Everyone loves a satisfied client.
Maybe even more than a satisfied client, we all love a good review from a satisfied client.
Positive, helpful reviews give us a leg to stand on when we’re selling ourselves – and a chance to show the world (and potential clients) why we’re so amazing.
And using these reviews strategically as testimonials can be pure marketing gold.
In this blog, we’ll explain what makes a good review and how to get these types of reviews from your clients.
The Difference Between a Good Review and a Great Review
Good reviews emphasize what we already say about ourselves.
Great reviews tell clients new details about us and do the selling for us!
These types of reviews tell potential clients something about the case we helped them with, what they loved about working with us, and why we’re different from our competitors.
So how do you get these types of great reviews from your clients?
3 Ways to Get Great Reviews
Before you begin, keep these tips in mind:
- It’s vital that you know and understand the bar rules in your state. While some states have pretty lenient guidelines, others have very strict rules about what you can collect and use. Make sure to review your state’s bar rules before you begin any strategy to collect client testimonials.
- Make a list of people to avoid asking for a review. You don’t want to ask people who you’re not 100% sure they will say something positive. You don’t want to request a review from someone and wind up with a 3-star review on Google that brings your score down after all your hard work.
Now you’re ready to get started. Here are 3 ways to get the kinds of stellar reviews that will bring you new clients again and again.
1. Ask people personally
Clients who are extremely satisfied tend to let you know, but if they aren’t letting you know personally, there’s a chance they’re letting your paralegal know.
This communication is a golden opportunity to collect online reviews. When clients express their gratitude and thanks, your paralegal can tell them the best thank you is an online review.
Plus, if you’re still in touch with any of your previous clients, email or even text them directly to write you a review.
Clients who remain in contact with you are more likely to go out of their way to give you a helping hand after all you did for them.
Make it clear how important this review is to you, and give them a few pointers on the best way to get their feedback across.
(Not sure what pointers to include? Our marketing team can help with that.)
2. Create a personalized email newsletter to send to your best clients
If you’re already immersed in the online marketing and advertising world, there’s a good chance you already have an email newsletter and a growing list of former clients to send it to.
As part of your next email newsletter, try introducing a “Help Us Do Better” section.
With a catchy headline, well-formed questions, and an easy response method, you’ll have a new tool that will provide you with valuable marketing material.
Pro Tip: This is another instance when you should be careful about who you’re asking for reviews. Double-check your list to make sure it’s only going to people who will write truly positive reviews for you.
3. STAR LEVEL: Video testimonials
Want to go for the gold?
Video testimonials from clients are helpful tools that can be used throughout your marketing because whatever your former clients say in the video can be used as written marketing copy elsewhere, as well!
It can be difficult to get a client to agree to go on camera – and then to actually film a good review that doesn’t seem forced or awkward.
But when they’re done well, they are the crème de la crème of testimonials!
You’ve got the reviews … Now what?
Amassing usable client testimonials and reviews is a process that takes time and consistent effort.
It takes research, planning, and execution to get right, but the work will likely supply you with priceless content that will resonate with your audience.
Be wary of anyone promising you quick results … Real, heartfelt words of appreciation, reviews, and videos take time to gather, but they have a lasting effect on your reputation and your firm.
Not sure the best ways to use these great new reviews?
Conversations Digital offers 1:1 hands-on testimonial and review gathering planning, troubleshooting, and strategizing.