Jumpstart Your Reviews - Build Trust and Boost Bookings with Better Feedback

When renters compare your agency to a bigger brand, what helps them choose you?
Trust.

And few things build trust faster than genuine, consistent reviews.

Positive reviews aren’t just nice to have—they drive your ranking in Google’s Map Pack, lift your click-through rates, and give renters the confidence to pick you over a national chain.

In my book Drive Results, I talk about how trust isn’t something you can buy; it’s something you earn, one customer at a time. Reviews are proof that you’ve done exactly that.

Why Reviews Matter

Reviews are the strongest trust signal you can send to both Google and potential renters.
They impact:

• Visibility: Google rewards businesses with frequent, recent reviews.

• Clicks: People are drawn to 5-star ratings with real stories behind them.

• Bookings: Renters are more likely to choose a local business that feels human and proven.

Every review—good or bad—adds to your story. When you respond thoughtfully, you show transparency and care, which builds even more credibility.

How to Build More Reviews

1. Claim Your Listings

Start by claiming your listings on Google Business Profile, Facebook, Yelp, and Bing.
If you rent RVs, heavy equipment, or adventure vehicles, consider platforms like TripAdvisor or niche directories.

Consistent business details across all listings (name, address, phone, hours) strengthen both trust and SEO.

2. Ask for Reviews—and Ask for Feedback

These are different and both are valuable.

• Reviews are public. They influence your ranking and reputation.

• Feedback is private. It helps you fix issues before they hurt your reputation.

Ask for both—but never “review gate.” That’s when you filter happy customers from unhappy ones. Google prohibits it, and it damages the trust you’re trying to build.

Send every renter the same link for feedback or a review. Let honesty work in your favor.

3. Make It Easy

The easier you make it, the more reviews you’ll get.

Use automation tools like FLEETcrm to send review requests automatically by text or email.
Keep messages short, personal, and timely:

• Send within 24 hours after drop-off.

• Include a direct review link.

• Use their first name and reference the vehicle they rented.
  

4. SMS vs Email

Texts get faster responses.
Emails work better if you want to collect detailed feedback or share multiple review links.

I recommend doing both: text first, then email anyone who hasn’t replied.

5. Provide Great Service

No review system can make up for poor service.
The best reviews come from renters who felt genuinely cared for—from the first inquiry to the final drop-off.

Empower your Pit Crew to fix small issues right away. One quick solution can turn a potential complaint into a glowing review.

6. Respond to Every Review

Respond to every single one—good or bad.

When someone leaves a positive review, thank them by name and mention something specific they said.
When someone leaves a negative one, stay calm, apologize if needed, and take it offline to resolve privately.

Your professionalism in these moments says more about your business than the review itself.

7. Review Marketing

Once you’ve built a steady flow of reviews, use them.
Feature standout quotes on your website, landing pages, ads, and social posts.

Real words from real renters outperform even the best copy. Use language renters actually use—like “clean cars,” “friendly staff,” or “easy booking”—to align with what future customers search for.

A Word of Caution: Review Gating

Filtering who can review you might seem smart, but it breaks Google’s rules and weakens trust.
It’s better to welcome all feedback and use it to improve operations.

Every authentic review strengthens your credibility and gives renters a reason to believe in your service.

Your Free Tool: Review Request Script Pack for Rental Agencies

Start asking for reviews the right way—at the right time—with copy-and-paste scripts proven to boost response rates..

You’ll know exactly what to say, when to say it, and how to make leaving a review effortless for your renters.

Fresh, frequent reviews are your shortcut to higher visibility and more bookings. When people see a pattern of happy customers, they stop shopping around.

If you want a deeper look at building trust and reputation in your rental business, you’ll find more strategies in my book Drive Results: Digital Marketing Strategies for Independent Rental Agencies.

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