Adding product reviews to your Shopify theme is one of the best ways to add a level of interactivity to your store, which can also boost conversions and sales — but it’s not without challenges.

By reading reviews, customers can learn more about a product and whether it’s right for them.

Online reviews can mean the difference between the success and failure of your Shopify store. If you have positive customer reviews, customers will come knocking on your door, but negative reviews will tarnish your online reputation.

Take our word for it, but don’t just take our word for it. Online reviews influence 93 percent of customers’ purchasing decisions. The big question is how to gather customer feedback more effectively. We have an answer for you today, thankfully.

Why Are Customer Reviews Important?

Reviews reveal the cold, hard truth about your Shopify store that advertising may have hidden. Here’s why you shouldn’t dismiss the importance of customer reviews.

Offers social proof

Using other shoppers’ experiences to persuade customers in similar situations is an effective marketing tool. Customer reviews encourage buyers who are undecided to take action. The social proof provided by other buyers validates your potential customer’s decision to buy your products based on the experiences of others.

User-generated content is created.

Customer product reviews generate content that you can use for marketing. User-generated content gives your products a fresh perspective. It provides an unbiased opinion from real people who have used them. They communicate how they interacted with your brand and shape others’ perceptions of how you’ll be received.

Boosts search traffic

Buyers will see customer reviews in Google search results if you display them on your Shopify store and include an average rating badge on your products. This type of detailed review on your website raises the ranking of your product page in Google’s search results.

People who see rates and reviews associated with your Shopify store are more likely to click on your site because it appears trustworthy, and this is how customer reviews help you increase organic search traffic.

Increases conversions

According to a BrightLocal consumer review survey, customer reviews inspire trust and increase conversions. The findings indicate that:

• 54 percent of people visit a business after reading positive reviews about it.
• 58 percent of customers consider the “star rating” the most critical metric.
• Online reviews are trusted by 84 percent of customers just as much as personal recommendations.

How to Collect Customer Feedback on Your Shopify Store more effectively?

Let’s look at some strategies to make the most of your customer reviews and take your Shopify store to the next level.

Make use of a great product review app.

The first step is to find a fantastic product review app for your Shopify store. Shopify has its free app called Product Reviews, which does the job, but it’s far too basic.

In the app store, there are dozens of options to choose from. When selecting a product review app, ensure that the review generation process is user-friendly and straightforward.

Request feedback from customers.

Find friendly ways to solicit feedback from your customers on their purchase products. Don’t just request a review. Make the request more personable by using your brand voice, such as:

• How did you feel about your purchase?
• Please share your thoughts.
• Please provide feedback.
• Tell us about your encounter.

Set up reminders to ask again after your initial request. The first request will bring in customers at an inconvenient time.

Request the review at the appropriate time.

In terms of timing, the best time to solicit a customer review is when the product is delivered. This is when the package’s anticipation and excitement are at their peak. However, for products that take some time for customers to try out, such as skincare or vacuum cleaners, it’s best to wait a few days before sending the review request.

Calculate the average delivery time with your shipping partner. Then, to ensure perfect timing, add a safety margin of 4 to 5 days. This gives your customer plenty of time to test out your product.

Provide incentives for reviews.

Incentives encourage customers to complete a review request form. You should note that you are not bribing them to give you a favourable review. Discounts and loyalty points are two examples of incentives you can provide.

You could also send them freebies and samples by holding regular drawings and selecting winners from those who submit their reviews within a certain timeframe.

Showcase customer feedback on your Shopify store as a widget

It’s critical to highlight your Shopify store’s reviews. Check that the reviews correspond to the theme of your store. It’s also important not to dismiss the negative feedback. You should demonstrate to everyone that your company values its customers’ feedback.

Displaying even negative reviews demonstrates your sincerity. Make a point of responding to negative reviews as a damage control strategy. Respond to the negative review in a professional yet compassionate manner. This creates a great first impression for your Shopify store. It implies that customer satisfaction, rather than sales, is your top priority.

Bottom line

The customer experience is what distinguishes your Shopify store. Obtaining online reviews for your Shopify store does not have to be complicated. If you follow the advice in this article, your customers will be more than willing to share their experiences with others. Negative feedback does not have to be intimidating. Use them to demonstrate to potential customers that you value what they have to say, and they will know you do.