Customer feedback is one of the most powerful tools available to any business.
Whether you run a café, offer treatments, manage a retail space or deliver online
services, reviews build social proof and influence new customers. Knowing the best
way to get customer reviews can turn everyday moments into lasting value for your
brand.
Why Reviews Make a Difference
Reviews do more than confirm good service. They create trust for people who have
never interacted with your business before. They also improve your search results
rankings, particularly on platforms like Google and Trustpilot. A steady stream of
feedback signals consistency and quality.
But even customers who leave with a smile rarely think to leave a review alone. Most
make the process simple enough that they will follow through.
What Leading Businesses Are Doing
Businesses that receive regular and authentic feedback do not leave reviews to chance.
They make it easy for their customers to respond right when the experience is still fresh
in their minds. You will often see compact stands on tables, branded stickers near tills
or printed tags positioned where customers pause. These prompts are not just
functional. They are designed to fit naturally into the environment and represent the
brand.
The most effective tools are tap and go or scan and go. In seconds, the customer is
taken directly to the review platform. There is no need to search, type or download
anything. This makes it far more likely they will complete the review. Many businesses
In addition to physical prompts, innovative businesses use short digital follow-ups. A
message sent within a few hours of the visit, whether by text or email, can capture
feedback from those who did not respond earlier. These tools often lead to more
different industries.
How to Create a Review Process That Works
To make review collection part of your everyday operation, it must be consistent and
straightforward to manage.
Start with the right moment. The most effective time to ask for a review is when a
customer has just experienced your service at a restaurant, which might be just after
clearing the table. For a retail store, it could be at the till. For a delivery-based service, it
might be just after confirmation of receipt. People who still feel good about what you
offer are far more likely to respond positively.
Use the right tools. Choose a format that suits your location and service. Review
stands can be placed on counters or near exit points. Branded stickers on menus or
take-away packaging also work well. These tools are subtle and effective. When
designed well, they fit your brand without disrupting the atmosphere.
Keep it simple. Each review prompt should lead directly to the page where the
barriers between intention and action. Avoid multi-step instructions or anything that
relies on the customer remembering later.
Add the personal touch. Encourage your team to highlight the review prompt or
mention how much feedback means to the business. A polite mention often works
better than printed instructions alone. This personal connection supports the best way
to get reviews in any setting
Evaluate what works. Check in regularly to see how many reviews are being submitted
and when. You might find that one location outperforms others or that follow-up
reminders get more responses than in-person prompts. Use this information to adjust
placement, timing and messaging as needed.
Final Thoughts
Customer reviews are not just about improving your rating. They offer insights, build
trust and drive new business. Using branded contactless tools like review stands,
countertop stickers and scan cards, you create simple opportunities for customers to
share their experiences.
The most effective systems are those that fit smoothly into your existing routine.
Customers are more likely to respond when they feel encouraged rather than
every part of the process. From the prompt to the follow-up, each step should feel
natural, easy and genuinely part of your brand
