Top 5 Tips for Dispensaries to Get More 5-Star Google Reviews
In today’s competitive cannabis market, standing out is no easy feat, especially with new dispensaries popping up left and right. But there’s a game-changing tool that can really give you an edge: reputation management on the Internet and Google. A stack of glowing Google reviews not only puts your dispensary on the map but also builds trust with potential customers. Here are five tips to help you rack up those 5-star Google reviews, bringing in more customers and growing your business.
1. Deliver Exceptional Customer Service
Let’s be real—every 5-star review starts with an amazing customer experience. In the cannabis world, great customer service isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must. When customers feel valued and understood, they’re way more likely to leave a positive review.
How to Nail Customer Service:
• Train Your Budtenders Well: Your budtenders are your frontline warriors. Make sure they know your products inside and out and can vibe with customers. Whether it’s listening, showing empathy, or recommending the perfect strain, your staff should be on point.
• Create a Welcoming Vibe: Your dispensary should be a spot where people feel comfortable. Think about your layout, lighting, and even the music. A clean, inviting space makes a huge difference.
• Personalize the Experience: People love feeling like regulars. Keep track of your frequent customers’ preferences and tailor their experience. Use CRM tools to make this easier and more effective.
Pro Tips:
• Offer a “buy back” option for products customers didn’t love or start a loyalty program with perks like discounts or free accessories. Just make sure to check your local regulations first.
2. Ask for Reviews at the Right Time
Timing is everything when it comes to asking for reviews. Ask too soon, and the customer might not have made up their mind. Wait too long, and they might forget about their experience entirely.
When to Ask:
- Right After Purchase: The sweet spot is right after a customer’s had a great experience. Set up your POS system to automatically send a review request via SMS or email after checkout. HighDay’s tools can help streamline this process.
- Personalized Follow-Up: For high-ticket items or repeat customers, a personalized message can make all the difference. A quick thank-you note with a review request can boost your chances of getting that 5-star rating.
- In-Store Prompts: Make it easy for customers to leave a review while they’re still in the store. A simple QR code that links to your Google review page can work wonders.
Example Request: “Thanks for stopping by [Dispensary Name]! If you enjoyed your visit, we’d love to hear about it. Leave us a review [link].”
3. Incentivize Reviews (But Play by the Rules)
Offering incentives for reviews can be powerful, but you’ve got to be careful not to break Google’s rules. Be sure to check your country/state/city regulations to see if this would be allowed.
How to Do It Right:
- Incentivize All Reviews: Don’t just reward the 5-star ones. Encourage any feedback to stay compliant with Google.
- Raffle for a Review: Instead of guaranteeing a reward, offer customers a chance to win something for leaving a review. A monthly raffle for a gift card, for example, can be effective.
- Promote Honesty: Be upfront that you’re after honest feedback. This builds trust and ensures your reviews are genuine.
Example Incentive: “Leave a review for a chance to win a $50 gift card! Whether it’s good or bad, we want to hear from you.”
4. Engage with Reviews
Engaging with your reviews shows customers you care. Respond to every review, whether it’s glowing or critical.
How to Engage:
- Thank Positive Reviewers: A quick thank you can make a lasting impression. Something as simple as “Thanks for your kind words!” goes a long way.
- Handle Negative Reviews Like a Pro: Don’t shy away from negative feedback. Address it head-on, offer a solution, and show that you’re committed to making things right.
Example Response:
- For a positive review: “Thanks for the awesome feedback, [Customer Name]! We’re thrilled you loved [Product]. Hope to see you again soon!”
- For a negative review: “Sorry to hear about your experience, [Customer Name]. We’d love to make it right—please reach out to us at [contact info].”
5. Leverage Social Proof
Social proof is gold. The more positive reviews you showcase, the more you’ll attract new customers.
How to Use Social Proof:
- Feature Reviews on Your Website: Highlight your best reviews on your site’s homepage or product pages. This not only builds credibility but also encourages new customers to share their experiences.
- Share on Social Media: Repost positive reviews on your social channels to amplify your reach and show off your happy customers.
- Create Testimonial Videos: Videos pack a punch. Ask loyal customers to share their stories on camera and use these testimonials on your website and social media.
Example: Post a customer’s 5-star review on Instagram with a caption like, “Big thanks to [Customer Name] for the love! Your feedback makes our day.”
The Bottom Line: Reputation is Everything
Building a strong reputation is crucial for any dispensary. By focusing on killer customer service, asking for reviews at the right time, ethically incentivizing feedback, engaging with reviews, and leveraging social proof, you’ll be well on your way to boosting those 5-star ratings.
But let’s be real—managing your online rep can be a full-time job. That’s where HighDay comes in. Our platform is built for the cannabis industry, offering everything from automated review requests to centralized feedback management. With HighDay, keeping your reputation in check is easier than ever.
Ready to Elevate Your Dispensary’s Reputation?
If you’re serious about taking your dispensary to the next level, it’s time to check out HighDay. Book a demo today and see how we can help you attract more customers, simplify your marketing, and build a reputation that keeps them coming back. Don’t leave your online rep to chance—partner with HighDay and watch your business thrive.