How to Get More Positive Reviews

Are you tuning into what customers are saying about your restaurant on platforms like OpenTable, Google, or Yelp? Online reviews can make or break your business — with 94% of potential customers consulting them before trying out a new spot. Here's how to organically grow your positive reviews.

Earning more positive reviews isn't as hard as it may seem, but it does take a little bit of proactive planning and consistent execution.

First and foremost: serve your guests amazing food and provide killer service. For the most part, customers will leave reviews for one of two reasons.

• Reason #1: They were disgusted with your service or unhappy with their food and/or drink items.
• Reason #2: You completely wowed them, and they cannot wait to tell everone what an outstanding experience they had with you.

Notice there wasn't a third reason listed about you meeting a customer's expectations. If you're only meeting expectations, meaning your service was on par with what someone would expect, and your food and drinks were just fine, people won't be compelled to spend time putting together a review.

However, suppose you truly blow them away by delivering phenomenal service and food worthy of The Food Network paying you a visit. In that case, customers will be excited to tell others how happy they were that they chose to dine with you.

Take some time to consider the experience that guests usually have when they visit your restaurant. Think about every touchpoint, from the time they make a reservation (is that easy for them to do?) to the time they heat up their leftovers. Write down what every touchpoint is, and brainstorm ways to go above and beyond at each interaction to blow guests away.

Then, train your staff on your updates and encourage them to always be looking for ways to go above and beyond in their interactions. Sometimes the smallest gestures make all the difference!

If you strive to build relationships with your customers, earning more positive reviews will be easy.

After you've created an experience worthy of positive reviews, you need to create a plan for turning your happy guests into raving fans.

Four Tips for Getting More Positive Reviews

1. Ask
This is the easiest yet most underutilized way to increase your volume of positive reviews. Place call to actions on your social media pages, your email blasts, and your website. Encourage your servers to mention how critical reviews are to your business before gently asking for one.

Getting creative with how you ask your guests to leave feedback can be rewarding. Try these out-of-the-box ideas:

• Print review reminders on small items you give your guests like mints, wet-wipes, etc.
• Place QR codes on carryout containers to allow guests to scan and quickly leave a review.
• Set up a review station near the exit with a tablet designated for guests to leave reviews and create prominent signage around it.


2. Keep Your Online Profiles Updated
Have you claimed your businesses' pages and ensured all information listed is accurate? If not, no time like the present. Check that your menu, hours, dining options, and contact information are all accurate. Get in the habit of checking these sites regularly and interacting with people leaving comments.



3. Respond to Reviews

Generally, if you check out a restaurant's reviews, you won't find much engagement. This is a missed opportunity! Responding to negative reviews promptly can help rectify sour situations, and even a small "hey thanks" on a positive review shows you care. People will often be more likely to leave reviews if they see that the venue's staff takes the time to interact with those who leave a comment. Consider making responding to reviews part of your manager's workflow each day.

4. Share Positive Reviews

Leveraging positive reviews is nearly as important as getting the reviews. Sharing great reviews on your social channels and website shows the world how wonderful you are and will encourage people to share their own feedback.