Reviews are an often overlooked growth engine. But those who get it . . . . get it. In fact, i just started taking my dog to a vet that is obsessed with getting reviews. Almost every surface in their office has something about capturing reviews. There are posters, QR codes on table tents, review card dispensers for both Yelp and Google. After visit emails that ask for reviews, and more.

I was thinking about pitching them on my app, but when I looked them up online I realized they have 60 locations across the United States! It was are larger business then my current focus so I decided to hold off, but it still left an impression on me.

Reviews were powering this 60-location business. After-all, if you are the veterinarian in town with the most positive reviews on Google Business, you will also be the first to show up in a Google search for “Vet near me.”

They learned the system and scaled it. But reviews are not just a numbers game. Yes, reviews help you show up online but they also build trust. Studies show 95-98% of online shoppers read reviews. That’s pretty much everybody.

More then just internet points, reviews are reusable proof. And businesses often collect them without using them strategically to build trust, grow, and increase conversion. That’s why I thought it might be usefull to collect some of the best review strategies I could find.

These are practical ways to turn customer feedback into marketing, sales, SEO, content, and more.

Strategic Review Collection

Let’s talk about review collection. Business owners often tell me they feel weird asking for reviews. This seems a little strange to me because if you can ask people and businesses for money on a daily basis (and succeed) then getting reviews should be a piece of cake. Getting money is the hard part and you’ve built that into your systems, and doing this with reviews is much easier.

But here’s where you need to make a mind shift. Think of reviews more like currency. For one, reviews are generally going to compound value better than money that’s sitting in the bank, and two because you want your customers to know that reviews are something you value highly. If you never mention how valuable you believe reviews are, they likely won’t put much thought into ignoring your request.

The other advantage of thinking of reviews as currency is that it becomes part of your job and the jobs of your employees to secure reviews as part of the natural course of doing business.

With that, let’s talk about review capture.

1. Put QR codes at point-of-sale or your front desk

Place a QR code where customers check out or finish their visit. The moment of transaction is when satisfaction peaks and memory is sharp.

– Print on countertop stands, table tents, or checkout screens

– Position at eye level where customers naturally pause

“Just had the best haircut. Let me scan this before I forget.”

2. Add QR codes to receipts, invoices, packing slips.

Turn every transactional document into a review opportunity. Paper already in their hands means zero friction.

– Add a small QR code with “How did we do?” to the bottom of receipts

– Include on invoices after payment confirmation

Works especially well for service businesses where customers review paperwork at home.

3. Use NFC tap cards for one-tap review prompts.

Hand customers a card they tap with their phone. No scanning, no typing URLs. One tap opens your review page.

– Order NFC cards pre-programmed with your review link

– Hand them to customers at service completion

Staff member says: “Tap your phone here if you have 30 seconds to leave a review.”

4. Print QR codes on product packaging.

Every product that leaves your store is a review invitation waiting to happen. The unboxing moment is high-emotion territory.

– Add QR codes to box inserts, labels, or packaging sleeves

– Include a short prompt: “Love it? Tell us.”

Customer opens package at home, sees the code, reviews while still excited.

5. Ask for reviews right after delivery or service completion.

Timing beats everything else. In person beats everything else. A request 10 minutes after service outperforms one sent 3 days later by 5x or more.

– Trigger automated review requests immediately after job completion

– For in-person services, ask before the customer walks out the door

The plumber finishes, the toilet works, the homeowner is relieved. Ask now.

6. Create different prompts for different customer types.

A first-time buyer needs different language than a loyal regular. One message for everyone means missed opportunities.

– Segment by purchase history, service type, or customer tier

– Write prompts that acknowledge the specific experience

New customer: “How was your first visit?” Repeat customer: “Thanks for coming back. Quick review?”

7. Give customers suggested phrases to include.

When you suggest specific words, customers use them. Those words show up in reviews. Search engines index them.

– Prompt with: “Feel free to mention [specific service] or [product name]”

– Suggest phrases that match what people search for

Prompt says “mention our same-day delivery” and suddenly 40% of reviews mention same-day delivery.

8. Ask for photo reviews

Photos prove the product works in real life. They build trust faster than text and make reviews impossible to fake.

– Request before/after shots for transformation services

– Ask for product-in-use photos with a simple upload link

Flooring company gets before/after photos. Those images close more deals than any sales pitch.

9. Ask for video reviews.

Video reviews convert browsers into buyers at higher rates than any other content type. Real people speaking carry weight.

– Make it easy with a direct upload link or simple recording tool

– Tell customers 15-30 seconds is plenty

Customer records a quick phone video in their renovated kitchen. You use it everywhere.

10. Create employee-specific review pages.

Let customers praise specific team members by name. Builds accountability, rewards top performers, and makes reviews more personal.

– Set up review pages with employee names or photos

– Share individual links with customers after their service

“Sarah helped you today. Here is her review page if you want to give her a shoutout.”

11. Spread reviews across platforms.

Google matters, but so do Yelp, Facebook, industry-specific sites, and others. Diversification protects you from algorithm changes.

– Rotate which platform you request reviews for

– Send different customer segments to different platforms

This month: send commercial clients to Google, residential to Yelp.

12. Collect first-party reviews you own.

Reviews on third-party platforms can vanish without warning. Reviews on your own site stay forever and work for you.

– Build a review collection system on your website

– Display first-party reviews prominently on key pages

Google deletes 3 of your reviews for no clear reason. Your on-site reviews remain untouched.

13. Follow up with happy customers who haven’t reviewed yet.

Some customers loved you but forgot to review. A simple reminder converts them without being pushy.

– Send one follow-up 3-5 days after the initial request

– Reference the specific service or product they purchased

“Hi Tom. Hope the new AC is keeping you cool. Still have 30 seconds for that review?”

14. Put review links in your email signature, website footer, thank-you pages.

Every customer touchpoint should include a path to leave a review. Passive collection adds up over time.

– Add a “Leave us a review” link to all staff email signatures

– Include review buttons on post-purchase and thank-you pages

Thousands of emails go out monthly. Each one now carries a review opportunity.

15. Train your team on when to ask.

The best review requests come from people, not software. Staff who know the right moment outperform automated messages.

– Role-play the ask during team meetings

– Identify natural moments in your service flow to make the request

Trainer tells new hires: “When the customer smiles and thanks you, that is when you ask.”

USE REVIEWS FOR MARKETING (16-33)

16. Best review becomes your homepage headline.

Your strongest customer quote is more persuasive than any tagline you could write. Visitors trust other customers over marketing copy.

– Find your review with the most specific, emotional result.

– Replace your current headline with that quote. Add quotation marks.

“Our revenue doubled in 90 days.” beats “We help businesses grow.”

17. Second-best review becomes your subheadline.

Two customer voices create social proof momentum. The subheadline reinforces the headline with a different angle.

– Pick a review that addresses a different benefit or concern.

– Place it directly under the headline in smaller text.

Headline: “Best investment we made this year.” Subheadline: “Setup took 10 minutes.”

18. Add a rotating review strip above the fold.

Motion catches the eye. A scrolling review bar shows volume of happy customers without taking up space.

– Display 3-5 short review snippets in a horizontal carousel.

– Keep rotation slow. Fast movement feels desperate.

A law firm shows rotating reviews from different case types. Visitors see relevance to their situation.

19. Build a testimonials page. Group by service type.

People want proof from customers like them. Organized testimonials let visitors find relevant validation fast.

– Create sections by industry, service, or problem solved.

– Add 5-10 reviews per category with customer name and photo.

A marketing agency groups testimonials under “SEO Clients,” “PPC Clients,” and “Social Media Clients.”

20. Add 1-3 reviews to every service page.

Service pages describe what you do. Reviews prove you do it well. Put proof next to claims.

– Match reviews to the specific service described on that page.

– Place them after you explain the service, before the CTA.

Your plumbing page talks about emergency service. Include a review about a midnight pipe burst fix.

21. Add reviews to every product page.

Product pages with reviews convert higher than those without. Shoppers expect to see what others think.

– Display reviews directly on the product, not hidden behind a tab.

– Show recent reviews first. Old reviews feel stale.

An outdoor gear store shows reviews mentioning specific conditions: “Kept me dry in a downpour.”

22. Put a review snippet under your CTA button.

Last-second doubt kills conversions. A review quote right at the action point provides final reassurance.

– Use a short, confident quote. 10 words max.

– Place it directly below the button in smaller text.

Button: “Start Free Trial” | Below: “Wish I started sooner.” – Sarah K.

23. One review per social post. Simple.

Reviews are ready-made content. One quote, one graphic, one post. No creative block.

– Use a template with your brand colors and the quote.

– Post customer reviews 2-3 times per week.

A fitness coach posts “Down 30 pounds and finally off my meds” with a simple branded background.

24. Weekly “Customer Win” post on LinkedIn.

LinkedIn rewards consistent posting. A weekly customer story builds authority and fills your content calendar.

– Share the customer’s challenge, your solution, and their result.

– Tag the customer if they approve. Expands reach.

Every Tuesday: “Customer Win: How [Company] reduced support tickets by 40%.”

25. Use reviews as captions for Reels and TikToks.

Video grabs attention. Review captions add credibility. The combination outperforms either alone.

– Show your product or service in action.

– Overlay or caption with the customer’s exact words.

A cleaning company shows a before/after while the caption reads: “I cried when I saw my kitchen.”

26. Pin a review quote to your social profiles.

Pinned posts are the first thing visitors see. Make that first impression a customer endorsement.

– Choose your most impressive or relatable review.

– Pin it to the top of Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

A consultant pins: “Paid for itself in the first week.”

27. Turn reviews into Instagram story highlights.

Story highlights stay permanently on your profile. A “Reviews” highlight becomes a trust-building resource.

– Create individual stories for each review quote.

– Use consistent branding across all review stories.

Visitors tap “Reviews” and swipe through 15 customer endorsements in 30 seconds.

28. Review quote in your newsletter footer.

Every email is a chance to reinforce trust. A footer review works without interrupting your main message.

– Rotate quotes monthly to keep it fresh.

– Include the reviewer’s first name and location.

Footer: “Best newsletter in my inbox.” – Mike from Denver

29. Rotating review block in email campaigns.

Dynamic content keeps emails from feeling repetitive. Different subscribers see different social proof.

– Set up 5-10 review blocks that rotate randomly.

– Match review topics to email content when possible.

A SaaS company’s onboarding emails show reviews about easy setup. Sales emails show ROI reviews.

30. Top review in your email signature.

Every email you send is marketing. Your signature is prime real estate most people waste.

– Add one strong review quote below your contact info.

– Keep it under 15 words.

John Smith, Sales Director | “They do what they say they’ll do.” – Actual Customer

31. Reviews on your lead magnet landing page.

People hesitate to give their email. Reviews reduce that friction by proving the download is worth it.

– Add 2-3 reviews from people who used your free resource.

– Focus on specific results or insights gained.

“This checklist saved me from three costly mistakes.” appears next to the download button.

32. Single review at top of booking page.

The booking page is where commitment happens. One strong review at the top reduces abandonment.

– Choose a review that addresses common hesitations.

– Display it prominently before the calendar or form.

Therapy practice booking page opens with: “I was nervous to start. Now I look forward to every session.”

33. Reviews as ad copy.

Customer language converts better than marketing language. Use their words in your paid ads.

– Pull exact phrases from reviews for headlines and body copy.

– Test review-based ads against your standard copy.

Ad headline: “Finally, software that doesn’t need a manual” pulled directly from a five-star review.

USE REVIEWS TO INCREASE CONVERSION

34. Review excerpts next to pricing tiers.

Place a short customer quote beside each pricing option. Buyers want validation that the tier they are considering is worth it.

– Pull quotes that mention value, ROI, or specific plan features.

– Match the quote tone to the tier. Budget tier gets “great value.” Premium gets “worth every penny.”

“The Pro plan paid for itself in the first week.”

35. Before/after outcomes next to your offer.

Show transformation stories right where you describe what you sell. Prospects need to see themselves in the result.

– Find reviews that describe a starting point and an ending point.

– Place them adjacent to your offer description, not buried below.

“We went from 2 leads a month to 15. Game changer.”

36. Find a review that kills your biggest objection. Feature it.

Identify the one thing that stops people from buying. Find a review that addresses it directly. Third-party validation beats your own reassurance every time.

– Survey lost deals or check abandoned cart data for common objections.

– Search reviews for keywords like “worried,” “skeptical,” “thought,” or “surprised.”

“I was worried it would be too technical. Set it up in 10 minutes.”

37. Build your “Why us” section from review language.

Let customers write your differentiators for you. Their words sound more believable than your marketing copy.

– Pull recurring themes from reviews: speed, support, ease, results.

– Use exact phrases as headers or bullet points.

“Customers say: ‘Finally, software that doesn’t require a manual.'”

38. Testimonials inside checkout flow.

Add a review or two on your cart and payment pages. Last-minute doubt kills conversions. A quick testimonial provides reassurance.

– Keep it short. One or two sentences max.

– Focus on trust, delivery, or satisfaction themes.

“Showed up exactly as described. Already ordered again.”

39. Review carousel near submit button.

Place a rotating set of reviews right above or beside your form submit button. This is the moment of highest friction. Reviews reduce it.

– Use 3 to 5 short reviews that load quickly.

– Prioritize quotes about ease, results, or satisfaction.

“Best decision I made this quarter.”

40. “300+ 5-star reviews” above your CTA.

Display your review count and rating as a trust signal near your call to action. Numbers create credibility at a glance.

– Keep the format simple: number, rating, source.

– Update it regularly so it stays accurate.

“Trusted by 300+ businesses with a 4.9 average rating.”

41. Use review language for button text and helper copy.

Take phrases customers actually use and put them in your interface. Familiar language feels less like marketing and more like a peer recommendation.

– Search reviews for action words: “get started,” “finally found,” “made it easy.”

– Test review-inspired button text against generic alternatives.

Button: “Get results like Sarah did” instead of “Sign up now.”

42. Reviews mention questions? Add them to your FAQ.

If customers reference questions they had before buying, those belong in your FAQ. Real questions from real buyers are more relevant than guesses.

– Search reviews for “I wondered,” “I asked,” “wasn’t sure.”

– Answer using the same conversational tone.

FAQ: “Does it work for small teams?” Answer: “Yes. Most of our 5-star reviews come from teams under 10.”

43. Trust cards with review lines and icons.

Create small, visual cards combining a review snippet with a relevant icon. Scannable trust elements catch attention without requiring full reading.

– Pair icons with themes: shield for security, clock for speed, heart for satisfaction.

– Limit text to one sentence per card.

Card: [Checkmark icon] “Setup took 5 minutes. No tech support needed.”

44. Reviews in exit-intent popups.

When someone moves to leave, show them a compelling review. A well-timed testimonial can recover an otherwise lost visitor.

– Choose reviews that address common hesitations or highlight quick wins.

– Keep the popup clean. One review, one CTA.

“Wait. See why 500+ customers gave us 5 stars.”

45. Reviews on sales pages reinforcing each benefit.

Place a supporting review after each major benefit you claim. Claims need proof. Reviews provide it.

– Map reviews to specific benefits: fast support, easy setup, clear results.

– Position the review immediately after the benefit statement.

Benefit: “24-hour support.” Review: “Got a response in 20 minutes on a Sunday.”

46. One review after each feature block on long pages.

Break up long feature lists with customer validation. This keeps readers engaged and reinforces what they just read.

– Rotate different reviews so each feature gets its own proof point.

– Match the review topic to the feature above it.

Feature: Automated reports. Review: “The weekly reports save me 3 hours.”

When prospects compare you to competitors, show them what switchers say. Reviews from people who made the same decision carry extra weight.

– Filter for reviews mentioning competitor names or “switched from.”

– Highlight specific reasons for the switch.

“Moved from [Competitor] and cut our processing time in half.”

48. Match reviews to prospect types. Similar customers, less hesitation.

Segment your reviews by industry, company size, or use case. Show visitors reviews from people like them. Prospects trust peers more than strangers.

– Tag reviews by customer type during collection.

– Display dynamically based on visitor data or let users filter.

“As a solo consultant, I needed something simple. This was it.”

USE REVIEWS FOR SEO

49. Add reviews to service pages. Search engines see real customer language.

Reviews contain the exact words people type into Google. Your customers describe your services the way other customers search for them.

– Pull 2-3 relevant reviews onto each service page

– Place them near the top, not buried at the bottom

“Their AC repair was fast and affordable” hits three search terms naturally.

50. Turn review questions into FAQ sections. Good for snippets.

Questions in reviews reveal what people actually want to know. Google loves FAQ schema for featured snippets.

– Search your reviews for question marks and phrases like “I wondered” or “I wasn’t sure”

– Build FAQ sections using these real questions with clear answers

A review asking “Do they work weekends?” becomes an FAQ that wins the snippet.

51. “Reviews for [Service] in [City]” landing pages.

Location-specific review pages rank for high-intent local searches. Someone searching “plumber reviews Austin” is ready to hire.

– Create a page for each service area combining local reviews

– Include the city name in the URL, title, and H1

These pages convert because visitors see proof from their own neighborhood.

Using customer language in your headings tells Google what your page is really about. It also resonates with readers who think the same way.

– Find phrases that appear in multiple reviews

– Turn them into section headings on relevant pages

“Same day service” appears in 40% of your reviews. Make it an H2.

53. Blog posts answering questions reviewers mention.

Reviews surface the questions your customers had before buying. Others have the same questions and are searching for answers.

– Look for “I wish I knew” or “I was worried about” in reviews

– Write posts that answer these concerns directly

A review mentioning uncertainty about pricing becomes “How Much Does Roof Repair Really Cost?”

Your customers use different words than you do. Their vocabulary is your keyword goldmine.

– Export all reviews to a spreadsheet

– Look for repeated phrases you never thought to target

You say “residential cleaning.” They say “house cleaning.” Target both.

55. Use review themes for internal linking.

Common review topics show what matters most to customers. Build content clusters around these themes and link between them.

– Identify your top 5 praised qualities from reviews

– Create hub pages for each and link related content

Reviews praising your “patient staff” connect your training page to your about page to your careers page.

56. Reviews in your Google Business Profile description.

Your GBP description has 750 characters. Use some of them to highlight what customers actually say.

– Pull a short, powerful phrase from a recent review

– Weave it naturally into your business description

“Customers call us ‘the only plumber they trust’ and we take that seriously.”

57. Review quotes in Google Business posts.

Google Business posts appear in search results and Maps. Review quotes make them more credible and keyword-rich.

– Create weekly posts featuring a customer quote

– Add a call to action and relevant service mention

A post with “Best haircut I’ve ever had” plus your booking link outperforms generic promotions.

58. Customer stories page for long-tail searches.

Detailed customer stories rank for specific, low-competition searches. These visitors are highly qualified.

– Expand your best reviews into full case studies

– Include the problem, solution, and outcome

“How we helped a family of five reduce their energy bill by 40%” captures searches you would never think to target.

59. Reviews as source material for location pages.

Location pages often feel thin and templated. Reviews from customers in each area make them unique and useful.

– Filter reviews by customer location or mentioned neighborhoods

– Add 3-5 local reviews to each location page

Your Phoenix page features Phoenix customers. Google sees it as genuinely local.

60. Review content on “near me” pages.

“Near me” searches dominate local SEO. Reviews mentioning specific areas strengthen your relevance for these queries.

– Find reviews that mention neighborhoods, landmarks, or directions

– Feature these on your location and service area pages

“They came to my house in Riverside within an hour” signals proximity to Google.

Meta descriptions should entice clicks. Customer language does this better than marketing speak.

– Pull compelling short phrases from reviews

– Incorporate them into your page meta descriptions

“5 stars from 200+ customers who call us fast, friendly, and affordable” beats generic copy.

62. Reviewer language makes title tags sound human.

Title tags written by marketers sound like marketers wrote them. Customer phrases sound like real people.

– Note the adjectives customers use most often

– Work them into your title tags naturally

“Fast and Honest Auto Repair in Denver” uses words your customers chose.

63. Reviews strengthen E-E-A-T. Real proof of experience.

Google wants to see Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. Reviews prove all four from an outside source.

– Display reviews prominently on key landing pages

– Include reviewer details like name and location when possible

100 detailed reviews demonstrate experience better than any claim you write yourself.

64. Reviews improve your brand SERP.

When someone searches your business name, you want to control what they see. Review content helps you own more of that page.

– Embed reviews on your homepage and key pages

– Maintain active profiles on major review platforms

A strong brand search result shows your site, your reviews, and your GBP. Not complaints or competitors.

A business with reviews from 2019 looks dormant. Fresh reviews tell Google you are active and current.

– Set up a system to request reviews after every job

– Aim for consistency over volume

Ten reviews per month beats 100 reviews once a year.

66. Extract exact phrases customers use. Put them in your copy.

Stop guessing what words resonate. Your reviews contain the exact language that connects with buyers.

– Highlight repeated phrases across multiple reviews

– Use them in headlines, bullets, and calls to action

When customers keep saying “peace of mind,” put “peace of mind” on your homepage.

USE REVIEWS TO CREATE CONTENT

67. One detailed review becomes a mini case study.

A single thorough review contains all the elements of a case study: problem, solution, result. Customers write their own success stories when they explain what changed.

– Pull out the before state, what you did, and the outcome

– Add context about the customer type and timeline

“I was spending 3 hours a day on invoicing. Now it takes 20 minutes.”

68. Review of the month blog series.

Feature one standout review each month with added context and commentary. Gives you recurring content while spotlighting real customers.

– Choose reviews that tell a complete story

– Add your perspective on what made the experience work

A landscaping company features their most detailed project review, adding photos and explaining the challenges involved.

69. “What customers love most” roundup post.

Compile the most frequently praised aspects into one summary post. Shows patterns that matter to buyers.

– Group reviews by theme: speed, quality, communication, price

– Quote multiple customers saying similar things

“Our reviews mention same-day response 47 times this year.”

Customer reviews reveal why your business matters. Use their words to frame your origin story and mission.

– Look for reviews that describe the problem you solve

– Let customer language shape how you explain your purpose

“Someone wrote that we saved their family vacation. That’s exactly why I started this company.”

Turn one review into multiple slides. Each slide highlights a different benefit or moment from the customer experience.

– Break long reviews into key phrases

– Add visuals or context to each slide

Slide 1: The problem. Slide 2: What they tried before. Slide 3: The result with you.

73. Myth vs. reality posts from review themes.

Reviews often counter common objections. Turn these into content that addresses misconceptions directly.

– Find reviews that say “I thought X but actually Y”

– Format as myth-busting content with real quotes

Myth: Custom furniture takes months. Reality: “I had my table in three weeks.”

New customers want to know the process. Reviews describe exactly what happens at each stage.

– Pull timeline details and process descriptions from reviews

– Create guides based on actual customer experiences

“Week one: consultation. Week two: first draft. Week three: final delivery.” All from customer words.

75. Better product descriptions from review language.

Customers describe your product in ways you never would. Their vocabulary converts better than marketing speak.

– Replace technical terms with words customers actually use

– Update descriptions based on what reviewers highlight most

You say “ergonomic design.” They say “my back stopped hurting after a week.”

Short review phrases make compelling subject lines. They feel personal and specific.

– Pull 5-8 word phrases that capture a benefit

– Test review quotes against standard marketing lines

Subject line: “Best purchase I made all year”

77. Testimonial videos with review quotes as subtitles.

Overlay written reviews on video content. Adds credibility without requiring customers to appear on camera.

– Match video footage to review themes

– Use subtitles to reinforce spoken content or stand alone

Product demo video with review quotes appearing as text overlays throughout.

Compile the best moments and quotes from the past year. Creates shareable content and shows growth.

– Pull standout quotes, stats, and stories

– Format as a retrospective or thank you post

“2024 in reviews: 847 five-star ratings. Most mentioned word: reliable.”

Drop a customer quote naturally into your pitch. Real words from real customers hit harder than your polished talking points.

– Pull 5-10 punchy phrases from reviews and memorize them

– Practice saying “customers often mention…” before the quote

“Customers often mention they wished they’d switched sooner.”

Add a review slide between your problem and solution slides. Third-party validation breaks up the sales speak and builds trust.

– Choose quotes that address the exact pain point you just described

– Include customer name and company if permitted

A slide with “This saved our team 10 hours a week” lands better than your ROI chart.

Your reviews already contain answers to every objection. Customers explain why their initial concerns were wrong.

– Search reviews for phrases like “I was worried” or “at first I thought”

– Create a document matching each objection to 2-3 review rebuttals

When they say “seems expensive,” you say “Here’s what Sarah said about that…”

82. Sales enablement PDF with best reviews.

Give your sales team a one-pager with your top 15 reviews organized by use case. Makes it easy to pull the right quote for the right prospect.

– Group reviews by industry, company size, or problem solved

– Update quarterly with fresh quotes

New reps can sound credible on day one.

After someone books a demo, send them a review that matches their situation. Warms them up before the call even starts.

– Automate based on industry or company size in your CRM

– Keep it short: “Thought you might relate to this…”

They show up to the call already believing.

If customers keep praising something you barely mention, your positioning is off. Reviews reveal what actually matters to buyers.

– Tally the benefits mentioned most often in 5-star reviews

– Compare to your current homepage and pitch deck messaging

When 40% of reviews mention speed and you lead with features, fix that.

86. Reviews show which services to upsell.

Customers tell you what else they need. Look for phrases like “wish it also” or “would be great if.”

– Track which add-ons get mentioned positively in reviews

– Note which combinations customers praise together

“The training add-on was worth every penny” tells you what to recommend next.

Match proof to persona. A startup founder wants to see startup reviews. An enterprise buyer wants enterprise proof.

– Tag reviews by company size, industry, and role

– Build separate proof collections for each major persona

Show the CFO what other CFOs said. Show the marketing director what marketers said.

88. Read competitor reviews.

Your competitors’ negative reviews are your sales ammunition. Their customers publicly list what’s missing.

– Check competitor profiles on G2, Capterra, and Google monthly

– Note recurring complaints you solve

When their customers complain about support response times and yours is 2 hours, mention that.

89. Recurring praise shows what to protect.

Patterns in positive reviews reveal your competitive advantages. These are the things customers choose you for. Protect them at all costs.

– Run a quarterly review of your 5-star reviews. List the top 5 most mentioned strengths.

– Share this list with your team. Make it clear: these are non-negotiables.

“Every review mentions our same-day callbacks. That stays, no matter how busy we get.”

90. Recurring complaints show what to fix.

Repeat complaints are not isolated incidents. They are system failures waiting to cost you customers.

– Tag negative reviews by issue type. Track frequency monthly.

– Prioritize fixes by volume. One complaint is feedback. Five is a pattern.

“Three reviews mentioned long hold times. We added a callback option. Complaints stopped.”

Real customer feedback teaches better than hypotheticals. Reviews show what good and bad service actually looks like.

– Pull 10 positive and 10 negative reviews. Use them in onboarding sessions.

– Have staff read negative reviews aloud and discuss what went wrong.

“New hires read our worst review from 2023. It is the best training on what not to do.”

92. Reviews identify who deserves recognition.

Staff mentioned by name in reviews have earned public praise. Recognize them and you reinforce the behavior you want.

– Search reviews monthly for employee names. Track who gets mentioned and how.

– Tie recognition to review mentions. Bonuses, shoutouts, or simple thank-yous work.

“Sarah got mentioned in 14 reviews this quarter. She got a bonus and a company-wide email.”

Complaints often cluster around specific steps in your process. Reviews tell you exactly where customers get stuck or frustrated.

– Map your customer journey. Match complaints to each stage.

– Look for phrases like “took too long” or “had to call twice” to find friction points.

“Reviews kept mentioning the checkout process. We simplified it from 5 steps to 2.”

94. Voice of customer dashboard from review data.

Aggregate review data into a single view. Leadership should see customer sentiment as clearly as they see revenue.

– Use a spreadsheet or dashboard tool to track review volume, average rating, and top themes monthly.

– Include a “quote of the month” section with one standout review.

“Our monthly dashboard shows ratings, response time, and the three most common complaints.”

USE REVIEWS TO BUILD TRUST YOU OWN (95-100)

95. Proof library: quotes, stories, photos, videos. You control it.

Build a centralized collection of your best social proof. Screenshots, testimonials, case studies, customer photos. All in one place you own.

– Create a shared folder or database. Organize by type, date, and use case.

– Update it monthly. Review teams should know where to find proof when they need it.

“Our proof library has 200 quotes, 50 photos, and 12 video testimonials. Sales uses it daily.”

Platforms can change algorithms, hide reviews, or shut down. Embed reviews directly on your website so you control visibility.

– Use a widget tool to display reviews on your homepage, service pages, and checkout.

– Pull from multiple sources so you are not dependent on any single platform.

“Google changed their display. Our website widget kept showing reviews like nothing happened.”

97. PDF trust packet for prospects.

Give prospects a downloadable document with your best reviews, stats, and customer stories. It travels where you cannot.

– Create a one or two page PDF with 5 to 10 strong quotes and a summary of your ratings.

– Include in proposals, follow-up emails, and sales outreach.

“We send a trust packet after every discovery call. Close rate went up 15 percent.”

Job seekers want proof you are a good employer. Customer reviews that mention your team show you value your people.

– Pull quotes where customers praise specific employees or team culture.

– Add these to job postings and careers pages.

“Our job ads include the review that says ‘every person I talked to was helpful.’ Applications doubled.”

99. Respond to every review within 24 to 48 hours.

Fast responses show you pay attention. Prospects read your replies as much as they read the reviews.

– Set up notifications so you see new reviews immediately.

– Use templates for common responses but personalize each one.

“We respond within 24 hours. Three prospects have mentioned that is why they called us.”

100. Archive reviews. Protect your proof.

Unfortunately, platforms like google can remove reviews, delete reviews, change policies, or go offline. For this reason it’s important to save these reviews other then the platform where you recieved them. You can screenshot and save every review you receive or you can use a platform like Prompt Reviews to save and manage them. (One nice thing about Prompt Reviews is that we capture the review before customers get to the platform, so even if the platform rejects the review–you still have a copy.)

– Create a monthly backup routine. Save to cloud storage with dates and source noted.

– Include star rating, full text, and reviewer name if visible.

“Yelp hid 30 of our reviews overnight. We still have them all saved for our website and proposals.”

Collecting reviews is step one. Using them is where the value is.

Did I miss anything?

What review techniques work for you? I’d love to hear about it.