Try focusing on geniune ways.
1. SMS campaigns to existing customers. Don't offer discount in return for reviews. But rather send them a SMS thanking them for their business. You can embedded the link to review, the SMS can also contain a coupon code or an Amazon gift voucher thanking them for doing business with you
2. Talk to them after the completion of service/sale. Ask them if they need anything else. Request them for a their honest review. Indicate reviews are a major deciding factor (be subtle about don't beg/force)
3. Create limited campaigns with discounted price to existing clients who are willing to pay a discounted price in return for an honest review (it's like review copies on BHW) in a way.
4. Then leave the rest to chance/time
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Additionally build your Facebook page, and other social pages, create Press releases, Citations, classified listing creations.
You can also technically do PRs with the
Title: Brand name from City awarded the best XYZ Provider in a said industry by it's clients.
All these will help.
Yes I get it. 3-4 years ago just buying fake reviews cut the job. FTA outlawed it. Algorithms tightened up.
So evolve and find new ways to rank and get more leads. Because end of the day you target should be generating leads, your bottom line. Even if you had a fraction of reviews than an established company, you can still find ways to capture a segment of market.
ps: getting into GEO/Ranking on AI engines. It's a small market right now. But you have first mover advantage
