This actually happened yesterday. I was working the sales floor with the team at a coffee shop where I was consulting on operations and sales training, and they had just released their new fall menu. One woman ordered a new drink called the Orchard, which had been created the night before. She had seen it on social media and driven 20 minutes just to try it, and she was taking pictures of the shop.
So I told her that if she didn't mind sharing it when she posted, and tagging us, that would be greatly appreciated, and to leave us a good review. She smiled and said she absolutely would. She posted a video that has now been seen 14,000 times on Facebook.
Why the ask works while they're still smiling
The ask only worked because the experience came first. The team had made something she was willing to drive 20 minutes for and stop to take pictures of. As CEOs, leaders and managers, we should be proud of the product we put in our customers' hands, and that pride is part of why asking doesn't feel awkward.
Always be aware of your customer's emotions. Read them, understand what they're thinking, and ask the questions. Never assume. In this case we happened to catch the right moment, while the customer was pleased with the product and in a great place emotionally. Most teams wait and send an email a week later, when that feeling has faded.
The right moment is when the customer is already happy in front of you. Every happy customer who walks out without being asked is a review you don't get back.
What to say, and what to send
Here's an ask anyone on your team can say word for word:
"I'm really glad you had a good experience today. Would you mind leaving us a quick review? It honestly helps other people decide to give us a try."
Then send a short text that same day, while the visit is still fresh:
"Hi Jordan, thanks again for coming in today. It was great having you. If you have a minute, here's the link to leave a quick review: [review link]. It really helps other folks find us. Thank you!"
Use their first name, include the direct review link, and stop there. An AI tool can draft the text from a quick note about the visit, and you make it sound like you before sending.
So create that experience and connection with your customers, and don't be afraid to ask. Do it while the emotions are high, and it will do wonders.
If you'd like a plain place to start with AI for small tasks like this, grab my free guide, Start Here: AI in Plain Words.
Start Here: AI in Plain Words
The free bonus lesson from the FieldKit AI Bootcamp, as a short PDF. What AI is and isn't, how to pick an assistant, the five-part brief, a one-page privacy checklist, and your first 15 minutes on a real task.