Word of mouth recommendations have always been crucial for drawing new business in the hospitality, and reviews on Google have become a part of that. Google searches are the second most common way people discover new places to eat, after word of mouth. Pair this with the knowledge that 43% of people won’t visit a restaurant if the rating is below 3 stars, and it’s clear that reviews are an important factor in decision making.
Consumers are becoming more and more cautious about spending, which alongside an increase in competition, makes getting more positive reviews a top priority for your restaurant or QSR marketing in 2025. Here are 5 ways to encourage more positive reviews this year.
Automate your booking process to encourage reviews
Using automation tools to allow customers to book and/or order food gives you their email addresses and contact details to conduct follow-ups that ask for reviews.
As well as asking for a review, an automated system can send personalized welcome emails, reminders of their bookings, and entice them to return with personalized offers like birthday treats. Online booking systems that specialize in getting reviews, automate emails to be delivered less than 48 hours after a visit so the experience is fresh in the customers mind.
It’s important to ensure that the system you use is compliant with data protection laws and users have the freedom to unsubscribe if they want to. With those procedures in place however, an online booking system not only saves time and resources with your booking process, but automatically encourages reviews. This frees you up to concentrate on making the dining experience a positive and memorable one.
Tabletop devices increase immediate reviews
Installing digital devices at tables, such as tablets, enhance the ordering process reduce mistakes with orders, and prompt for reviews whilst customers are still at the table. Programmed to ask for a review after payment has been completed, this can deliver real-time feedback to the management, and be published immediately for other potential diners to see.
The good thing about installing this review option, is that it prompts a discussion with the servers at the beginning of the meal about feedback. Being transparent about feedback and reviews from the start might make patrons more inclined to bring up negative experiences whilst in the restaurant, instead of leaving angry and posting a negative review.
Boost reviews from social media comments
Social media is a dynamic way to interact with your customers before and after they eat your food. Actively respond to tags, comments and photos that reference your business and share their experiences, ensuring you respond to both positive and negative comments. On positive comments, thank them for their feedback and direct them to leave a review on your Google Business Profile or other preferred platform.
User generated content is a powerful word of mouth recommendation so share their positive posts in your Instagram Stories or other platform.
Print review prompts on branded food paper
Custom printed food paper isn’t just a practical solution for food presentation, it’s also a creative marketing tool. Print QR codes or short review prompts directly on the paper to catch diners’ attention while they enjoy their meal. This approach is particularly effective for take-out customers, as it offers a direct link to your review platform once they’ve finished eating.
Train staff to request reviews
Servers play a pivotal role in creating a memorable dining experience, and they can also help generate positive reviews. A lot of staff aren’t trained how to confidently ask for feedback during customer interactions however, especially how to handle a negative response. Training front of house staff to discuss positive and negative experiences can really improve the likelihood their customers will leave a positive review.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to encouraging more positive reviews for your business, whether you’re a takeout pizza QSR, coffee shop, restaurant, food truck or bar. It’s important to create a review strategy that is tailored to your customer’s journey that includes the digital elements. Add confidence in handling negative and positive feedback, and this will generate an increase in positive reviews for your business.
