Getting customer reviews can feel like a struggle for many small businesses, but reviews are one of the best ways to build trust, attract new customers, and encourage repeat visits. Whether you run a café, shop, salon, bar, or gym, reviews help potential customers decide whether to visit — and a digital loyalty app like Llama Points can help you gather those reviews more easily.
If you’ve been wondering how to get more customer reviews (without awkwardly asking or chasing people), here are five simple and proven tips to help.
1. When’s the best time to ask customers for a review?
Timing is everything. The best time to ask for a review is right after a positive experience when your customer is happy and satisfied.
Examples of good times to ask:
• After they finish their meal or coffee.
• After a haircut or beauty treatment.
• When they’ve made a purchase and said “thank you” or “I love this!”
• After they’ve redeemed a reward through your loyalty programme.
Top tip: If you’re using a loyalty app like Llama Points, you can send a message directly to your customers asking for a review, making it easy and natural.
2. How can I make it easy for customers to leave a review?
Most people don’t leave reviews because they don’t know where or how. Making it easy is key.
Here’s how:
• Add a QR code at your till, on tables, or near the entrance that links directly to your review page.
• Include a direct link in follow-up emails or messages (with Llama Points, you can send this through the app).
• Add “Review us on Google” or “Review us on Facebook” buttons on your website and social media profiles.
• Print a gentle reminder on receipts, packaging, or loyalty cards.
The easier you make it, the more likely customers are to leave a review.
3. Should I offer an incentive for reviews?
Yes, you can encourage reviews with small incentives, as long as you are asking for honest feedback and not just positive reviews.
Ideas include:
• A monthly prize draw for anyone who leaves a review (e.g., “Leave a review this month to win a free coffee or £10 voucher”).
• A small discount or freebie on their next visit as a thank you.
• Double loyalty points if they leave a review — this is simple to manage if you use an app like Llama Points.
Just make sure you are asking for genuine feedback and not only five-star reviews.
4. Should I respond to customer reviews?
Yes, always. Responding to reviews shows customers that you care and appreciate their feedback.
Here’s why it’s important:
• Thanking customers for positive reviews encourages more people to leave their own.
• Responding well to negative reviews shows you take feedback seriously and are committed to improving.
• Future customers reading your reviews will see that you are engaged and responsive.
Examples of good responses:
• Positive review: “Thank you so much! We’re so glad you enjoyed your visit and hope to see you again soon.”
• Negative review: “Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry to hear this and would love to make it right. Please get in touch so we can chat further.”
5. How can I use good reviews to get more customers?
Great reviews are a powerful marketing tool — don’t let them go to waste.
Ways to use reviews in your marketing:
• Share a “Review of the Week” on Instagram or Facebook.
• Add customer testimonials to your website.
• Include quotes from reviews in your email newsletters.
• Share reviews on social media stories and tag the customer (with their permission).
If you use a loyalty app like Llama Points, you can also send great reviews directly to your customers to encourage more visits.
Bonus Tip: What if I get a bad review?
Don’t panic. A few negative reviews won’t ruin your reputation, especially if you reply professionally and address the feedback.
In fact, responding well to a bad review can show potential customers that you care about making things right, which builds trust.
Focus on encouraging happy customers to leave reviews regularly — this will naturally balance out any occasional negative feedback.
Why Customer Reviews Matter (and How Llama Points Can Help)
Customer reviews build trust, attract new customers, and give you valuable feedback to improve.
Llama Points makes gathering reviews even easier by allowing you to:
• Send a message directly to customers asking for a review.
• Reward customers with points for leaving feedback.
• Keep customers coming back by offering simple, digital loyalty rewards.
If you’re ready to boost customer loyalty and get more reviews, start your free trial of Llama Points today at llamapoints.com.
Llama Points: Simple. Digital. Rewarding.