Automating review requests on Shopify saves time, boosts customer engagement, and ensures consistent feedback collection. Here's how it works and why it's useful:
- How It Works: Set triggers to send review requests via email or SMS after order delivery. Automate response collection and display.
- Benefits:
- Sends requests at the right time for better responses.
- Reduces manual work and scales with your store's growth.
- Improves customer interaction and builds trust.
Quick Steps to Set Up:
- Install a Shopify-compatible review app.
- Customize email templates with branding and direct links.
- Set triggers based on order type and delivery status.
- Offer incentives like store credit or loyalty points to encourage reviews.
Automating review requests is a simple way to gather social proof, improve customer trust, and grow your Shopify store efficiently.
Automated Review Requests with Opinew Reviews for Shopify
Understanding Review Request Automation
Automation streamlines the process of sending personalized review invitations after a purchase, removing the need for manual follow-ups.
How Review Automation Works
Review automation relies on a system of triggers and actions. Here's how it typically functions when a customer makes a purchase on your Shopify store:
- Order Tracking: The system monitors the fulfillment and delivery status of the order.
- Timing Control: It waits until the order is confirmed as delivered before taking action.
- Customer Communication: Review requests are sent to customers through email or SMS.
- Response Management: Reviews are collected and displayed automatically.
This process ensures a smooth and efficient way to request and manage customer feedback.
Benefits for Store Owners
Automating review requests brings several perks that help improve your store's operations:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Saves Time | Automates review collection, freeing you from repetitive tasks. |
| Boosts Engagement | Encourages more customers to submit reviews, improving interaction rates. |
| Ensures Consistency | Makes sure every eligible customer gets a review request. |
| Handles Growth | Manages higher order volumes effortlessly as your business scales. |
| Perfect Timing | Sends requests at the right moment, increasing the likelihood of responses. |
Setting Up Review Automation
Choosing the Right Review App
Pick a review automation app that fits your business needs and complies with US regulations. Here are some key features to look for:
| Feature Category | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Integration | Works seamlessly with Shopify and connects to your email provider |
| Automation | Lets you set custom timing rules |
| Compliance | Meets FTC disclosure rules and handles GDPR/CCPA data properly |
| Analytics | Tracks review performance and monitors response rates |
| Support | Offers US-based customer support and clear documentation |
The app should be easy to set up but still allow for customization. Look for extras like photo and video review options, multi-language support for diverse US audiences, and compatibility with your current email marketing tools.
Setting Up the App
Here’s how to get your review automation up and running:
-
Install the App
From your Shopify admin panel, install the app through the App Store. During installation:- Grant necessary order access permissions
- Set up API connections and adjust display preferences
-
Adjust Basic Settings
- Set delays for sending review requests
- Enter email sender details
- Configure moderation options for reviews
- Adjust how reviews appear on your product pages
-
Customize Emails
Make your review request emails stand out with branding:- Write a clear, engaging subject line
- Use mobile-friendly email templates
- Add your store’s logo and branding
- Include product images to grab attention
-
Define Automation Rules
Tailor your review requests based on:- Order fulfillment status
- Product categories
- Customer purchase history
- Geographic location within the US
These steps will set the foundation for building targeted review campaigns in the next section.
Creating Review Request Campaigns
Once your app is set up, you can create targeted review campaigns to boost customer engagement.
Setting Trigger Rules
Timing your review requests correctly can significantly improve response rates. Use these guidelines to set up automation triggers:
| Order Type | Optimal Timing | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Products | 14–21 days after delivery | Gives customers time to use the product |
| Digital Goods | 3–5 days after purchase | Keeps the experience fresh in their mind |
| Consumables | 7–10 days after delivery | Allows enough time to try the product |
Set conditional triggers that account for:
- Order status: Only send requests after delivery is confirmed.
- Review history: Avoid sending multiple requests to the same customer.
- Order value: Focus on higher-value purchases for priority outreach.
Once your triggers are in place, shift your attention to crafting messages and offering rewards that motivate customers to take action.
Message and Reward Setup
When creating your review requests, keep them clear and engaging. Include these key elements:
- Personalization: Use the customer's first name to make the message feel more personal.
- Direct links: Make it easy for customers to leave a review by including direct links.
- Product images: Help jog their memory by showing the product they purchased.
- Simple instructions: Clearly explain how to submit the review.
To incentivize reviews, you can offer rewards such as:
- Store Credit: Provide a fixed amount (e.g., $5–$10) for verified reviews.
- Loyalty Points: Award extra points, with bonuses for photo reviews.
- Early Access: Give reviewers early access to new products or sales.
- Contest Entries: Automatically enter reviewers into prize drawings.
US-Specific Template Settings
Make sure your review request templates are tailored to US customers:
- Display prices in USD, using the $ symbol before numbers.
- Adjust time zones to match customer locations (e.g., EST, CST, PST).
- Use American English spelling and terminology.
- Include FTC-compliant disclosure statements for transparency.
Additionally, configure templates to adapt to:
- Regional shipping timelines.
- Local customer service hours.
- State-specific promotional rules.
- The US holiday calendar for timely messaging.
sbb-itb-d7b5115
Measuring and Improving Results
Once your campaigns are up and running, it's time to evaluate their performance and make adjustments to get better results.
Reading Performance Data
Check the key metrics in your Shopify automation dashboard to understand how your campaigns are doing. Pay attention to details like the open rate of your review requests, the percentage of customers submitting reviews, the overall sentiment or average rating, and whether customers are including photos. Look for patterns in product categories, customer segments, or timing to find the best moments to send your requests.
Making Campaign Adjustments
Use the data you’ve gathered to tweak your review collection strategy. Experiment with different send times to figure out when customers are most likely to respond. Try changing subject lines, link placements, and incentive messages to see what drives more engagement.
Make sure your review request forms work well on mobile devices. Since many people shop and browse on their phones, a smooth mobile experience can encourage more customers to participate. These small improvements can help you maintain customer engagement as you move forward.
Managing Request Frequency
Find the right balance when it comes to how often you send requests. Set clear guidelines for spacing them out, allowing enough time after a purchase or previous review. Tailor the frequency based on customer types - first-time buyers might need a different approach than repeat customers. Keep an eye on feedback and unsubscribe rates to adjust your timing. Remember, detailed, thoughtful reviews are more impactful than simply collecting a large number of them.
Connecting With Business Tools
Order Email Integration
Add review requests directly into your order confirmation emails. Place the request right after the order details but before any promotional content. Use a clear call-to-action button that links customers directly to the review submission form. Make sure to test how your emails look and function on mobile devices. To go beyond emails, consider using Zapier workflows for more automation.
Zapier Workflow Setup
Use Zapier to connect your review system with other business tools and create automated workflows. For example, you can set up triggers to handle tasks like adding reviewers to email lists, generating support tickets for negative feedback, updating loyalty points, or syncing review data with your CRM. Be sure to configure your workflows carefully to avoid overwhelming customers and to keep data flowing smoothly. If you're looking to expand your operations, financing options can help support your growth.
Funding Options With Onramp Funds
Scaling your review automation often requires investing in premium tools or campaigns. Financing options from Onramp Funds can help. Merchants with at least $3,000 in monthly sales can access funds within 24 hours. Many review apps also allow you to customize the timing and placement of review requests in order emails.
"Onramp has simplified cash flow by automating everything: easy to request, set it and forget it payments - quick and fast!"
- Torrie V., Founder and Owner of Torrie's Natural
Onramp Funds offers a transparent fee structure of 2–8%, giving you predictable costs and the flexibility to grow your review program without worrying about fixed monthly payments.
Conclusion
Using automation for review requests not only helps build social proof but also saves time and effort. It simplifies processes and opens up new possibilities for growth at scale.
Take, for example, the experience of The Full Spectrum Company. After adopting automated systems, they immediately saw improvements in efficiency. Founder Adam B. shared his thoughts:
"Onramp's process is very straightforward and easy to navigate. I had funds in my account within a day of final approval."
This example highlights how combining automation with smart funding solutions can drive progress. For merchants generating at least $3,000 in monthly sales, Onramp Funds offers quick funding options, helping businesses maximize the benefits of automation and streamline their operations.
Regularly reviewing and fine-tuning your automation tools ensures they remain effective. By tapping into these resources, you can create a review system that boosts growth and strengthens customer relationships.
FAQs
When is the best time to send automated review requests to customers on Shopify?
Timing is key when sending automated review requests to maximize customer response rates. Aim to send the request shortly after the customer receives their order, typically within 3–7 days. This ensures the purchase is still fresh in their mind, and they’ve had enough time to use the product.
When setting up your automation, consider factors like shipping times and delivery confirmation to avoid sending requests too early. Additionally, avoid sending requests during weekends or late at night to ensure higher open rates. By fine-tuning your timing, you can encourage more customers to share their feedback and boost your store’s credibility.
How can I make sure my review request emails follow US regulations like GDPR and CCPA?
To ensure your review request emails comply with regulations such as GDPR and CCPA, focus on transparency, consent, and user rights. Here are a few key steps:
- Obtain clear consent: Only send review requests to customers who have explicitly agreed to receive emails from your store. This is especially important for GDPR compliance.
- Include an opt-out option: Make it easy for recipients to unsubscribe or opt out of future emails, as required by both GDPR and CCPA.
- Disclose data usage: Clearly explain how customer data is used in your privacy policy and link to it in your emails.
By following these practices, you can build trust with your customers while staying compliant with US and international regulations. If you're unsure about specific legal requirements, consult a legal professional for guidance tailored to your business.
What are the best ways to encourage customers to leave reviews on Shopify?
Offering incentives can be a great way to motivate customers to leave reviews for your Shopify store. Some effective options include providing discount codes, free shipping on their next order, or entering them into a giveaway. These rewards not only encourage feedback but also help build customer loyalty.
When offering incentives, make sure to clearly communicate the process and make it simple for customers to leave their reviews. Automated tools and apps available on Shopify can streamline this process, sending timely review requests after a purchase. Remember, authentic reviews are key, so ensure your incentives comply with Shopify’s guidelines and maintain transparency.
