Buyers are infinitely more likely to purchase something if there’s a personal recommendation. And with the internet and a wealth of resources at our disposal, it’s never been easier to get opinions. This means customer reviews aren’t just important—they’re necessary to the success of your business.
Surveys have shown that 93% of customers say reviews influence their purchasing decisions. So having customer reviews is a no-brainer. But if everyone is gaining business reviews, and most consumers are reading them, how do you stand out? With verified reviews, of course!
Why verified reviews are more valuable
Reviews are among the three things every potential client considers when booking online. But there is a level of hesitancy with some service or product reviews because customers know they could be reading a fake review. This is why reviews left by verified buyers often make a greater impact.
Not only do verified reviews help build your online reputation, but they also increase your chances of closing a deal. The Spiegel Research Center conducted a study in 2017 to see how reviews influence sales. They looked into reviews from a verified purchase as part of their research.
Purchase likelihood increases 15% when consumers are exposed to reviews written by a verified buyer.
Reviews are even more important in the event industry, where services are often higher-priced and come with greater risk, requiring greater trust. The study from Spiegel showed that conversion rates doubled when reviews were present on higher-priced, higher-consideration products and services.
How do you collect reviews? Just ask!
Making a sale or securing a booking is only half the battle. There’s more work to be done, even after the event is complete. While reviewing a product or service is becoming more routine for consumers, you should always go the extra mile to ask for one directly. A BrightLocal study showed that 72% of consumers will leave a review if asked.
Immediately after the event, be sure to thank your client for the opportunity and then politely ask for a review. You can do this in person at the event, in an email after, or in a thank-you card.
Oftentimes, the service you use might send a review request for you, as is the case with GigSalad. But it never hurts to personally tell them how much a review would mean to you. You’re the one they created a relationship with, so it could go a long way!
😱 Oh no! What if the event was less than stellar and the client leaves a negative review? How you handle reviews, both positive and negative, will show your professionalism to other potential customers. Be understanding of their feelings, leave a polite, apologetic response, and see what you can do to make it right.
3 ways to get verified reviews on GigSalad
Verified reviews play a very important role in your success on GigSalad as they carry more weight in your overall rating and are displayed at the top of your review list. This works in your favor because it’s often the first handful of reviews that will influence a potential buyer.
In order to have verified reviews on GigSalad, you must have verified bookings. A client must use GigSalad to communicate with and book you for their event in order for us to mark their online customer reviews as verified. There are three ways to get a verified booking on GigSalad.
1. Book leads through the platform
The easiest way to get more verified bookings and reviews is to send a quote and have the client book you through the GigSalad platform. When you book on GigSalad, we’ll follow up with your client to request a review on your behalf (with multiple reminders).
2. Mark gigs as booked
When you run into a situation where a client cannot pay through GigSalad, and you need to collect payment directly, go back to your inbox to mark their lead as booked after receiving the money. You’ll have to pay a slightly higher service fee for going around the booking platform, but it lets you make that gig a verified booking and get a verified review from the client. If you mark the gig as booked before the event, we’ll request a review on your behalf after the event.
3. Import outside leads
If you have an active online presence that results in leads from multiple sources, you can bring those leads to GigSalad for a chance at more verified bookings. You’ll import the leads by sending a quote through GigSalad with our outside booking tool. The client can then pay and book you through the platform to secure a verified booking and a subsequent verified review.
In addition to the resulting verified online review, there are many perks to booking through GigSalad. Verified bookings will get you more leads and help you earn Top Performer status. Your booking number is also displayed on your profile, which will help show clients your level of expertise.
Need help booking more gigs?
We have a number of resources within our blog to help you get more leads and close more bookings. Sometimes it can be as simple as working on your profile and communication skills to shift your success on GigSalad!
- How to Refresh Your Online Presence
- 5 (Almost) Free Ways to Improve Your Media
- 5 Quick Tips to Close the Deal for More Bookings
- 4 Tips for Improving Your Communication
- 6 Ways to Optimize Your Profile and Get More Leads
Browse more business tips
Looking for more gig opportunities? Join GigSalad for free today and start getting leads.
Heather is the Content Manager and a GigSalad veteran of 15+ years. She loves helping event planners create unforgettable celebrations and talent make a living doing what they love. When not at work, she enjoys reading romance and fantasy books, bingeing TV shows, playing board games, and spending time with friends.