For event planners, having online reviews is a must for attracting new clients. While you can sit back and wait for people to write a review on their own, this is not the best strategy. You won’t get as many positive reviews as possible if you put some effort into collecting positive reviews. Start by providing your clients with a memorable event experience. Then, use these tips to create a strategy for requesting reviews.
1. Ask for Reviews Promptly
Strike while the iron is hot and ask for a review right away. Wait until the event is over, and then politely request a review from your client. Doing so soon after the event increases the likelihood of them writing a review. Their experience is still fresh in their mind, having them feel the maximum amount of positivity. They also have the details fresh in their mind, allowing them to leave an insightful and detailed review. These details matter as they turn an alright review into a strong one. These details will make it convenient for others to trust their authenticity.
2. Provide Multiple Review Platforms
There are countless platforms available for you to collect reviews on. Offering multiple options makes it more likely that your clients will leave a review. If they already have an account on one platform, they will choose that one. They can quickly and easily log in and leave a review. Clients are less likely to leave a review on a platform where they don’t have an account, as this will require more time and effort.
Requesting reviews on multiple websites also gives your business greater visibility. Those searching for an event planning business may end up on any of these different platforms, so having positive reviews there is essential. Don’t expect your target audience to spend time searching the internet for your reviews. They will move on to the next event planning business if they don’t see any.
Consider asking for reviews on these platforms:
3. Create a Follow-Up Email Campaign
Automate your emails to have personalized review requests sent out after the event. You can frame them as feedback emails. That way, if the client is unhappy about something, they can reply, and you can immediately address it. This prompt response can help you turn a potentially negative review into a positive one. Include a link to your desired platforms where you want clients to leave reviews. Including a link directly to the platforms makes leaving a review simple and fast.
4. Offer Incentives
While you shouldn’t pay for reviews, you may be able to provide a small incentive for clients who leave a review. However, be careful with this approach, as some platforms prohibit you from “paying” for reviews. The platform’s terms and conditions will outline what is allowed and prohibited. If you can, consider offering a discount on future event planning services or entering a giveaway.
5. Utilize Social Media for Online Reviews
While reviews from clients can give you access to a small group of people, requesting reviews from attendees can give you access to a much larger group. Use social media to collect feedback from guests and attendees to your events. This could be in the form of comments on your posts that feature a specific event. It could also be pictures and video posts that guests share on their own accounts. Ask guests if you can feature their posts on your social media or in your marketing. These posts featuring positive comments are reviews that can feel more genuine and authentic.
6. Simplify the Review Process
People are more likely to leave a review when you make it as easy as possible. They have to go out of their way and spend time and effort to leave a review, so reduce the effort required by giving direct links to where someone can leave a review. If you send a request on a digital platform, include a link. If you are asking in person, give a QR code that someone could scan with their phone. Request reviews on commonly used platforms where people are most likely to have an account already. Choose platforms that have a simple process for leaving a review.
7. Highlight Past Reviews
Highlight previous reviews in your marketing. You demonstrate that you value feedback by featuring previous reviews in your marketing and content. When someone thinks you will care about their feedback, they are more likely to leave a review. In addition, people are more likely to do something when they think other people are also doing it.
Get More Online Reviews and Grow Your Events Business
Banking online reviews is an essential part of growing your event planning business. To maximize your reviews, you need a strategy for requesting and collecting them from clients and event attendees. These sense tips will help you make the most of your review collection strategy.
Another way to maximize reviews is to request fellow industry professionals to write a testimonial on your behalf. Vendors and venues in the industry understand what it takes to be a successful event planner. Their endorsement through a positive review can give your event planning business authority, creating trust in potential clients. You can network and connect with other industry professionals by attending The Event Planner Expo 2024. Building your network can help you make valuable connections, leading to more positive reviews. Get your All Access tickets today to make sure you experience all three days of this premier NYC conference!
