There are many many articles stating why consumer reviews are important. Reviews help consumers make decisions and they help your website get found. Here’s a great summary of both points in Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/sites/jaysondemers/2015/12/28/how-important-are-customer-reviews-for-online-marketing/#cf4cf52788c6
So we KNOW reviews matter to your marketing efforts. The real question is how to cultivate reviews? There are good times to ask for reviews. That means looking a customer in the eye and saying please. When they purchase a product, sign a lease, or when you complete a service for them. But it’s not an automatic response. You and your team have to systematically ask for a review – and tell folks HOW to leave you a review. Don’t assume they know how. For instance they may stop by your Facebook page and leave a like. That’s not bad – but it’s not a review either. Liking something doesn’t influence consumer opinion any where near as much as a review. A review has the specific details WHY a customer likes your product or service. Here’s a helpful take on asking: http://www.convinceandconvert.com/customer-experience/the-right-way-to-ask-for-customer-reviews/
So the question really is HOW do customers leave a review that’s easy for them and valuable for you. Send them to your website and make it easy for them, that’s how. Include a review us button or link. Folks have likely already been to your site
