It's no secret reviews and testimonials can be great sales tools for any business. In fact, 89% of consumers worldwide make the effort to read reviews before buying any products and/services, and 63% state they are more likely to buy from a website that has product reviews. This type of social proof can reassure hesitant customers, provide additional information and reduce returns by ensuring buyers are satisfied with their purchase at the earliest time.

Are you ready to instil trust, create meaningful social proof and build your brand recognition? Here are 8 ways you can go above and beyond with product reviews and customer testimonials. Check it out.

1) Put your product reviews front and centre

You want potential customers to see what it's like to work with or to buy from your business right? So why not place a few reviews right on the homepage of your website for all to see? And for the reviews you have for specific products/services, publish them on each dedicated page for that particular thing.

You can even add an entirely new page dedicated to all the awesome testimonials and add a link in the top navigation bar for people to click. Just make sure you get them on your website in a way that works for your business, products and services.

2) Be where your customers are

Being accessible and social are brilliant ways to get honest feedback from your customers, but how do you do that? Well make your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and any other social media accounts easily accessible from your website so customers can reach out with comments and questions. Also, on many social media platforms your customers can leave reviews on your pages. For example, Facebook and LinkedIn both have sections where people can leave reviews/testimonials and rate your business.

3) Follow up with your paying customers

Consider sending an email to customers after they make a purchase with you. That way you’re more likely to get a review when the purchase is still top of mind and a recent experience for the customer. This also shows your customers just how important they are to you - you want them to feel special and honoured all at the same time. So why not take the time to email the customers, who have spent their hard earned cash on your products, and find out their feedback of the experience they had with your business? You can learn a lot from that quick, little email... value you need to know.

4) Contact those who leave you positive reviews

If you notice a glowing review on TrustPilot or a pretty tagged photo on Instagram, simply say thanks! Show the personal side of your business and make it a priority to follow up and socialise with the positive reviews you receive. We also recommend you ask the customer who has left a positive review for permission to share their shoutout on your website and/or social media channels. The more social proof, the better.

5) Contact those who leave you negative reviews

Unfortunately, ignoring the negative reviews you receive won’t make them go away. You should respond to all the reviews you receive, even the negative ones! Take this opportunity to learn from your customers and improve your business with every bit of feedback you can. Again, this is a powerful tool you need to utilise. Listen to what people have to say about the areas you need to improve or change - it's value at the end of the day.

6) Reward those who leave a review

Give them an incentive to leave a review for your business. For example, you could provide every customers who gives you a review a 15% off voucher. And you don’t even need to let them know this is coming their way. The surprise factor will add more of a "wow" factor to their experience with you, and ensures you're memorable, even way after they've done business with you .

7) Give your customers a reason to review you

It may be something as simple as writing a personalised thank you note, but that small gesture will go a long way in making your customers feel valued. That feel is very important for every customer, especially those who return. So why not take some time to priorities what you could do to make sure your customers feel on top of the world?

8) Include the customer’s name and picture when you post the review

Show your customers off by sharing their reviews with their name and photograph! This can be a very nice way to thank your customers, whilst also adding a level of credibility to the review. And to take this to the next level, why not consider adding the source of the review, like TrustPilot, to encourage other customers to send in their own feedback. The more, the merrier!