What's in store for this edition:
Powerful Free Tools You Might be Under Using
5 Stars ⭐️
Reviews influence buying decision, they are a vehicle for trust, and are a way to protect reputation. Reviews are a great way you can see the reputation that your business is developing, and take immediate steps to grow or protect reputation.
It’s no wonder we love reviews and testimonials, they deliver a lot and cost a little.
Industry Reviews are Important for:
✅ Service industry (salons, gyms, repair shops, etc.)
✅ Retail & eCommerce
✅ Hospitality and travel (hotel, restaurants, attractions)
✅ Healthcare and financial services
✅ Automotive (dealers, repair, rentals)
How can you get more reviews?
Ask Directly. Ideally immediately after a purchase or service. They are the happiest then!
Make it Easy. Use a direct link, QR code, embedded forms on website.
Follow up with email reminder or text.
I just experienced a masterclass of how to get a review from the young lady who did a blood draw for me today. After she finished she gave me a card, with a QR code and said “If you were pleased with my service today I would appreciate a review. It helps me out a lot. I promise.”
Simple. Polite. Made easy. Sweet. Asked a favor and made a promise. Bravo!
Various Platforms with Reviews:
Google takes the lead at 78% of all reviews
Yelp
TripAdvisor
Amazon
TrustPilot
Industry Specific sites
What if I Get a Negative Review?
Respond Immediately and Politely. Address reviewer by name, thank them for their feedback, and apologize if need be.
Offer a solution. Invite them to contact you directly to resolve issue.
Stay Professional. Don’t argue or get defensive.
Personalize your response to the specifics. Let them feel their review was heard.
Learn and Improve from the reviews.
Testimonials — When others sing your praises.
Testimonials are often underused but are a very important part of brand reputation.
Where to use testimonials:
Website
Marketing Materials (Email Campaigns, brochures, ads, case studies)
PR Efforts (press releases, pitches, media kits)
Fundraising Materials
Budget Reports
Make it easy to get testimonials.
Ask for them at the right time.
Ask the right customer, not everyone is a good fit.
Get specifics - how can they quantify results, numbers or benefits?
💫 Pro Tip: Use a photography/video release form if you’re going to use testimonials when you use a persons image for marketing, social media or advertising.
Reviews and testimonials are social proof on steroids. They are going to bulk up your business and bring big results for little cost.
“Reviews aren't just about feedback, they're about building a relationship with your customers.”
Do this now: Do you have reviews or testimonials for your business?
Determine what is holding you back from getting them, and make a plan to do more reach out in the future.
Term to Learn
Messaging refers to the underlying message you want to make. It includes the language and tone you want to use.
FAQ
Q: Should I have a template for review replies?
A: Personalize each response. Respond to all reviews, be it neutral, positive or negative. Use a template for guidance.
Get PR techniques from recent news.
Newsworthy
Imaginary Birth of a Cartoon Pig Breaks the Internet
The team behind Peppa Pig has been busy making a cultural sensation.
@goodmorningbritain Mummy Pig has some big news to share! #peppapig #peppa #news #exclusive #gmb
Creating real world buzz for a cartoon birth is a lot of work, planning and execution. And they did it beautifully.
Here are some highlights.
A pregnancy announcement “exclusives” on Morning Show, with it being posted on TikTok with 61 million views.
Another social media stunt with a gender revel at a highly public place that generated lots of social media engagement.
Magazine Cover
Royal styled birth announcement
Essential strategy that even the smallest budgets can do:
Capture the public’s imagination through storytelling
Partner with institutions
Stay on brand
Produce custom pictures and video
Have fun and be playful
Phased roll out of all the moving parts
Plan! Plan! Plan!
✍️ Key PR Takeaway: A 26-year-old kids TV show got a reboot and lots of buzz. Storytelling and planning are key!
Useful PR Resources.
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I use a $9 paid plan and it more than covers my needs. But try the free plan first to see if you like it.
Why I Like Adobe Express:
Ease of use
You get a lot of bang for your buck
It’s cross compatible with other Adobe products
Firefly AI generated images are slick
From the maker of powerful tools like Photoshop, Premier Pro, and Illustrator
Attention Seeker of the Week
Pets on social media are definitely Attention Getters. This photographer, Andrew McCarthy, while he takes amazing photos of the universe, it turns out a silly picture of his cat has gotten the most views.
People love furry attention seekers. Can we feature yours?
Better practice what I preach! Do you have a testimonial you can give Attention Seeker Newsletter?
Until next week, keep your shades on and stay cool.
Your fellow Seeker,
Keren
🕶️
