing the same. Good luck! 😉

 

[newport5]

Actually, he'll be plugging HIS business, not a business that we don't know is his. Subtle difference.

[Ron Ipach]

Getting back to the topic... do NOT encourage your customers to give you Yelp reviews as Yelp has had a long-standing view that reviews should happen organically (without any encouragement).

Unfortunately, getting the 'organic' reviews is difficult because most folks simply aren't in the habit of posting them. Think about it... How many times have you been thrilled with the service you received at a restaurant or other place of business, yet you never took the time to write a review. They, just like you, deserve the public 'high-fives', but they rarely happen on their own.

In my view, you must take a proactive approach if you want to get more and better reviews.