Posting accurate photos, double-checking all the parts, making returns seamless – these are all basic yet necessary factors of creating a positive e-commerce experience for your Amazon customers.

Other times, however, you know you’re already doing everything right and completing plenty of sales, but only a tiny fraction of customers leave reviews.

Despite dozens, hundreds, or thousands of successful monthly sales, you only have only a handful of Amazon product reviews trickling in. 

What gives?

Reviewing a product takes time and energy – not much, but some. 

People only leave reviews after an emotional and timely trigger. If you’re not supplying a positive trigger at the right time, only the customers triggered by a negative experience will feel motivated to review your product.

Use these tips and strategies to spark a connection with your customers and boost your chances of endless five-star reviews.

Quick takeaways:

  • Read, study, recite, and learn the Amazon customer review guidelines – this is critical stuff.
  • Fraudulent reviews are a pervasive problem across Amazon so even a single violation might cost you your account. 
  • Don’t put yourself in a gray zone. Some of Amazon’s violations aren’t as obvious as you might expect. Plus, Amazon updates the review guidelines regularly in response to scams and you don’t want to be caught in the crossfire. 
  • Look past the review process itself. Find unique ways to go beyond your competition by improving the customer experience. It’s the little things.

How to Get More 5-Star Amazon Product Reviews from Customers Without Violating the Rules

Every touchpoint matters. Carefully consider each potential point of contact and channel for connecting with customers at the right time so they feel compelled to support you publicly.

Keep in mind Amazon’s product review policies during your tactics as well as the community guidelines while replying via the Amazon ecosystem.

  1. Respond to Public Questions Quickly 

Customers look over the questions on product pages when they can’t find the information they need anywhere else in the listing or photos. 

Lots of product listings are filled with unanswered questions or incorrect questions from other Amazon users – many times not even from people who bought the product.

Ignoring questions on your product page makes customers think you don’t care. Make sure each question has a verified answer from your seller account.

  1. Offer Plenty of Discounts and Coupons Away from Where You Ask for Amazon Reviews

Amazon’s coupon clipping feature is an excellent tool not only for boosting sales but making a positive impression on customers as well. 

Take every chance Amazon offers to improve the overall experience and make the customer associate positive emotions like excitement with your brand.

The coupon clip feature is interactive too, which might encourage further interaction on your product page later.

  1. Respond to Negative Amazon Reviews Politely and Professionally 

91% of customers read product reviews before making a final choice. And on Amazon, they have plenty of choices. 

You should expect customers to sort through your reviews and seek negative ones. Negative reviews aren’t always bad. In fact, an absence of negative reviews sends a red flag something’s wrong.

You do, however, need to promptly address negative Amazon product reviews. Even if you replaced the product and refunded the money, no one else will know that unless you reply to the review.

  1. Retarget Customers on Social Media for Amazon Product Reviews

Social media retargeting isn’t only an excellent tool for recouping abandoned carts and encouraging loyalty later post-conversion. Targeted ads are also the perfect tool for encouraging Amazon customer reviews.

Use analytics on your customers to set up automated and personalized ads post-purchase. Give customers time to familiarize themselves with the product but not too long that they forget. 

Your best timing depends on the item.

However, do make sure to use a friendly tone and emotional trigger to spark a connection. 

  1. Show Off Your Support for Special Causes

People like to support brands giving back to the world. People also like to show other people that they support brands giving back to the world.

Choose a cause that you know will resonate with your target audience. 

Include a small card or note in your package showing customers examples of the support so they can visualize themselves being part of the positive impact. 

Buy-one, give-one strategies like Toms does for shoes is a genius idea. 

  1. Add Tutorials, Instructions, and QR Codes to Each Package

Surprisingly, many Amazon sellers don’t include basic instructions in their packaging. 

Even if the assembly or application seems obvious, instructions are a vital piece of showing you care.

Include instructions and tutorials in multiple formats: video, infographic, text, etc. Everyone absorbs information differently. Link to multiple formats like video or GIF via a QR code on the printed instructions. 

  1. Surprise Customers with Something Special for More Amazon Customer Reviews

No one ever expects free stuff from brands. Especially with e-commerce, selling is always about expanding profit margins to reap the full range of benefits.

Set aside a small review/loyalty budget for gifts. Choose a handful of different types of gifts so you have something relevant for each product you sell. Include a little thank you card as well. 

  1. Bonus: Amazon Programs to Boost Product Reviews

Amazon also offers two programs for sellers to use their regulated incentivized review programs. 

The Vine Program functions as an Amazon internal influencer network. Vendors work with Amazon to send free products to “Vine Voices” who review your product. 

With the Early Reviewer Program, Amazon sends gift cards to customers in exchange for them reviewing a product you carry that they’ve already purchased.

Take Your Amazon Product Reviews, Customers, and Seller Account to the Next Level

Feel like your Amazon selling experience has hit a dead-end? There’s still time to secure your spot at the conversational forum Prosper Connect – Think Tank this April.