When was the last time you tried a new restaurant without checking its online reviews? Probably not recently. Social media reviews have become the go-to source for customers looking to gauge a business’s reliability, service, and quality.
These digital word-of-mouth recommendations build trust, boost brand reputation, and give businesses valuable insights into customer experiences. Ignoring them means missing out on opportunities to connect with potential clients.
In the sections ahead, we’ll walk through nine practical strategies to help you encourage more social media reviews—and grow your business along the way.
Why are social media reviews important?
Social media reviews are the new word-of-mouth marketing. People no longer rely solely on recommendations from family and friends – they check social media. Good or bad, these posts influence decisions and shape public perception. Learn more about how to use customer reviews strategically to improve your business and build trust.
In fact, 84% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. And 93% of shoppers admit that reviews impact their buying choices. This makes sense – social proof helps people feel more confident about their decisions when trying something new.
Positive reviews build trust, boost engagement, and attract new customers. Negative ones, while intimidating, give businesses a chance to show they listen and care by responding thoughtfully.
In the next sections, we’ll cover nine simple strategies to help you get more social media reviews. From engaging with your audience to running creative review campaigns, these steps will help you encourage customers to share their experiences.
9 proven strategies to get more social media reviews
1. Simplify the Review Process
People are more likely to leave a review when it’s quick and easy. If it takes more than a few seconds to figure out where or how to post feedback, most customers will move on. That’s why simplifying the process can make a big difference.
Start by adding direct links to your social media profiles everywhere it makes sense – emails, receipts, and your website. For example, you could add a line at the bottom of a purchase confirmation email:
“Loved your experience? Share your thoughts here!” – with a clickable link to your Facebook or Google Reviews page.
For physical locations, QR codes work well. Place one near the register or on printed materials with a clear prompt like:
“Scan here to leave a quick review – it only takes 30 seconds!”
Need more content ideas? Explore how to create a remarkable content plan.
The key is to remove unnecessary steps. Customers shouldn’t have to search for your business page or scroll through multiple links. When it’s straightforward, people are far more likely to take action.
2. Ask at the right moment
The right timing can dramatically increase your chances of getting a review. Individuals are more inclined to share feedback when their experience is still fresh – especially if it left a positive impression. The key is to reach out when customers feel the most satisfied.
A prime opportunity is immediately after a successful interaction. For instance, if you run an online store, send a thank-you email as soon as the package is delivered. A simple line like:
“Your order just arrived! We’d love to hear your thoughts – leave a quick review here.”
For service-based businesses, the best moment might be right after the job is done. If a technician has just repaired someone’s heating system, a follow-up message could say:
“Thanks for choosing us! If we kept you warm this winter, we’d appreciate your review.”
Consumers are busy, and even enthusiastic supporters might forget to leave a review if too much time passes. Reach out when the memory is still clear, and you’ll find more individuals willing to share their experiences. Timing matters – here’s a guide on the best time to post on social media.
3. Offer incentives
Sometimes, people just need a little extra motivation to leave a review. That’s where incentives can help. Offering something in return for honest feedback can encourage more responses – just make sure you stay transparent and follow the rules of each social media platform.
Incentives don’t have to be complicated or expensive. Small gestures often work best, such as:
- Discount codes: “Share your feedback and get 10% off your next order.”
- Loyalty points: Reward returning customers by adding points when they leave a review.
- Raffle entries: Give reviewers a chance to win a gift card or product each month.
The key is to reward reviews without influencing what customers say. Make it clear that you welcome honest opinions—positive, neutral, or negative. For example:
“We value your feedback! Leave a review and get entered to win a $50 gift card – whether you loved or didn’t love your experience, we want to hear about it.”
Transparency matters, too. Some platforms require you to disclose when reviews come with incentives. A simple note like “This review was submitted as part of a giveaway” keeps everything above board.
If you’re considering incentivizing your reviews, read our guide on how to build a self-growing referral program.
When done ethically, incentives don’t just increase review numbers – they also show that you value your customers’ time and opinions.
4. Engage on social media
Social media reviews don’t appear out of nowhere—engagement plays a big role in encouraging people to share their thoughts. When businesses stay active on social media platforms, they create an environment where customers feel heard, valued, and motivated to leave reviews.
Start with simple steps like responding to comments and direct messages. A quick reply to a positive comment or a thoughtful response to negative reviews shows you care about the customer experience. For instance, if someone leaves positive feedback on your Facebook business page, thank them publicly:
“Thanks for your kind words, Sarah! We’re so glad you loved our service. If you have a moment, we’d appreciate it if you could leave a review—it helps other customers find us.”
Sharing user-generated content is another great idea. Reposting customer photos or testimonials on your social media posts can inspire others to share their experiences, too. Highlighting success stories builds trust and social proof for prospective customers while strengthening relationships with your current audience.
If you need more content ideas, check these Instagram post ideas!
Use tools like social listening to track brand mentions across different channels. If people talk about your business on platforms like Google Maps or Instagram, join the conversation. When businesses stay involved, they generate more reviews, build trust, and create an authentic social media presence that attracts new customers.
5. Showcase existing reviews
Positive social media reviews are powerful – they act as public endorsements that build trust with potential customers. When you highlight these reviews, you not only thank the people who wrote them but also show others why your business stands out.
One simple approach is to create testimonial posts for your social media channels. Turn glowing customer feedback into eye-catching social media posts, adding a picture or a fun graphic to make it stand out. For example, you could start a “Review of the Week” series on Instagram, featuring feedback from happy customers who loved your service.
Story highlights are another effective method. Pin a “Customer Love” section at the top of your profile to showcase positive reviews in one convenient place. Visitors get immediate social proof when they visit your page, which can influence their decision to give your business a try.
Don’t forget to use social media reviews across different platforms. Engagement is key – discover creative ideas for social media engagement posts that resonate with your audience.
Share Facebook reviews in your blog posts or feature customer testimonials in email campaigns. You can also respond to reviews publicly, thanking people for their kind words and inviting others to share their experiences.
When you celebrate positive feedback, you build trust, strengthen relationships, and encourage more customers to leave reviews.
6. Personalize your review requests
Social media reviews feel more genuine when they come from people who feel valued. A personalized request can make a big difference. Generic messages often get ignored, while a simple personal touch can encourage more people to share their experiences.
Start with their name and reference a recent interaction. For example, if a customer just complimented your service in a direct message, that’s the perfect moment to ask for a review.
Here’s a sample message:
Hi [Name],
Thanks again for your kind words about your recent experience with us! We love hearing feedback like yours. If you have a moment, would you mind leaving a review on our social media pages? It helps others find us and gives us valuable insights into what we’re doing right. Here’s the link: [insert link]. Thank you for being part of our community!
This approach feels more authentic and shows customers that you genuinely appreciate their support.
7. Utilize multiple platforms
A strong presence across multiple review platforms helps your business reach more potential customers. People search for reviews on social media on different channels, from Google Maps to Facebook to niche review sites. Being present where your audience spends time increases the chances of getting more feedback.
Start with familiar online review sites like Google, Facebook, and Yelp. Each one attracts different audiences, so adjust your approach accordingly. For instance, Facebook reviews often come from loyal followers, while Google reviews can attract prospective customers searching for your business online.
Encourage feedback with tailored messages. On Instagram posts, you might use an engaging caption asking followers to share their experience. For LinkedIn profiles, focus on professional testimonials that highlight business-related achievements.
Running platform-specific campaigns can help, too. Offer a small thank-you or spotlight positive reviews in your social posts to generate more responses.
The more visible your reviews are across social media channels, the more trust you build with new customers.
8. Create engaging content
Interactive content makes your social media pages more engaging—and it can also inspire more reviews on social media. When customers actively participate, they’re more likely to share their opinions.
Create polls and quizzes that invite feedback, like:
“What’s your go-to product? Let us know below!”
These posts attract attention and naturally encourage customer feedback. Another effective tactic is running a challenge. For instance, a local business might launch a “Share Your Experience” challenge, asking customers to post about their visits.
Spotlighting positive reviews also motivates others to participate. Try a “Review of the Month” post that celebrates a customer’s kind words with a personalized graphic. This kind of user-generated content builds social proof and attracts new customers.
Social media users love to feel seen and heard. Creating interactive content that ignites conversations can increase customer testimonials, thereby establishing a more powerful and trustworthy online presence.
9. Follow up professionally
Following up on social media reviews is more than just good manners—it shows potential customers that you care. Every review, whether it’s glowing or critical, deserves a thoughtful response.
When you get positive feedback, thank the reviewer by name and mention something specific from their comment. A simple reply like,
“Thanks, Sarah! We’re so glad you loved the new product—your feedback helps us keep improving!”
makes customers feel heard and valued.
Negative reviews can feel discouraging, but they’re actually opportunities. Respond calmly, acknowledge the customer’s concerns, and offer a solution. For example:
“Thanks for your feedback, Tom. We’re sorry your experience didn’t meet expectations. We’re looking into the issue and will contact you directly to make things right.”
You demonstrate your commitment to customer experience and build trust with potential clients who see the interaction.
Social media users notice how businesses handle criticism. Responding promptly and professionally turns reviews—both good and bad—into powerful tools for building credibility.
Common mistakes to avoid
Finding social media reviews can give your business a real boost, but there are a few common mistakes that can slow down progress. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
1. Relying only on incentives
Offering perks can help generate reviews, but overdoing it can hurt your credibility. If people think reviews are driven by discounts rather than genuine experiences, trust can erode. Focus on providing exceptional service and encouraging the best user generated content naturally.
2. Ignoring negative feedback
No one likes complaints, but dismissing customer issues can damage your reputation. When potential customers see a thoughtful, professional response, they’re more likely to trust your business. Acknowledge concerns, share relevant business information, and offer solutions that show you care.
3. Using the same strategy across platforms
Social media channels vary, and your approach should too. A casual Instagram post might encourage fun reviews, while a LinkedIn request needs a more formal touch. Test different approaches and track performance achievements to see what resonates with each audience.
4. Neglecting visibility
If people can’t find your review pages, they won’t leave feedback. Make sure your business listing is updated across platforms. Use SEO techniques to improve search results, helping more customers find your review pages easily in search engines.
When you sidestep these mistakes and build a thoughtful marketing strategy, you’ll create a more reliable, authentic review presence. Reviews work when they reflect real experiences, not forced ones.
Get more social media reviews with less effort
Building a strong collection of social media reviews doesn’t happen by accident. It takes consistent effort, smart strategies, and genuine engagement with your customers. When people see honest feedback from others, they’re more likely to trust your business—and give it a try.
The nine strategies we’ve explored offer simple, practical ways to encourage more reviews. From simplifying the process to showcasing positive testimonials, these steps can help you build credibility and attract new customers.
What’s next? Start with one strategy today and see how it impacts your social proof. The sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll see results.
