The importance of customer reviews: 5 tips to generate positive reviews

In the restaurant industry, customer reviews are not just a detail: they are a key purchase driver. More than in any other sector, they directly influence sales!

By applying the following best practices, you can enhance your reputation on Smood, attract more customers, and boost your business performance.

How to encourage positive reviews without direct contact?

The challenge of delivery is clear: your customers don’t walk through your restaurant’s door. But it’s still possible to put things in place to encourage them to share their feedback.

• Make a great first impression: The quality of your dishes is the number one driver of positive reviews. Make sure each order is carefully prepared, portions are generous, and packaging keeps food fresh and well-presented.

• Respect preparation times: Managing prep time improves the customer experience and reduces the risk of negative feedback.

• Add small touches: A thank-you note slipped into the bag increases the chance of spontaneous reviews.

Take advantage of key commercial periods

Autumn and winter are perfect opportunities: Christmas, New Year, Valentine’s Day… all moments when customers are more likely to leave reviews.

Analyze recurring comments

If multiple reviews mention a specific point (waiting times, packaging quality, food temperature), take targeted action to improve it.

Highlight positive reviews

Share your best reviews on your social media while tagging Smood. We’ll be happy to amplify them on our channels. This creates a virtuous circle: your customers feel proud to contribute, and future customers feel reassured.

Tips : These best practices also apply to your dine-in customers! After a great experience, encourage them to leave a Google review. It strengthens your online reputation and complements your Smood reviews.

Why do reviews matter so much?

Customers are looking for trust. And today, trust is built through social proof: what other customers say about you.

Here are some key figures to keep in mind:

• 75% of consumers say reviews influence their purchasing decisions.

• 76% of internet users consider a score below 3/5 to be a deal-breaker.

• According to a Trustpilot study of 3,000 people:

  • 65% find customer reviews “very useful” or “useful” in their decision-making.

  • 63% consider star ratings essential.

  • By comparison, only 41% trust social media and 36% trust TV ads.

Another key factor: the number of reviews. A rating of 4.3/5 from 140 reviews will be perceived as much more credible than a 4.9/5 based on only 8 reviews.

Conclusion: turn every delivery into an opportunity

Even without direct contact, you can transform every order into a memorable experience.

Customer reviews must be an integral part of your growth strategy on Smood. The stronger your rating and the higher your review volume, the more you’ll attract new customers and retain the ones who already know you.

Start implementing these tips today!