How To Get Product Reviews For Your Skincare Business
There are many ways how to promote your skincare business and products. Tactics, like, social media marketing, email marketing, giveaways, influencer collaborations and user-generated content, paid online ads – all of them work. Although, often enough, you can try every single trick in the book, and yet the sales aren't rolling in as often as they should.
One important aspect that you shouldn't overlook is collecting product reviews. A recent study found that 77% of US shoppers specifically seek out websites with ratings and reviews. 74% of consumers, in the said study, revealed that ratings and reviews are a key way to learning about products they've never purchased before. And 93% of shoppers said, that whether the online store has existing ratings or reviews impacted their decision to make or not make a purchase.
This means that providing your store with high-quality products, detailed descriptions and captivating marketing materials isn't enough. Today's customers want to be able to see that other people are buying your products and having equally great experiences using them and interacting with you.
To help you effectively gather product reviews and leverage them to grow your skincare brand, we have prepared 10 tips that you can try.
1. Start with a great product
Let's be honest, before you can expect glowing reviews, you should be confident that you're offering a product that truly delivers on its promises. For private label skincare businesses, this means working with trusted manufacturers, like Selfnamed, whose values align with yours. A great product is the foundation of positive reviews.
2. Ask for reviews at the right time
Timing is everything when it comes to requesting reviews. The best time to ask for a review is when the customer has had enough time to use the product and experience its benefits. This is particularly a tricky aspect for skincare business owners, but we would advise waiting a few weeks (3-4 weeks) after the purchase. This timeframe would allow the customer some time to see the results.
You can automate this process by sending an email reminder or setting up push notifications through your ecommerce platform. For instance, Shopify allows you to automate review requests through email sequences, making it easier to gather feedback without manually following-up.
3. Make it easy for customers to leave reviews
Convenience is key. The easier it is for customers to leave a review, the more likely they are to do it. Here are things you can try:
simplify the review process: use platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, which allow customers to leave reviews directly on the product page without navigating away from your website.
offer multiple channels: some customers prefer to leave reviews on social media or third-party review sites like Trustpilot. Make sure you accommodate these preferences by providing clear instructions or links.
use QR codes: include a QR code on your product packaging that directs customers to a review page. This is particularly effective for private label skincare products, where packaging plays a crucial role in brand experience.
4. Incentivise reviews
Offering a small incentive can encourage customers to take the time to leave a review. This could be a discount on their next purchase, entry into a giveaway, or a free sample of a new product. However, be cautious not to create incentives that could lead to biased reviews, as this can damage your brand's credibility.
5. Follow-up with a personalised request
Personalisation can make a big difference. Send a follow-up email thanking the customer for their purchase and asking for their honest feedback. Mentioning the specific product they purchased and showing genuine interest in their experience can increase the likelihood of receiving a review.
6. Showcase reviews on your website
Displaying customer reviews prominently on your product pages not only builds trust but also encourages others to leave their own reviews. Highlight reviews that speak to the quality and effectiveness of your skincare products, especially those that mention specific benefits like improved skin texture or reduced blemishes.
Example of customer reviews from Tatcha.com
7. Respond to reviews
Engaging with customers who leave reviews, both positive and negative, shows that you value their feedback. Responding to reviews – whether it's thanking them for their kind words or addressing a concern – demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction. This can foster loyalty and encourage more reviews.
8. Take advantage of the social proof on social media
Share positive reviews on your social media platforms to amplify their impact. User-generated content, like photos and testimonials, can be particularly effective for skincare brands, as potential customers can see real-life results. Encourage satisfied customers to tag your brand in their posts, and re-share their content with your audience.
9. Leverage third-party review sites
Listing your products on third-party review platforms like Trustpilot or Google Reviews can expand your reach and credibility. Customers are more likely to trust reviews from independent sources, so make sure your brand has a presence on these sites.
10. Analyse and act on feedback
Take the time to analyse the reviews you receive. Positive feedback can highlight what you're doing right, while constructive criticism can offer valuable insights into areas for improvement. Use this information to refine your products, customer service, and overall brand strategy.
Finally, remember – the power of reviews lies not just in the quantity, but in the quality and authenticity of the feedback you collect.
For more insights and strategies on how to boost your skincare business, explore examples of successful WooCommerce skincare stores and successful Shopify skincare stores. Learn also about personalisation and the importance of social media marketing for skincare business owners.
How To Start Your Own Skincare Line Using Selfnamed
Selfnamed is here to help create your own skincare line by making the process as simple and seamless as possible. As soon as you decide on your ideal customer and product range, there are only a few simple steps to take:
Select product sample sets. You can choose from more than 30 high-quality, organic or natural certified skincare products made in Northern Europe.
Add your style. Selfnamed offers an easy-to-use design studio to create labels and packaging. You can work with pre-made print-ready templates or create your design from scratch. You can also choose our design service.
Start selling your products. There are no minimum orders, meaning you can easily adjust the volume to your needs.
Before making a custom order, we recommend looking at our sample set selection. These sets contain curated product lines for different skin types, letting you choose the best products for your brand. This way you can test the products — their consistencies, textures, fragrances, as well as packaging quality.
There are the basic steps on how to start a skincare line from the comfort of your home. Best of luck with your new endeavour!