Want to get more reviews from your sealcoating customers but don't know how? Then check out our easy-to-follow guide on how to get more positive reviews from customers and how to deal with negative ones.
1. Establish your presence online and boost it.
The internet is the best avenue to get reviews from your customers. But before you even contemplate asking for reviews, make sure that you can be found on the World Wide Web first.
If you're a new asphalt contractor, chances are you probably don't have a website right now because of the cost associated with making one. In that case, social media is your best friend. Facebook is the easiest way to reach customers and allow them to leave a review for your business, so start there.
Another favorite is Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and HomeAdvisor.
Related: 4 Tips on How to Get More Referrals for Your Sealcoating Business
2. Provide fantastic service.
The key to getting positive reviews is, of course, to provide sealcoating and crack repair service that will impress your customers. Make sure that you go above and beyond in sealcoating, line striping, or any asphalt maintenance services you provide to give them a reason to leave positive reviews.
3. Thank your customers.
First impressions are long-lasting, but you can go further by sending a short thank-you email to your customer. If you want a more personal touch, then go ahead and scribble your words of appreciation on a blank card. Take a deep breath, and ask them to leave a positive review on your Facebook, BBB, or your Google Business Profile pages.
4. Incentivize reviews.
There are many reasons why people don't leave reviews on your social media pages or Google Business Profile. Many people are discouraged from writing one because of a lack of response or acknowledgment on earlier reviews. Others are probably afraid to step up because the business probably only has a few or even zero reviews. Some can't be bothered to write one because they're busy or they just don't want to.
So what we're going to do is incentivize customers into writing and leaving positive reviews for your asphalt maintenance business. It can be in the form of a discount, loyalty points, or some free stuff like a branded keychain or a pen. The good news is it doesn't have to cost you hundreds of dollars. When it comes to incentives, a little bit goes a long way.
5. Don't beat around the bush.
They say that good things come to those who wait, but when it comes to business, it doesn't hurt to be proactive. Don't just sit there and wait for customers to leave you reviews. Ask them as soon as you're done with the sealcoating or crack repair job.
6. Ask customers to leave positive reviews on your website.
Chances are the first thing that comes up on search engine results pages when a prospective customer googles your company name is your website (if you do have one). So make sure to ask them to leave reviews on the site itself as they are fantastic social proof that can get you more customers.
7. Acknowledge all reviews.
As mentioned, one of the main reasons why many customers do not leave reviews is that their past ones haven't been acknowledged. To encourage them to leave positive reviews, make sure to respond or at least acknowledge the reviews your other customers write.
It doesn't have to be a long-winded message either. A simple "thank you for leaving a review" or liking their posts on Facebook is enough. If you're too busy sealcoating and repairing cracks to respond to these reviews, then have someone else in your admin or marketing department do it for you.
Related: Three Ways to Add New Business Services to Your Asphalt Company
8. Address negative reviews promptly.
No matter how fantastic your sealcoating service is and how meticulous you are, there will always be instances when customers won't be satisfied with your service.
So how do you deal with negative reviews? First off, keep a cool head. Don't touch that keyboard or your phone while the sting is still fresh.
Address them as soon as possible (calmly and objectively, of course) and acknowledge their complaint politely. Apologize with sincerity, and if there is a valid explanation, then make your case.
Next, ask your customer if you can discuss the matter privately and ask them if there is any way you can make it right.
Conclusion
If you want more tips on getting more positive reviews from your customers or other insights on running and marketing an asphalt maintenance business, then reach out to us. We're always ready to give sealcoaters like you free business advice and tips.
