Effective care marketing requires you to put yourself in the shoes of your target audience. If you’ve never role-played the part of someone seeking care services, take a moment to imagine how they might feel.

They are likely experiencing a sense of urgency, uncertainty, and overwhelm. Most people in this situation start by exploring two avenues: personal recommendations from people they know and the internet- or a combination of those sources.

Online reviews are not just a part of your care marketing plan; they are crucial. Most consumers place equal weight on verbal referrals and online reviews. In fact, as many as 63% of consumers say they’re more likely to purchase goods or services from a company with user reviews. If your marketing plan doesn’t focus on online ratings of your care services, you’re missing a substantial growth opportunity.

The Power of Online Reviews for Post-Acute Care

Building Credibility

Online reviews play a crucial role in establishing trust and credibility. As families search for care services, reviews provide valuable insight. Positive reviews highlight the compassionate and professional care provided and offer a window into the real-life experiences of others. They give a sense of reassurance, assuring consumers they are making a well-informed decision engaging your services.

Responding to both positive and negative reviews is more than just professional courtesy. It demonstrates your commitment to client and employee satisfaction and continuous improvement. This transparency resonates with those seeking the best care for a loved one, reinforcing their trust in your services and responsiveness.

Humanizing Your Services

Personal stories shared through reviews go beyond statistics and services offered. They humanize your agency, capturing the compassionate and personalized care your team is committed to delivering. In an industry where trust and empathy play pivotal roles, the connection forged through personal stories is invaluable, creating a sense of familiarity and comfort for potential clients and their family members.

Influencing Decision-Making

For families navigating the complex landscape of post-acute care options, positive reviews can be the deciding factor in choosing your company over a competitor. The influence of these testimonials extends beyond mere decision-making; they help shape perceptions and build a lasting impression of your company’s commitment to excellence.

So, how can you encourage satisfied care clients to leave online reviews?

• Provide a Seamless Process: Simplicity is key when encouraging clients to leave reviews. Streamline the process by providing direct links to review platforms or incorporating a user-friendly review section on your website. corecubed’s RISE program, which stands for Reputation Enhanced, SEO Improved, simplifies the process. It’s an easy-to-use, automated system that reaches satisfied clients, encourages their feedback, and increases positive online reviews for your care company. The more effortless the process, the more likely satisfied clients will take the time to share their positive experiences.
• Express Gratitude: A heartfelt thank-you note or a personalized message expressing gratitude reinforces a positive experience and transforms satisfied clients into vocal advocates for your services. Genuine appreciation fosters community and strengthens the bond between your company, clients, and care team.
• Pay Attention to Timing: Selecting the opportune moment to request reviews is an art. After successfully providing care, when clients are most likely to feel the positive impact of your services, it is an ideal time to seek feedback.
• Offer Incentives Thoughtfully: While incentives can motivate clients to leave reviews, their alignment with the compassionate nature of your services is essential. Consider offering thoughtful tokens of appreciation, such as discounts on future services or a donation to a charity in the client’s name, to show gratitude without compromising the authenticity of the reviews. Incentives should complement the genuine desire of clients to share their positive experiences rather than overshadowing the authenticity of their words.
• Diversify Your Platforms: Encourage clients to share their experiences on various platforms, including social media channels and popular online review sites. Diversifying the platforms broadens your online presence and reaches different audiences seeking information through varied channels. This not only enhances your agency’s visibility and accessibility but also provides a more comprehensive view of your services, making it easier for potential clients to find the information they seek.

The impact of reviews on those seeking care services cannot be overstated. More than a third (37.0%) of patients used online reviews as their very first step in searching for a new doctor—before even asking a family member! Reviews lend credibility to your business, guiding families through the challenging process of selecting the proper care.

Need help maximizing your home care reviews? Call our care advertising experts at 800.370.6580 for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help your business grow with a full suite of advertising services and tools!