What are the Tactics to Get Restaurant Reviews!

Getting positive online reviews is critical for restaurants in today's digital age. With the majority of diners consulting review sites like Yelp and Google before choosing where to eat, your online reputation impacts everything from booking rates to new customer acquisition. This makes effective review generation a key tactic for restaurant success. In this guide, we will explore some highly actionable tactics to get restaurant reviews.

Beyond just increasing your star rating, these strategies provide valuable customer feedback so you can keep delighting patrons. Read on to learn easy ways to get more customers reviewing your restaurant across the web.

Below are the tactics that you can use to get restaurant reviews:

Enable review generation across platforms

The first step to getting more online reviews is to make sure you are enabling review generation across multiple platforms. The main places your restaurant wants reviews are:

• Google - Enable Google reviews so customers can easily leave reviews when searching for your business. Google reviews have a huge influence on local search rankings.
• Yelp - Claim your Yelp business page and allow customers to post reviews directly on your Yelp listing. Yelp is one of the top sites consumers check for restaurant reviews.
• Facebook - Let customers review your Facebook page. These reviews are visible to all your followers.
• Instagram - Enable reviews on your Instagram profile so customers can leave feedback on your posts and pictures.
• Other platforms - Consider enabling reviews on sites like TripAdvisor, FourSquare, OpenTable, etc. The more platforms, the better.

Make it extremely simple for customers to leave reviews after visiting your restaurant. Have review cards at tables, add review links to receipts, and put up signs requesting reviews. Reducing friction in the review process leads to more reviews. Meet customers where they are already engaging online and enable their feedback.

Actively solicit reviews

Actively soliciting reviews from customers is one of the most effective tactics for generating more online reviews. Rather than waiting and hoping people will leave feedback, you can directly prompt them to review the restaurant.

There are a couple of key ways to actively ask for more reviews:

• Ask customers directly to review the restaurant - The easiest way is to just ask! When customers pay their bill or as they're leaving the restaurant, the manager or server can politely ask if they'd mind leaving an online review of their experience. Many customers are happy to leave feedback when prompted.
• Provide feedback cards or tablets for reviews after dining - Have paper comment cards available that encourage customers to review the restaurant online. Or, set up a tablet or kiosk station where customers can leave a review before they leave. Making the review process quick and convenient right after dining will generate more feedback.

The key is to make it easy and give a direct call to action. Don't just hope customers will review on their own. Promptly and politely asking for reviews as they finish their meal is a simple way to get more feedback that will build up your online reputation.

Respond and interact with reviewers

Actively engaging with your reviewers shows customers that you value their feedback. Make sure to respond professionally and constructively.

Thank every positive reviewer publicly by replying on the review platform. This recognition encourages the reviewer and shows future customers your restaurant cares. Tag the reviewer’s social media handle if possible to expand your gratitude.

Address negative feedback professionally and calmly. Never get defensive or argumentative. Instead, apologize for the unsatisfactory experience and offer to make it right. Doing so diffuses the situation and reassures the reviewer you are listening. Follow up outside the review platform as well. Turning detractors into supporters leads to positive word-of-mouth.

Consider offering unsatisfied customers incentives to give your restaurant another try. This transforms the negative review into a new positive experience. Monitor platforms to be aware of emerging issues or patterns of dissatisfaction and address them swiftly. Interacting with reviewers demonstrates you value feedback and Customer satisfaction.

Reputation management

Managing your online reputation is crucial for any restaurant. With review sites being the first stop for many diners before booking a table, maintaining a strong presence and positive feedback online should be a priority.

• Monitor review sites regularly: Check sites like Yelp, Google, and Facebook at least once a week to stay on top of any new reviews. This allows you to quickly respond to negative feedback before it gains traction.
• Address negative reviews professionally: Never get defensive or argumentative. Thank the reviewer for the feedback and offer to make amends, whether that means inviting them back for a complimentary meal or discussing their concerns privately.
• Claim and optimize online listings: Make sure your business is properly listed on directory sites like Google My Business, Yelp, Tripadvisor, etc. Fill out complete information, upload photos, encourage reviews, and keep everything updated. Also, consider promoting your listing through paid services they offer.

By actively managing your online reputation, you can mitigate the impact of any negative reviews while encouraging more positive feedback. This allows you to control the narrative around your restaurant online.

Review Generation Tools

You can also look for review generation tools and platforms online to get restaurant reviews easily and effectively. Probably, this is the easiest way to get more online reviews for your restaurant. You can take a free trial to find out how it works.