Why You NEED to Ask for Reviews for Your Small Business

Have you ever wondered if you should ask for reviews when someone buys from you? Well, watch this short video and read the rest of the article and make up your own mind:

Not long ago, a friend and I went for breakfast at a local café. Nothing unusual there, right?

But what caught my attention was what happened when I went to pay.

The woman behind the counter, with a smile, said, “Please remember to leave us a review—preferably on Google.”

Now, that might sound like a simple request, but it really got me thinking. It’s not something I hear very often, and it’s a bit surprising because I always encourage my clients to ask for reviews.

But here’s what many people running small businesses don’t fully appreciate:

In today’s world, reviews play a huge role in people’s decisions to buy a product, visit a new place, or try out a service.

Think about it—when was the last time you tried a new café or booked a hotel without checking the reviews first? Exactly.

If you’re running a small business and not actively asking for reviews, you’re missing out on a golden opportunity.

Reviews aren’t just nice comments on your website or social media; they’re valuable marketing collateral. Potential customers trust reviews as they provide social proof, which helps people feel confident in choosing your business.

The café that asked me for a review has likely seen the power of customer feedback firsthand. They know that positive reviews can attract more business and build their reputation.

And here’s the thing—you can do the same for your business.

So, why should you ask for reviews? Here’s why:

1. Builds Trust

People trust what others say about a business more than what you say about yourself. A glowing review from a satisfied customer goes a long way in building trust with new potential customers.

2. Increases Visibility

Reviews on platforms like Google, Facebook, or TripAdvisor not only influence people’s decisions but also help boost your business’s visibility.

The more reviews you have, the more likely your business will appear higher in search results.

3. Helps You Improve

Not all reviews will be 5-star, and that’s okay. Honest feedback can help you understand what you’re doing well and where you might need to improve. It’s an opportunity to show that you’re listening to your customers and willing to make changes.

4. Marketing for Free

Here’s the best bit: Your customers are doing your marketing for you, and for free.

People are talking about your business, sharing their experiences, and essentially recommending you to others—all without you spending any money.

5. Creates a Relationship

When you ask for a review, it opens a line of communication between you and your customer. It shows that you care about their experience and value their feedback.

So, if you haven’t already, make asking for reviews a regular part of your business routine. Whether it’s after a sale, at the end of a service, or when a customer leaves your shop, simply ask. You’ll be surprised at how many people are willing to leave one if you just make the request.

The café did it, and so can you. And trust me, the impact on your business will be well worth it. So, go ahead—ask for those reviews!

Want help setting up a review system in your business? Drop me a line on help@fijidigitalmarketing.com and let’s chat.