Other than a writing portfolio, one of the best ways for clients to get a feel for your reputation as a professional writer is through reviews! Sometimes, getting realistic and positive reviews can be easier said than done, right? Sort of. A lot of times, we leave it up to the client to decide whether they are going to leave a review of your business, but it’s a good idea to consider asking clients for reviews. Here’s why.

Why asking clients for reviews is always a good thing

A few years ago, I read an excellent book, The Job Nobody Dreams Of: Inside The Greatest Career You Didn’t Know About by Bill Becker. While it was entertaining (and I highly recommend it for anyone who’s interested in sales), I also found it really motivating as a professional freelancer. Amidst other great advice for getting into sales, there is an undertone of sass that motivates you to simply go out and “do the thing.” That’s exactly the perspective you need when it comes to asking clients for reviews because:

• The worst they can say is no: I’m putting this first because I think it really, truly matters to get this out of the way first. Worst-case scenario, asking your client for a review can give you a “no” in response. But, as Becker’s book explains so well, that’s your starting point. So, you’re already there, and you can go so far just by asking anyway! I can tell you from personal experience, it’ll feel better to ask and have a client decline, because at least you tried! 
  
• You’ll get a unique perspective on your business: Getting a rating or review of your business or service is going to help you see it in a similar way that your client does. This probably sounds really obvious, but I think it’s important to think about. It’s easy to see it only as how it can help our reputation, but it gives us a look at how our clients see things. This is probably my favourite part of getting reviews.
  
• Feedback helps you understand blind spots: Related to the second point is that we can also use our reviews (particularly negative ones) to help us see how we should change things. Is there an area that we need to revamp? Are there areas that we think are coming across one way and it’s really another? Honest feedback on your service helps you create the right package for your future clients so that you can always learn and grow!

Not all reviews are equal

As you might already know, there are some reviews that are better than others. However, I’m not referring to positive vs. negative reviews in your business! Instead, I mean authentic reviews versus inauthentic reviews. Next time, I’ll dive deeper into that, since I think it really does matter in a post-AI blog writer world!

What do you all think? Is asking clients for reviews something you do regularly? Is it taboo? Let me know!