Seeking Client Reviews (Ratings!)

Client testimonials are one of the most powerful marketing tools because you have to earn them, and people have to feel so great about your products and services that they are willing to set aside time to share their thoughts with the community.  Some clients will be willing to write reviews for you without your asking, and that is just terrific.  Others might be willing, but you need to ask.  They might not know you have a listing on the site, or they might be busy enough that though they would be willing to post a rating, they just need a friendly request or reminder.

Following are two examples of sample text you can use to request reviews from your clients.  You can use all or part of this text, or create your own communication.   Please feel welcome to send comments or suggestions - We'd be happy to post your great samples for others.  One note is that it's always a good idea to make clear Rate It Green's registration requirements for becoming a community member and posting content on the site.  it is not worth surprising anyone.  For more information on these requirements, read below and see our Individual FAQ.    You can also refer to this url in your communications if you wish. 

Of the two samples below, the second is a bit longer with a little more information about how Rate It Green serves the community and is welcome to all.  It also has a slightly different paragraph order.  Additionally, we have two suggestions for customizing these communications.  In or after the first sentence, please feel welcome to specifically list your own green building brands and products.  And you might wish to add a thirst sentence to help clients find your rate it green url, such as, "You can find our profile as well as a list of our products/services at:  www.rateitgreen.com/(your company's url here)."

Sample Request 1:

Dear Client:

I am writing to ask for your help in getting the word out about the quality products and service we provide. Our company has become a Listed Member of an online green building directory, resource, and community portal called Rate It Green (www.rateitgreen.com). Rate It Green's directory offers a great and affordable marketing opportunity for companies offering green building services. We create a profile and list our products and services, and then we can ask our valued clients (you) to post testimonials that prospective clients can rely upon to learn more about working with us.

I believe that people who have worked with us are the best advertising for what we do. Especially in a tough economy, your thoughts can be quite meaningful to others who are making green building purchasing decisions, and your time is appreciated. Ideally, you will get excited about Rate It Green and perhaps also review other products and services, make item suggestions, and become otherwise involved in the community. If not, we'd still very much appreciate your testimonial and your time.

Registration on Rate It Green is free, but there is a survey involved for those who wish to post content on the site (you can select "prefer not to answer" if you choose not to share most information). The registration is one way the site makes sure all of our reviews will be sincere.

Rate It Green is working to promote greater information exchange within the green building industry, so that you will find green building information more easily and so that companies like ours can showcase our offerings through a trustworthy and open resource. If you have been pleased with our work, would you be willing to provide a review, or testimonial on our behalf? Please contact me regarding any questions about our products and services at any time. You may visit www.rateitgreen.com or contact Allison Friedman at afriedman@rateitgreen.com with questions about Rate It Green. To join the site, click "register" at the top right of the home page (registration: http://www.rateitgreen.com/register), and the site will guide you through.

Thank you for your support,

Sample Request 2:

Dear Client:

I am writing to ask for your help in getting the word out about the quality products and service we provide. Our company has become a Listed Member of an online green building directory, resource, and community portal called Rate It Green (www.rateitgreen.com). Rate It Green's directory offers a great and affordable marketing opportunity for companies offering green building services. We create a profile and list our products and services, and then we can ask our valued clients (you) to post testimonials that prospective clients can rely upon to learn more about working with us.

One thing I like about Rate It Green is that the site is open to all. Both residential products and services are included, and individuals and organizations might be expert or new to green building. Many people will also find they are expert in one area and have much to learn in other categories. The site welcomes everyone in the industry and provides free ways to become involved. I also believe that this resource can help everyone make better and more confident decisions, especially in time as content and reviews grow. Rate It Green also has more exciting features planned, such as individual profiles and forums and groups you can join to communicate with other members.

Registration is free, but there is a survey involved for those who wish to post content on the site (you can select "prefer not to answer" if you choose not to share most information). The registration is one way the site makes sure all of our reviews will be sincere. And that is why I am writing to ask for your time - I believe that people who have worked with us are the best advertising for what we do. Especially in a tough economy, your thoughts can be quite meaningful to others who are making green building purchasing decisions, and your time is appreciated. Ideally, you will get excited about Rate It Green and perhaps also review other products and services, make item suggestions, and become otherwise involved in the community. If not, we'd still very much appreciate your testimonial and your time.

Rate It Green is working to promote greater information exchange within the green building industry, so that you will find green building information more easily and so that companies like ours can showcase our offerings through a trustworthy and open resource. If you have been pleased with our work, would you be willing to provide a review, or testimonial on our behalf? Please contact me regarding any questions about our products and services at any time. You may visit www.rateitgreen.com or contact Allison Friedman at afriedman@rateitgreen.com with questions about Rate It Green. To join the site, click "register" at the top right of the home page (registration: http://www.rateitgreen.com/register), and the site will guide you through.

Thank you for your support,