14 Proven Strategies to Increase Customer Trust With Product Reviews on Your eCommerce Website

14 Proven Strategies to Increase Customer Trust With Product Reviews on Your eCommerce Website

When it comes to building trust and credibility for your eCommerce website, customer testimonials and product reviews play a significant role. Positive feedback from satisfied customers can influence potential buyers and encourage them to choose your brand. In this article, we'll explore some creative ideas to help you generate more customer testimonials and product reviews for your eCommerce website.

Let's dive in!

1. Add a Review App on Your Website

Integrate review apps on your ecommerce website to make the review collection process seamless by displaying customer ratings and testimonials prominently on product pages. There are many popular review apps that you may consider, like Judge.me, Okendo, Yotpo, Loox and more. 

2. Add Review Reminder Emails

Send a friendly and personalized email to customers after they've received their products. Thank them for their purchase and kindly request feedback. Include a direct link to the review section on your website to make it easy for customers to leave their thoughts. A gentle reminder can go a long way in generating more reviews.

3. Ask Loyal Customers

Identify your most loyal customers and reach out to them personally to request testimonials. These customers already have a strong affinity for your brand, making them more likely to provide positive feedback. Craft a genuine message explaining why their testimonials matter and how they can help others discover your exceptional products. This process can be time consuming, but it’s worth the effort. 

Identify customers who have achieved remarkable results or unique success stories with your products. Conduct in-depth interviews or case studies to showcase their experiences. Highlight the transformation or positive impact your products have had on their lives. These stories can be compelling testimonials that resonate with potential customers.

Of course - it's best to simplify the review process for customers. The easiest way to do that, is to provide a few questions your customers can answer. This will make it easy for customers to share their experiences.

4. Create a Testimonials Page

Design a dedicated page on your website to showcase customer testimonials. Highlight the diversity of your customers' experiences and include their names or photos (with their permission). This will be a separate page from the Product Reviews page. This page becomes a powerful resource for potential buyers seeking validation and reassurance about your brand. 

Encourage customers to share photos or videos of themselves using your products. Feature this user-generated content on your website, social media platforms, or even in your marketing campaigns. This not only generates authentic visual testimonials but also encourages others to share their experiences.

5. Provide Exceptional Customer Service

Deliver exceptional customer service that exceeds expectations. When customers have a positive experience with your brand, they're more likely to leave glowing reviews. Respond promptly to inquiries, resolve issues efficiently, and go the extra mile to create memorable experiences. Happy customers will be eager to share their satisfaction with others.

6. Post on Social Media

You may also use social media to encourage customers to write testimonials and product reviews. When you share existing customer success stories and testimonials on your social media platforms, others will feel more comfortable to do it too. Prompt followers to share their experiences and tag your brand. Engage with these posts and encourage further participation to create a sense of community around your brand.

7. Run a Contest or Campaign

Launch a review contest or campaign to generate excitement and engagement. Encourage customers to submit video reviews, creative photos, or written testimonials. Offer attractive prizes or exclusive discounts for participants. This not only increases the quantity of reviews but also adds a fun and interactive element to your brand.

8. Offer Incentives for Case Studies

Consider offering incentives to customers who give you case studies (we call them Customer Stories). It could be a discount on their next purchase, exclusive access to a special offer, or a chance to win a prize. Incentives motivate customers to share their experiences and increase the likelihood of receiving valuable testimonials. Please be aware that ‘paying for reviews’ is against policies of many online platforms because it may lead to ‘biased’ reviews, which is true. That’s why when offering incentives, it’s best to treat them as an added bonus, and not as the main motivation for leaving feedback. 

9. Follow Up with Post-Purchase Surveys

Send post-purchase surveys to customers and include a section for them to leave feedback or write a testimonial. Ask specific questions about their experience, the product's performance, and their overall satisfaction. This feedback not only helps you gather testimonials but also provides valuable insights for improving your offerings.

10. Engage Influencers

Collaborate with influencers or micro-influencers in your niche to review and promote your products. Their followers trust their opinions and recommendations, making their reviews highly impactful. Work out partnerships where they can share their honest feedback and experiences with your products.

11. Collaborate With Content Creators

Reach out to bloggers and content creators in your industry to review your products. Offer them complimentary samples or exclusive access to new releases in exchange for their honest reviews. Their detailed and unbiased assessments can attract new customers and expand your brand's reach.

12. Host Live Q&A Sessions

Organize live Q&A sessions on social media or through webinars, specifically dedicated to customer testimonials. Invite satisfied customers to share their experiences, answer questions, and provide feedback in real-time. This interactive approach builds trust and allows potential buyers to connect directly with your happy customers.

13. Comment On Existing Reviews

Create a reminder so you can regularly monitor incoming reviews on your website or other platforms. Respond to both positive and negative feedback in a professional and empathetic manner. Show appreciation to customers who have left positive reviews and address concerns raised by those who had negative experiences. This demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction and encourages more feedback.

14. Share Reviews in Email 

Utilize your email marketing campaigns to share customer reviews and testimonials. Include snippets of positive feedback in newsletters, promotional emails, or abandoned cart reminders. Email recipients may get encouragement to share their reviews and testimonials as well (especially if your product is more visual, and customers want to share pictures that they are proud of).

Customer testimonials and product reviews are essential for building trust, credibility, and social proof for your eCommerce website. By implementing these creative ideas, you can generate more feedback from your satisfied customers, enhancing the overall reputation and success of your brand. Remember, a satisfied customer is your best spokesperson, so make it easy and enticing for them to share their experiences and watch your eCommerce business thrive!

Boost Trust and Credibility for Your eCommerce Brand

Let's discover creative ideas to generate more customer testimonials and reviews! Connect with us to explore strategies that elevate your brand's reputation and success.

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          About the author: Art Palvanov

          Art is a creative director and co-founder of Shop Innovator. He loves working with entrepreneurs on web design projects and digital marketing campaigns. On our blog he shares ideas on technology, creativity and business.

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