How to Set Up Reviews on Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Customer Reviews Matter
3. Choosing the Right Review App
4. How to Set Up Reviews on Shopify
5. Advanced Tips for Optimizing Reviews
6. Conclusion
7. FAQ

Introduction

Did you know that products with customer reviews can see sales increases of up to 270%? In today’s competitive ecommerce landscape, building trust with potential buyers is crucial for any online store. Reviews serve as essential social proof, giving prospective customers the insights they need to make informed purchasing decisions. As ecommerce professionals, we understand the importance of integrating a robust review system into our Shopify stores.

In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of setting up reviews on Shopify effectively. By the end, you will not only know how to set up reviews on Shopify, but also understand the broader implications of incorporating reviews into your ecommerce strategy. We will cover the importance of customer reviews, the various apps available, and the step-by-step process to install and customize them.

As we delve into this topic, we encourage you to reflect on your current digital strategies. Are you maximizing the potential of customer reviews in your store? Let’s explore how to leverage reviews to enhance credibility, boost conversion rates, and ultimately drive sales.

Why Customer Reviews Matter

Building Trust and Credibility

Customer reviews are not just feedback; they are a powerful tool for establishing credibility. In fact, research shows that 63% of consumers are more likely to trust a business that has online reviews. Reviews provide potential customers with authentic insights into product quality and service, helping them feel more confident in their purchasing decisions.

Improving Conversion Rates

Incorporating reviews into your Shopify store can significantly impact conversion rates. Products with reviews are often perceived as more reliable and trustworthy, leading to higher sales. Moreover, displaying positive customer testimonials can alleviate concerns and reduce cart abandonment, ultimately resulting in increased revenue for your business.

Enhancing SEO

Another compelling reason to set up reviews on Shopify is the positive impact on your search engine optimization (SEO). User-generated content, such as reviews, provides fresh material for search engines to index, improving your site's visibility. Additionally, reviews often contain relevant keywords that can help your product pages rank higher in search results.

Gaining Valuable Feedback

Customer reviews offer invaluable feedback that can help you refine your products and services. By analyzing reviews, you can identify areas for improvement, address customer concerns, and enhance the overall shopping experience. This feedback loop is crucial for continuous growth and adaptation in the ever-evolving ecommerce landscape.

Choosing the Right Review App

With numerous options available on the Shopify App Store, selecting the right review app can feel overwhelming. Here are a few popular choices that cater to various needs:

1. Shopify Product Reviews: This free app allows you to collect and display product reviews easily. It integrates seamlessly with your Shopify store and is a great option for those starting with reviews.

2. Yotpo: A more comprehensive solution, Yotpo offers advanced features such as photo reviews and social sharing capabilities. It is ideal for brands looking to leverage user-generated content and boost engagement.

3. Judge.me: Known for its affordability, Judge.me offers a free plan with essential features. It also supports SEO integration, allowing your star ratings to appear on search results.

4. Stamped.io: This app focuses on collecting reviews and photos from customers, enhancing social proof. Stamped.io provides a more premium experience with additional functionalities.

5. Loox: This app specializes in photo reviews, encouraging customers to share images of their purchases. It helps create a visually appealing and engaging review section.

When selecting a review app, consider factors such as your budget, desired features, and the overall user experience. At PowerCommerce, we recommend the PowerCommerce eStore Suite for its comprehensive features that seamlessly integrate with your Shopify store. You can explore our offerings further here.

How to Set Up Reviews on Shopify

Step 1: Install a Review App

To get started, you first need to install a review app. We recommend using the Shopify Product Reviews app for its simplicity and effectiveness. Follow these steps to install it:

1. Navigate to the Shopify App Store: Open your Shopify admin panel and click on "Apps" in the sidebar.
2. Search for Product Reviews: In the App Store, enter "Product Reviews" in the search bar.
3. Add the App: Click on the "Product Reviews" app from the results and hit the "Add app" button.
4. Authorize the App: Follow the prompts to install the app and authorize it to access your store.

Step 2: Customize Review Settings

Once the app is installed, you can customize its settings to align with your brand's needs:

1. Access the Product Reviews Dashboard: From your Shopify admin, go to "Apps" and select "Product Reviews."
2. Moderation Settings: Decide whether you want to moderate reviews before they are published. This ensures that only appropriate content appears on your site.
3. Customize Appearance: Adjust the styling options to match your store’s branding. You can change colors, fonts, and other design elements.

Step 3: Add Reviews Section to Product Pages

Now that you have the app installed and configured, it’s time to add the review section to your product pages:

1. Go to Theme Editor: In your Shopify admin, navigate to "Online Store" and select "Themes."
2. Customize Your Theme: Click on the "Customize" button next to your current theme.
3. Select Product Page Template: Use the dropdown menu to choose the product page template you want to edit.
4. Add Reviews Block: Scroll down to the bottom of the section menu and click on "Add section." Look for the "Reviews" block under the "Apps" section and add it to the desired location on your product page.
5. Save Changes: Once you are satisfied with the placement, click "Save" to apply the changes.

Step 4: Encourage Customers to Leave Reviews

With the review section live on your product pages, it’s important to proactively encourage customers to leave feedback:

1. Follow-Up Emails: Send automated follow-up emails after a purchase, requesting customers to leave a review. This can be achieved through email marketing tools like Klaviyo or Mailchimp.
2. Incentives: Consider offering incentives, such as discount codes or loyalty points, to motivate customers to share their experiences.
3. Social Media Engagement: Encourage customers to share their reviews on social media platforms, amplifying your brand’s reach and credibility.

Step 5: Monitor and Analyze Reviews

Regularly monitor the reviews coming in to gain insights and make improvements:

1. Read and Respond: Engage with customers by responding to reviews, whether they are positive or negative. This demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction.
2. Identify Trends: Look for recurring themes in reviews—both positive and negative. Use this feedback to guide product development and improve the customer experience.
3. Showcase Positive Reviews: Highlight the best reviews on your website and marketing materials to build trust with potential customers.

Advanced Tips for Optimizing Reviews

Leverage User-Generated Content

Encourage customers to share photos or videos of their products along with their reviews. This visually rich content can greatly enhance engagement and conversion rates. Apps like Loox can help facilitate the collection of visual reviews.

Integrate Reviews with SEO

Ensure that your review sections are optimized for search engines. Use relevant keywords in your review content to improve visibility. Additionally, consider implementing schema markup to enable rich snippets in search results, showcasing star ratings and reviews.

Use Reviews in Ad Campaigns

Incorporate glowing customer reviews into your ad campaigns. Testimonials can serve as powerful selling points that resonate with potential customers, increasing click-through rates and conversions.

Conclusion

Setting up reviews on Shopify is an essential step in building trust, improving conversion rates, and enhancing your overall ecommerce strategy. By implementing a review system, you not only gain valuable feedback but also create a compelling social proof that attracts new customers.

At PowerCommerce, we are dedicated to empowering ecommerce brands with innovative solutions that drive growth. If you’re looking for a comprehensive suite of services designed to optimize your storefront and boost performance, explore the PowerCommerce eStore Suite here.

As you move forward, consider how you can leverage user-generated content to further enhance your brand’s credibility. What strategies can you implement to encourage customers to share their experiences?

FAQ

Q1: What is the best review app for Shopify?
A1: The best review app depends on your specific needs. For a simple and free option, the Shopify Product Reviews app is an excellent choice. If you’re looking for more advanced features, consider apps like Yotpo or Judge.me.

Q2: How can I encourage customers to leave reviews?
A2: You can encourage reviews by sending follow-up emails after a purchase, offering incentives, and actively engaging with customers on social media.

Q3: Can I display reviews on multiple pages?
A3: Yes, most review apps allow you to display reviews on product pages, collection pages, and even your homepage, depending on the app’s features.

Q4: How do reviews impact SEO?
A4: Customer reviews contribute fresh, user-generated content to your site, which search engines favor. They can also enhance keyword relevance and improve search rankings.

Q5: What should I do with negative reviews?
A5: Address negative reviews promptly and professionally. Responding to criticism shows potential customers that you value feedback and are committed to improving your products and services.