Why Your Customers Needs To Know Your Name When You Ask Them To Write A Review

Cracking the Code of Google Reviews for Your Business

Navigating the world of Google reviews can be tricky, but there's a simple strategy that can make a big difference. Today, I want to talk about encouraging your happy customers to mention your name (or the name of our service provider) in their review, without you asking them to do so. I’ll show you an example of two of my 5-star reviews at the end of this article so you can feel the difference, not only as the reader of the review but as the provider of the service.

Why This Matters So Much

The Power of Being Real:

Google likes reviews that are real and detailed. When a customer adds your name to their review, it makes the review more trustworthy. This not only helps attract new customers who read the review, but also fits well with what Google looks for in honest and detailed feedback.

Building Real Connections:

Making your customer interactions personal sets you and your business apart from your competition. When customers willingly include your name in a review, it becomes more than just a compliment – it turns into a sincere recognition of your hard work. Happy customers are much more likely to write a review when they can brag about the person who provided outstanding service by name. When they don’t remember your name, they are less likely to write a review because they find it embarrassing to write a generic review that they know you’re going to read, and address you as “that man” or “that woman.” Don’t make them do that.

Cracking the Google Review System:

Google uses complex computer programs to sort and check reviews. If a review doesn't have specific details, like the name of the service provider, it does not look trustworthy. By providing a service that makes customers want to include your name, you reduce the chance of the review being filtered by Google. This helps ensure that your happy customers can tell their stories without the fear of their reviews being hidden from the public.

Helping Customers Remember Your Name

Start with “Hello”:

When you first meet your customer or patient, introduce yourself ”by name” in a friendly way. If you know their name already, your introduction might be like this. “Hi Ms. Jones, my name is Bob and it’s great to meet you.” If you don’t know their name, it’s always a great idea to give your name first before asking them for their name. Hi, I’m “Bob.” or, “Hi I’m Bob. What’s your name please?”

Yes, you want your customer to know and use your name, but it’s just as important that you use their name too. When you call them by name, it shows a higher level of respect and it creates a feeling of mutual recognition and reciprocity. When customers hear you address them by name, they are more likely to want to call you by name too. This is a simple way to encourage them to ask for your name if they forgot it and remember it when they write their 5-star review.

Use Nametags:

You can also make it easy for your customers to remember your name by either wearing a name tag or having your name embroidered on your uniforms. This is particularly important if you’re the primary service provider or if you have a unique name that’s hard to remember. If you run a medical practice or a service business, you’re going to want to get name tags or embroidered uniforms for everyone.

Share Business Cards:

When you’re ready to part ways with your customer or patient, give them a business card with your name printed on it. This will not only provide a physical reference for them when they go to write their review, but it also gives them the feeling that you’re willing to be available in the event they need further assistance. It's a simple yet effective tool to help customers remember your name and link it to their positive experience. This is especially important if your name is unique or hard to spell.

Here are two examples of 5-star reviews written by happy clients. One of them mentions me by name in their review and the other does not. They were both very happy with the service. Notice the difference as to which review looks and sounds more genuine and trustworthy and which one does not.

With my name

I have the utmost respect for Bob. Been working with him for more than 4 years and he has always been helpful in giving suggestions for improving our reviews. He is always readily available and takes time to help us improve.

Without my name

As a search marketer, I'm always looking for ways for my clients to get local reviews. Nothing worked well until I found Best Local Reviews. Now I suggest this system to all of my clients doing business locally. It really works!

If you want customer reviews that are trustworthy and more likely to be promoted by Google and other review sites, make it easy for them to remember your name. They want to use your name in their review, just like you would want to use the name of your dentist or your plumber if you wrote a review for their business. Happy customers want to brag about you personally, and your business. So, give them what they want.