Do You Encourage Your Clients to Write Reviews and Testimonials?

Let's be honest – as much as we audio engineers love our gear and workflow, attracting the right kind of clients is the key to a thriving studio business. Word-of-mouth and a great portfolio can take you far, but in today's internet-driven world, there's another incredibly effective (and often overlooked) tool you should be maximizing: online reviews and testimonials.

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Why Do Reviews Matter?

• Social Proof is King: Think about it: when was the last time you booked a hotel or ate at a new restaurant without checking reviews first? Most potential clients are doing their research before contacting you. Positive reviews build trust and make your studio stand out from the competition.
• It's Not Just About Stars: While glowing 5-star reviews are awesome, detailed testimonials hold even more weight. When a client gushes about your work ethic, communication skills, or specific results you achieved on a project, that tells a compelling story.
• Search Engine Love: Search engines like Google prioritize businesses with positive online reviews. This can boost your visibility in local searches, meaning more prospective clients finding you organically.

But How Do I Get More Reviews?

You might be surprised how many clients are happy to leave a review but simply forget in the excitement of their release. Here's how to make it easy:

• Just Ask! Include a simple request in your project follow-up email with a direct link to your preferred review platform (Google Business Profile, Yelp, or industry-specific sites).
• Incentivise It: Offer a small discount on future services or a free extra like a stem master in exchange for a thoughtful review.
• Make It Personal: A handwritten "thank you" note expressing your appreciation, along with a review request, goes a long way.

Turning Reviews into Marketing Gold

• Showcase Them Proudly: Add a testimonials section to your website, highlighting your best reviews.
• Social Sharing: Share short, eye-catching quotes from client reviews on your social media platforms.
• Case Studies: Turn longer testimonials into compelling success stories to demonstrate your expertise.

Remember: It's Not About Perfection

Don't fear the occasional less-than-stellar review. How you respond to negative feedback is just as important. Address concerns professionally and offer to resolve issues. This demonstrates that you care about customer satisfaction.

The Bottom Line

Actively managing your online reputation through reviews and testimonials isn't rocket science, but it's incredibly effective. By making this a part of your standard business practice, you'll attract more ideal clients and cement your status as a sought-after audio professional in your area.

Rich Steve Beck is the creator and owner of Produce Mix Fix Conquer/We Are PMFC and PMFC Atlas. As well as being a Mastering Engineer, Blogger, Podcast Interviewer and Community Leader, Rich has 20 years + experience in finance, insurance, account management and online marketing. This will be a regular series supporting new up and coming audio engineers and producers as well as hopefully throwing around some fresh ideas to industry veterans to help assist sustainability. Cherry pick what is helpful, leave behind what you don't need. Good luck on your audio adventures!