By Erin Wawok

Feb

26

Product Reviews are a Very Important Part of Ecommerce Sales

Product reviews and customer testimonials are some of an ecommerce seller’s best marketing resources.

And a seller doesn’t have to do much other than convince customers that already love a product to tell the world about it.

Over 70% of consumers admit to checking out a product review before purchasing an item. In fact, we don’t remember the last time we thought about purchasing an item before seeing what other buyers were saying about it.

Product reviews establish credibility for an ecommerce business, offer additional information to buyers considering an item, and reduce the amount of returns you’ll have to handle later.

Here are a few tips to get more product reviews, establish your brand, and kick ecommerce butt:

1. Ask your buyers.

Sometimes you must ask buyers to leave a product review, otherwise they won’t think about it.

An email reminder is a good way of doing this. A few days after a purchase is delivered, send an email asking for a product review. The time frame is important because you want the product to be fresh in the buyer’s mind.

2. Give buyers a reason to review you.

Adding a thank you note or unique packaging can go a long way with buyers. Many people will notice a little extra effort from a seller and feel more satisfied with a purchase and obligated to leave a review.

3. Reward buyers.

We’re all human. People are more likely to do something when there’s an incentive.

This could be in the form of a coupon or discount off a future purchase, but DO NOT pay for reviews. This will get you flagged on most ecommerce marketplaces.

4. Host a social media contest.

Social media contests are a fun way to gain brand exposure and interact with current customers.

Comments, likes, and shares are common ways to earn entries in a social media contest. So why not ask for reviews in exchange for an entry? This all goes back to the idea that people are more likely to do something when there’s an incentive.

Things to Keep in Mind

No matter how your ecommerce business goes about getting more product reviews, there are a few rules of thumb.

Make your review process convenient for the buyer and always respond to their feedback – positives or negative!

Nothing turns off a buyer quicker than a confusing and time-consuming product review. Most people won’t take the time for that… unless they’re really unhappy with their shopping experience.

But either way, you should respond to all product reviews – either thanking them for the positive feedback or asking how you can fix their issue.

Product reviews are one of the easiest and affordable ways to market an ecommerce business. Sell awesome products, provide awesome customer service, and ask your buyers for their honest opinions.

Sell More. Work Less.

Erin Wawok

Erin is the Co-Founder of Listing Mirror.