Customer reviews are essential for building trust and driving sales. Businesses that actively manage reviews see 18% higher conversions and 23% larger orders. But how do you get loyal customers to leave repeat reviews? Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Tie Reviews to Loyalty Programs: Offer rewards like discounts or free shipping for reviews.
- Automate Review Requests: Send requests 3-7 days post-delivery for better response rates.
- Reward Active Reviewers: Provide perks for hitting review milestones (e.g., 5, 10, or 25 reviews).
- Encourage Video Reviews: Incentivize detailed video testimonials for stronger social proof.
- Track Review Milestones: Recognize and reward consistent contributors.
- Leverage Social Media: Share reviews on platforms like Instagram or TikTok to boost engagement.
- Show Impact of Feedback: Highlight how customer input drives product improvements.
Key Insight: Consistent reviews not only improve conversions but also build stronger customer relationships. Use loyalty rewards, automation, and personalization to create a sustainable review system.
10 Ways To Build eCommerce Brand Loyalty With Customer Reviews
1. Add Review Rewards to Your Loyalty Program
Incorporating review incentives into your loyalty program can be a powerful way to boost customer engagement and increase feedback. Many top brands are already taking this approach successfully:
| Loyalty Tier | Review Reward |
|---|---|
| Bronze | 10% discount code |
| Silver | Free shipping upgrade |
| Gold | Product customization |
For example, Sephora's 20-point reward for reviews resulted in a 32% increase in submissions and a 15% rise in conversions [9]. This shows how well-planned rewards can encourage more reviews while also strengthening customer relationships by showing appreciation.
To keep reviews high-quality and participation strong:
- Limit review rewards to 30% of total loyalty perks [5] and require submissions to include at least 50 words or photos for eligibility.
- Verify purchases to ensure reviews are genuine.
"Experiential rewards and tiered benefits achieve 32% higher participation than cash discounts", according to Digital Air Strike's research on loyalty program success [10][5].
One example is an outdoor retailer whose "Adventure Points" program led to a 73% increase in verified reviews while maintaining an impressive 4.8 average rating [10][11].
Once you've set up your reward structure, automate the process of requesting reviews to keep the momentum going.
2. Set Up Automatic Review Requests
Automating review requests helps ensure you consistently gather customer feedback tied to your loyalty rewards. Timing is everything - send review requests 3-7 days after delivery when the experience is still fresh but has had time to settle [1][3].
How Leading Brands Approach Automated Review Campaigns
| Timing | Action | Response Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 3-7 days post-delivery | Initial request email | 35% average open rate |
| 7-10 days after first email | First reminder | 28% open rate |
| 7 days after reminder | Final follow-up | 22% open rate |
A great example is MVMT Watches, which implemented a 7-day post-delivery review request system in Q2 2023. Over 90 days, they saw a 62% increase in review submissions, and their average ratings jumped from 4.2 to 4.6 stars [7].
Tips for Higher Response Rates
To get more customers to engage, personalize your automated emails with:
- Customer's name and details about their purchase
- One-click review buttons for simplicity
- Mobile-friendly designs (since 60% of emails are opened on mobile) [14]
- Product images and clear purchase details [1]
Using targeted messaging like, "We noticed you loved [Previous Product]", can make a big impact. For instance, Derma E reported a 37% increase in response rates with product-specific review prompts [1].
Tools to Streamline the Process
For seamless execution, connect your review requests to platforms like Klaviyo (for Shopify/BigCommerce) or Omnisend. These tools help you segment customers based on their purchase history and behavior, focusing on your most engaged buyers.
3. Give Special Perks to Active Reviewers
Automated requests (as covered in section 2) are great for gathering initial feedback. But if you want customers to stay engaged and keep reviewing, targeted perks can make all the difference.
Tiered Rewards That Motivate
A structured reward system can encourage reviewers to stay active. Here's an example:
| Review Milestone | Reward Type |
|---|---|
| 3 reviews | Free product sample |
| 5 reviews | Free shipping upgrade |
| 10+ reviews | Early access + VIP status |
Tailoring Rewards to Match Behavior
Personalizing perks based on customer habits can boost participation. For example, offering tiered discounts to frequent shoppers or exclusive deals to premium customers can go a long way. Derma E saw a 37% increase in reviewer activity by using skincare-focused 20% off codes [1][3].
Just like automated requests, these perks can be triggered using your CRM system. This ties in with the loyalty integration strategy from section 1, rewarding customers for more than just their purchases.
Staying Compliant While Rewarding
To ensure your program follows FTC guidelines:
- Disclose incentives clearly in the review section.
- Don't require positive reviews - focus on encouraging participation.
- Reward the act of reviewing, not the sentiment behind it.
"The key is creating a sustainable reward system that encourages authentic feedback while building lasting relationships with customers", explains SAP Emarsys' loyalty program documentation [3].
When paired with milestone recognition (coming up in the next section), these perks can create a powerful loop of engagement.
4. Start Video Review Programs
Video reviews are a fantastic way to combine loyalty rewards with authentic customer testimonials. They not only engage your loyal customers but also provide strong social proof to build trust with potential buyers.
Setting Up Your Video Review Campaign
A well-organized approach is key to a successful video review program. Break it down into manageable phases:
| Phase | Key Actions |
|---|---|
| Invitation | Reach out to loyalty members with personalized messages. |
| Submission | Share clear instructions and provide an easy upload portal. |
| Moderation | Review submissions quickly to ensure they meet brand guidelines. |
| Rewards | Distribute loyalty points or perks immediately after approval. |
Tiered Incentive Structure
Take inspiration from Glossier's "Glossier IRL" campaign, which generated over 2,000 video reviews in just one month. They used a tiered reward system that matched their loyalty tiers:
- Basic product demonstrations (30 seconds): 150 loyalty points
- Detailed usage tutorials: $10 store credit + a feature on social media
- High-quality storytelling content: VIP status + early access to new products
This strategy drove a 28% boost in social engagement and increased sales of featured products by 15%.
Technical Guidelines for Success
Make it easy for participants to create high-quality videos. Recommend simple requirements like 60-90 second landscape videos, showcasing unboxing or product usage in natural light.
Maximizing Review Impact
Repurpose these video reviews across multiple channels to amplify their impact. For example, Glossier integrated customer videos into their product pages, leading to a 15% sales increase. Here are some ideas:
- Highlight top videos on product pages, social media, and email campaigns.
- Track how these videos influence conversions to measure success.
"Products with video reviews see a 40% higher conversion rate compared to those without", says Emily Chen, Senior Social Media Manager at Glossier. This underscores how impactful video testimonials can be in driving purchase decisions.
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5. Track and Reward Review Milestones
Encouraging customers to reach review milestones can transform occasional reviewers into loyal advocates. By tracking these milestones and offering enticing rewards, you can keep the engagement going strong.
Match rewards to the effort customers put in - bigger milestones should come with better perks. For example, a premium skincare brand saw a 30% boost in review submissions over six months in 2022 by offering rewards like VIP event access and exclusive products [13].
| Milestone Level | Review Count | Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | 5 reviews | Free shipping on next order |
| Silver | 10 reviews | $15 store credit + loyalty points |
| Gold | 25 reviews | Early access to sales + VIP status |
| Platinum | 50 reviews | Exclusive product previews + custom perks |
Key Steps to Get Started
To make this work seamlessly, integrate with your CRM to:
- Automatically send rewards when milestones are hit.
- Sync rewards with your loyalty program for added value.
For even better results, align these milestones with your loyalty tiers (as discussed in section 1). To ensure reviews remain meaningful, use a scoring system that evaluates:
- The length and depth of the review.
- Whether photos or videos are included.
- Helpfulness ratings from other customers.
This approach not only keeps customers engaged but also sets the stage for the next strategy: using social channels to amplify their feedback.
6. Connect Reviews with Social Media
Use customer reviews on social platforms to boost engagement and encourage repeat feedback. Social media posts that include customer reviews tend to get 40% more engagement compared to other content types [17]. Highlighting reviews on social media not only increases visibility but also motivates customers to share more.
Tailor Reviews for Each Platform
Each social platform has its own style, so adapt how you showcase reviews to fit the audience:
| Platform | Format | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Visual stories | Use customer photos with review text overlays. | |
| TikTok | Short video clips | Share unpolished, honest testimonials. |
| B2B-focused posts | Highlight professional reviews with data or metrics. | |
| Carousel posts | Combine multiple reviews in a single post. |
Boost Community Interaction
Make it easy for customers to share their reviews. For example, one cosmetics brand saw a 35% rise in reviews after introducing Instagram-ready templates with branded hashtags [6]. Create a unique hashtag for your reviews and engage with customers who use it. This builds a sense of community and keeps the conversation going.
Use Real-Time Social Proof
Show live review activity on your site using tools like Fera or Yotpo. When customers see others actively reviewing, it inspires them to join in. This creates a cycle of engagement that benefits everyone.
Respond to Reviews Thoughtfully
Encourage repeat contributions by responding to reviews in a personal and timely manner:
- Reply within 24 hours and address the reviewer by name.
- Thank them specifically for their feedback, especially if they’ve reviewed before.
- Explain how their input helps others or improves your product.
Acknowledging customers publicly reinforces their efforts and builds loyalty, setting the stage for even more feedback.
7. Show How Customer Feedback Makes a Difference
Showing customers how their feedback leads to real changes can encourage them to keep sharing their thoughts. Research shows that 77% of consumers think more positively about brands that act on customer suggestions [8]. This kind of transparency not only builds trust but also motivates more people to leave reviews. It closes the feedback loop, starting with loyalty rewards and automated requests, by proving their input truly matters.
Track and Share Impact Metrics
Use clear metrics to show how feedback has shaped your business. Here's how:
| What to Track | How to Share |
|---|---|
| Product changes | Add "New & Improved" labels |
| Customer satisfaction | Use comparison charts |
| Popular feature requests | Share development timelines |
Implement "You Spoke, We Did" Campaigns
These campaigns are a great way to highlight feedback-driven changes. For example, Starbucks introduced mobile app temperature controls based on customer input. This led to a 15% increase in mobile orders and a 22% drop in remakes. It’s a perfect way to show customers their voices are being heard.
Create Visual Progress Updates
Turn feedback into visual stories that are easy to understand and engaging:
- Interactive timelines showing product updates driven by reviews
- Charts or graphs comparing satisfaction levels over time
- Before-and-after visuals paired with customer testimonials
- Real-time trackers showing ongoing implementation progress
Personalize Impact Communication
Reach out directly to customers whose feedback influenced a change. A personalized update can make them feel valued and inspire them to stay involved. It’s a small gesture that can have a big impact on engagement.
Funding Review Programs with Onramp Funds
Starting review programs often requires upfront capital, which can be a challenge for many sellers. Onramp Funds provides a solution by offering financing that directly supports key strategies.
Key Investment Areas
| Strategy Link | Funding Use | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Loyalty Software (Aligning with sections 1-3) | Automated review tracking and rewards distribution | Simplified program management |
| Review Incentives | Points, discounts, and exclusive perks | Boosted review submission rates |
| Customer Engagement | Personalized outreach and follow-up campaigns | Improved feedback quality |
| Analytics Tools (See sections 2 & 5) | Performance tracking and ROI measurement | Smarter program adjustments |
Repayments are based on daily sales (1-20%), ensuring the funding scales with program success while maintaining cash flow.
Integrated Platform Support
Onramp Funds works with major platforms like Amazon, Shopify, and Walmart Marketplace. This allows sellers to implement consistent review strategies across all their sales channels, creating a unified approach [16].
Tracking Performance and Managing Risk
For funded review programs to succeed, sellers need to keep an eye on critical metrics, such as:
- Review volume and quality
- Customer retention rates
- Impact on sales conversions
- Program ROI
- Changes in customer lifetime value
Flexible Growth Model
Onramp Funds' revenue-based financing helps sellers maintain steady review programs, even during slower sales periods. This flexibility ensures sellers can offer consistent incentives without straining their finances [3].
"The flexibility of revenue-based financing allows sellers to invest in customer engagement without the pressure of fixed monthly payments. This creates a more sustainable approach to building review programs that can scale with business growth." [2]
This approach levels the playing field, giving smaller sellers the resources to compete with larger brands by implementing advanced review systems [4].
Wrapping It Up
From offering loyalty rewards (section 1) to boosting social proof (section 6), these methods work together to build a system that consistently generates reviews. Businesses with over 200 reviews see their revenue double compared to their competitors [15].
When used effectively, these strategies can increase review submissions by 20-30% [1] while also improving customer relationships. The trick is to design a program that encourages participation without overwhelming your audience.
The benefits are clear. New reviews attract potential customers, while also keeping current ones engaged. By acting on customer feedback and showing visible improvements, you strengthen the trust that leads to repeat purchases and customer loyalty.
To keep your program effective, monitor review trends and performance regularly. This ensures your approach stays aligned with what your customers need.
FAQs
What is an example of a loyalty bonus?
Loyalty bonuses can be a smart way to encourage customer engagement, especially when tied to specific actions like generating reviews. For instance, a home goods retailer doubled loyalty points for video reviews (as mentioned earlier), leading to a 40% increase in submissions [7].
Here’s an example of how tiered rewards can work within a loyalty program focused on reviews:
| Tier Level | Review Action | Reward |
|---|---|---|
| Silver | 5 reviews | Free shipping + early access to sales |
| Gold | 10+ reviews | Triple points + exclusive event access |
Another example comes from a skincare brand that ties rewards directly to customer feedback. Verified buyers can access exclusive product testing opportunities or attend VIP events [12]. Importantly, these systems comply with FTC guidelines by rewarding participation rather than positive reviews [1].
The key is to provide rewards that feel meaningful and personalized. Research shows that 79% of consumers are more likely to stick with brands offering loyalty programs [9]. Thoughtful recognition of customer contributions can go a long way in building long-term relationships.
