How to Get More Reviews for Your Veterinary Practice
Updated: Nov 7
Did you know that nearly 95% of today’s consumers check online reviews before deciding whether to make a purchase or book a service? While your website may serve as the virtual front door to your practice, review sites like Google and Yelp are like the path that leads them there. You want these comments to encourage and direct people to your clinic, not drive them away. This is why getting as many positive online reviews as possible is so important. Here’s how to get more for your practice. To understand the power of positive feedback and how it can transform your practice, we invite you to explore our testimonials page, "DVM Elite Reviews." There, you'll find inspiring stories of how our strategies have successfully helped others improve their online presence and attract more clients through effective review management.
Ask
The simplest and most straightforward way to generate more reviews for your veterinary practice is to come right out and ask your clients to share their positive experiences online. You should never be pushy or demanding, but it’s perfectly fine to educate them on how important reviews are to your success and how incredibly helpful it would be if they could contribute. Don’t force it, but if the situation arises and you feel like you’ve really wowed someone, ask. This goes for the rest of the team as well.
Remind
In addition to outright asking happy clients to post their comments about you online, you can also place subtle reminders throughout your clinic. Think a poster in the exam room or a display at your front desk. You can also include prompts within your various communications with clients, such as your email newsletter or social media posts. This can be especially helpful with those well-intentioned clients who meant to leave a review but simply forgot.
Make it Easy
Your clients’ time is valuable. Don’t expect them to jump through a bunch of hoops or go out of their way to review your practice. Instead, make it as quick and painless as possible for them to do so. There are a number of ways you can do this. For instance, you could QR codes throughout your practice that clients can scan, or include links to your Google and Yelp profiles on your website and in your online communications. If a client knows it’ll take less than a minute to leave you 5 stars, they’ll probably do it.
Respond
When prospects encounter online reviews about your practice, they’ll often look to see whether or not you’ve interacted with those reviewers. Taking a few moments to thank those who leave positive comments and – more importantly – respond positively and professionally to resolve negative reviews will show your clients and prospects that you’re paying attention and that their opinions matter. This might encourage someone else to leave a review, knowing that it will truly make an impact.
Earn It
Last, but most certainly not least, if you want to get more reviews for your practice, give your clients something to rave about. This involves every step of the client journey – from the greeting they receive at the front desk to how the support team handles their pet to the level of personalized care and attention they receive from you in the exam room. Make wowing your clients a priority for everyone on your team and you’ll naturally start to see more positive feedback coming your way.
These days, online reviews are the lifeblood of any service-based business, and the veterinary industry is no exception. By putting the five tips above into action, you can begin to build up and strengthen your online reputation so you can attract more leads and continue to grow your practice.
For more practice management tips, tricks, and expert advice, be sure to bookmark the DVMelite blog and check back often for fresh content.
