82% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses, according to Bright Local.
Having a variety of online reviews is essential for any business but I would argue that it is even more important in the childcare industry. I don’t have to tell you that children are extremely precious. You already know and believe that or you probably wouldn’t be in this business. Parents want to know that their child(ren) are going to be safe, happy, and well-cared for wherever they enroll them for care.
Put parents at ease by having a plethora of online reviews which they can read to see how your center compares to other ones they may be considering. If you don’t already have many online reviews, this article is for you. Keep reading to see how you can generate more online reviews for your center and increase enrollment.
Best Practices for Generating Online Reviews
1) You Don’t Get if You Don’t Ask.
Possibly the simplest way of increasing the number of reviews you have on Google, Facebook, Yelp, or any other site is by asking your parents to leave a review about their experience with your center and staff. This can be intimidating for some but it is one of the most personal ways to make this request. Start with families who you know are happy with your center’s service and are loyal to your business.
2) Promote Leaving Reviews in Your Center.
Parents pick up their child(ren) every day, meaning that they come to your center’s physical location quite often. Create some table-top stands or window/desktop signs that say ‘Leave Us a Review on Google’ or whatever other platform where you need more reviews. These signs don’t need to be expensive; they can even be made of printer paper. However, a big bonus tip is utilizing a QR code that links directly to your Google Business listing. Read more about how to use QR codes to generate reviews.
3) Use Email and Text Campaigns.
More than likely, you already have all your parents emails and phone numbers. Use your ChildcareCRM two-way communications feature to send out a campaign to generate more online reviews. Include a link where they can access the site to leave a review so that it’s as simple as possible for them! Text messages and emails can be your greatest digital tools for nurturing families.
4) Incentivize Your Staff.
At a past company I worked for, we had a great customer base but were rarely reviewed online. To combat this, we told all our staff that whoever received the most positive reviews in a month would get a $25 gift card. They were already doing a great job, all they needed to start doing was asking customers if they had a good experience and then letting them know that we would appreciate if they left a review online. We received over 30 reviews in one month and it only cost us $25!
5) Include Links on Your Website.
Your website is one of the most powerful marketing tools a business can have in today’s modern era. Include links to places where people can leave reviews or read reviews given to your center. This is a simple way to remind your parents to leave a review whenever they check your website for updates or information.
Once you start getting those reviews, make sure you respond to them timely and professionally. Read more about how to do that here. Alternatively, check out this impactful podcast for additional tips & tricks to garner more positive reviews via online channels.
Take the Stress Out of Managing and Gaining Online Reviews
At the end of the day, your enrolled families are your biggest fans and asking them to leave you a review shouldn’t have to be scary, nerve-racking, or difficult. You know the best way to reach out to them just like you know what their child is allergic to. You and your staff have spent time developing relationships that matter and it’s important that all that hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.
If you decide to use or have used any of these tips successfully, DM or tag us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn! We’d love to hear from you.
