The shipping industry is not immune to the effects of online reputation. The shipping business has become more efficient with tracking distance and time possibilities. Customers make reviews on the most powerful logistics tools you can instantly request for that become more relevant ways to attract and retain new clients.
Positive feedback enhances your credibility. Constructive criticism or any questions you can send here allow us to improve and refine our services for you personally. However, garnering positive reviews for your shipping business can often be challenging.
Here are seven proven tips and tricks to help you increase the volume and quality of reviews for your shipping business. They will help you stand out and push through ceilings to make your business achieve new heights.
Understanding the Importance of Customer Reviews
Why is online reputation so important to growth? Why should you care?
Consumers rely on online reviews when researching a product or service. Online reviews have become the go-to source for potential customers, with over 90% of consumers reading online reviews before purchasing.
Positive reviews can impact your search engine rankings. Better results in the SERPs make it easier for prospects to find you with a Google search.
Tip 1: Provide Exceptional Customer Service
“If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”
This old cliche holds true for many consumers. Many people who have a bad experience won’t say a word. They simply stop using that product or service.
The first step to getting more reviews is to provide exceptional customer service. Happy customers are likely to leave positive reviews and recommend your business to others.
Train your staff to go above and beyond to achieve customer satisfaction. Promptly address any concerns or issues.
You create a positive customer experience by consistently providing top-notch service. The best customer service team in the business will likely have the best reviews online.
Tip 2: Make it Easy
Make it as easy as possible for customers to leave reviews for your shipping business. You can start by including a link to your review page in your email signatures or on your website.
Consider sending out a follow-up email after a delivery with a direct link to leave a review. Customers are more likely to leave feedback if the process is simple and convenient.
Tip 3: Offer Incentives
Incentivizing customers to leave reviews is an effective way to increase the volume of reviews for your shipping business.
You can offer discounts on future purchases, a free gift, or even enter them into a contest for leaving a review. Follow any regulations and guidelines set by the platform hosting the reviews.
Most of us have seen these kinds of things before in other sectors. For example, you go to get an oil change.
A few hours later, the customer receives an email asking to answer a few questions about the services provided. After completing the survey, the customer receives a coupon for a future visit.
The above example is a combination of offering an incentive and email marketing. It’s a strategy that has become commonplace in business because it’s so effective.
Email has always had one of the best ROIs in marketing, and that’s not going to change any time soon. Sometimes, an oldie is still a goody.
Tip 4: Respond to Reviews
Whether positive or negative, reply to every single review. It shows customers that the business values their feedback.
It’s also a good idea to check platforms multiple times a day. The faster you can respond and resolve any concerns, the happier the customer will be with the business.
For positive reviews, thank the customer for their kind words and let them know you appreciate their support.
For negative reviews, address the issue and try to find a solution to rectify it.
Quickly responding to reviews further engages your customers and showcases your commitment to providing excellent service.
Tip 5: Utilize Social Media
Social media is now the most common tool for promoting a business and connecting with customers.
It’s a nearly perfect solution for marketing, sharing relevant content, and managing a company’s online reputation.
In the context of online reputation, share customer reviews on social media platforms. Use it to engage with customers, ask for feedback, and encourage them to leave reviews.
Tip 6: Partner with Influencers
Partnering with influencers in the shipping industry can also increase the volume and quality of reviews for your business.
Influencers have a large following and can reach people who aren’t aware of your business. You can tap into their network and gain more exposure from this collaboration.
More exposure leads to more customers which turns into more reviews.
Pro-Tip : Due diligence is the first step in finding the right influencer for your business. Start by giving them a follow and interacting with them and their audience.
Tip 7: Monitor and Analyze Your Reviews
For a long time, figuring out what the customer wants and needs most was a riddle. Data is now providing many of the answers we didn’t have before and driving what is called “data-driven solutions”.
Gather data from all of your sources, from social media to sales information, to track and analyze your reviews. It enables you to identify areas for improvement and make necessary changes to enhance customer satisfaction. You can see which strategies are working and adjust.
Many businesses use a third party to help them track social proof and use it to their advantage. For example, PulseM reviews will help you gather and manage testimonials from happy customers to display them on the channels that receive the most views.
More Reviews is Key to Sustainable Growth
Any company with an online presence needs to harness the online review phenomenon. That’s pretty much every company in the world at this point, including the shipping sector.
The strategies discussed today can elevate your company's online reputation. Implementing these tips will boost the volume and quality of your reviews. They will also benefit customer perception of your brand, which has the potential to drive revenue.
Speaking of revenue, do you need some help shipping your products at the most affordable freight rates? Contact us today to request a quote.
