Why cant I see ask for recommendations on Facebook?

In the spring of 2018, Facebook started improving how customers leave business page reviews. In the past, a review comprised a paragraph explaining a person’s experience along with their rating. Facebook has simplified the social media review process into what they call their recommendations feature.

The process starts with a simple question: “Would you recommend this place?”

With an answer of yes or no, the screen will open up with different tabs, allowing tags, photos and space for additional feedback. This feedback will accumulate on a Facebook Business Page, allowing viewers to see what other people, especially their friends, say about a business.

Since 84% of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations, getting positive reviews is a great way to impress consumers in your area.

This article will cover how to set up Facebook recommendations for your business page, why it’s essential to have a business Facebook page and simple ways to get more recommendations.

Are Facebook reviews and recommendations the same thing?

Facebook reviews differ from recommendations — recommendations have taken the place of reviews. Reviews previously allowed customers to leave a star rating and a written review.

Recommendations let customers rate whether they recommend a business with a “yes” or ‘no” answer and allow for written reviews under 25 characters. Anyone can respond to a review, but only people in a poster’s network can respond to their recommendations.

The impact Facebook reviews and recommendations have on businesses

Having great reviews online is essential, and a strong Facebook page can get your business in front of the 182 million active American Facebook users. Up to 37% of people search for companies on Facebook to read customer reviews before visiting them. Facebook users are more likely to find and patronize companies with higher ratings, so if you’re a business owner, you’ll want to ensure you actively seek Facebook recommendations.

How to set up Facebook recommendations for your business

If you previously set up your business for Facebook reviews, the recommendation system was updated automatically and you can already receive recommendations. If you haven’t set up Facebook reviews or recommendations, here are the steps to setting it up on your business page:

1. Click “Settings” on your Facebook page
2. Click “Templates and Tabs”
3. You will see all your tab options. Slide the button next to “Reviews” from off to on.

Now customers can quickly jump to the reviews page when they visit your page.

How to ask for Facebook recommendations

Asking for reviews might seem intimidating, but ‌most customers will leave a review if asked – so don’t be afraid to ask! Sometimes people need a reminder to leave a review, as they might not think about it or realize how vital it is to their favorite local business.

Here are five easy ways to ask customers for reviews.

1. Include Facebook buttons in email follow-ups

Send an automated review email after you complete a service asking customers to recommend your business on Facebook. Include a Facebook button within the message to quickly guide your customers to the right place.

2. Ask people to check-in

Checking in on Facebook is a simple and fun way for customers to show their Facebook friends what they’re doing. It will also prompt Facebook to remind the user to leave a recommendation.

Offer incentives for customers to check in to your Facebook page, like access to a Wi-Fi password, a free upgrade or a small discount.

3. Include a Facebook call to action on your website

Your webpage can include a CTA for the user to recommend your business. Include a Facebook icon that links directly to your page to simplify the process for people and rack up recommendations on your company’s Facebook page.

4. Promote great reviews

Everyone loves a good review to showcase. Let the world know what people are saying about you. Promote a great review on Facebook as a testimonial and bring in new customers. It might also inspire other happy customers to write glowing reviews.

Over time, you’ll likely encounter some negative reviews. Always respond to negative reviews to show existing and potential customers that you care about their customer experience.

5. Ask people for recommendations

Asking for recommendations is easier said than done, but even putting a sign with a QR code in a visible place with a review request is effective. Customers are probably on Facebook, anyway! When you ask a customer directly if they would leave a review, ensure they know it’s optional.

Don’t underestimate the power of gratitude. Let your customers know how important their business is to you and how much you appreciate recommendations and feedback. This will promote a stronger sense of loyalty and more long-term customers.

Manage your Facebook interactions with Broadly

Broadly can help automate reputation management so you can focus on your business. Remember that almost three billion people are using Facebook, and one out of three use the recommendation and review section to find local businesses.

Schedule a demo to see how Broadly can help your business use recommendations to grow your online presence and manage your online reputation.

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How do I enable Facebook recommendations?