Online reviews are among the strongest drivers in how customers make a decision to go out to dine. For restaurants, positive reviews go beyond mere words-they constitute the heart of building credibility, attracting new customers, and making them return again. It’s daunting when running a restaurant, as you are keen on promoting more reviews. There is a silver lining: using the right strategy to increase restaurant reviews.
What Are Online Reviews?
Online reviews are public comments that customers leave on platforms like Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor, or your restaurant’s social media. They often include star ratings, alongside detailed descriptions of a customer’s experience.
Why do these reviews matter? Potential customers believe other people’s feedback, particularly about dining. New studies report that 93% of consumers read online reviews before visiting a business, and 84% trust online reviews as much as they do personal recommendations. These reviews influence individual visits and also help optimize the discoverability of your restaurant with local search rankings.
Online reviews are not just opinions. They can be a source of insight into your strengths and areas for improvement, giving you actionable data to deliver an even better experience to your patrons.
Now that you know their value, here’s how to encourage customers to share their experiences.
6 Strategies to Increase Restaurant Reviews
- Make It Super Easy for Customers to Leave Reviews
The main issue here is that the customers just do not know where to leave reviews or feel it is too cumbersome. Streamline the process and you’ll dramatically increase participation. Here’s how:
- Display QR codes on your tables, receipts, or menus linking directly to your review pages on Google, Yelp, or TripAdvisor.
- Add clickable links in follow-up emails for online orders or bookings.
- Promote your profiles widely on Google and Yelp in-house at your restaurant, as well as on your website.
The less hassle, the more likely happy customers will bother to leave you feedback.
- Ask for Reviews – At the Right Time
Sometimes, a little nudge is all it takes. Don’t be afraid to ask customers to leave a review, but timing is everything. The best moments to ask are when customers are satisfied and engaged. For example:
- After a particularly enjoyable dining experience
- When regulars compliment your service or menu
- At the end of a fun event or special occasion celebrated at your establishment
You can do this face-to-face (encouraging a personal connection), through follow-up emails, or via receipts with “We’d love your feedback” messages.
Always be polite and avoid pushing too hard – it’s about encouragement rather than obligation.
- Provide Incentives
People love rewards, but incentives for reviews have to be treated with care. Direct payment for positive reviews is unethical and is often banned by review sites. But there’s nothing wrong with giving little rewards for honest feedback.
Some ethical ways of incentivizing reviews include:
- Giving them a discount code for their next visit.
- Entering each reviewer into a monthly prize draw, like a voucher or free meal.
- Offer them a free dessert or coffee the next time they come.
Ensure that your rewards are open to honest and unbiased feedback rather than asking them for only positive reviews.
- Interact With Existing Reviews
This is an opportunity to make a good impression on existing reviews, be they good, average, or bad. It shows potential customers that you care about feedback and are committed to improvement. This also fosters goodwill in the community of existing reviewers.
This is how:
- Thank customers for their time and kind words. A simple “Thank you for dining with us and sharing your experience!” goes a long way.
- Address negative reviews with empathy and transparency. Take responsibility for any mistakes, share how you’ll resolve the issue, and invite them back for a better experience.
- Reply Quickly – timely responses demonstrate attentiveness, which builds trust with potential reviewers.
When customers see that their voice is heard, they’re more likely to leave a review themselves.
- Leverage Social Media
Social media provides a direct line of communication with both existing and potential customers. Use your restaurant’s profiles to directly ask for reviews or showcase your happy customers as inspiration for others.
Here are some ideas:
- Share photos of happy customers enjoying their food (with their consent!) with a nice caption like, “Enjoyed dining with these wonderful patrons! Share your experience with us on Google!”
- Share good reviews as posts and thank the author. For instance, “Thanks for the awesome review, [Name]! We are so glad you enjoyed your meal.”
- Host contests that make followers want to comment, such as asking them to describe their favorite menu item for a chance to win a meal for two.
Social media is a motivational tool that combines community engagement with actionable feedback.
- Deliver Exceptional Experience Every Time
Ultimately, the best way to get more restaurant reviews is to give a reason to write about. Consistent great food, attentive service, and a warm atmosphere will encourage customers to share their good experiences.
Focus on:
- Maintaining high food quality, with a well-curated menu that doesn’t disappoint.
- Training staff on customer service best practices to ensure friendly and prompt attention.
- Personalized touches, such as remembering regulars’ orders or accommodating special requests.
When your restaurant provides memorable experiences, customers will be eager to tell others – even without being asked. Excellence is the foundation of positive feedback.
Conclusion
Online reviews can be a strong way to fortify your restaurant’s reputation, attract new customers, and foster a loyal following. These 6 strategies can significantly increase restaurant reviews: simplify the review process, ask at the right time, offer rewards, engage with current reviews, use social media, and provide memorable experiences.
Don’t let your reputation be left to chance. Start earning the glowing reviews your restaurant deserves today.
You can also earn more 5-star reviews using restaurant marketing automation tools.
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