How I Doubled My Client Reviews in 10 months (Without Begging)

In this newsletter, I’m going to show you exactly how to get more high-quality client reviews for your practice.

It’s no secrete that potential clients research their options before making a decision. Heck – we do the same thing before we buy services, right?

When a potential client see dozens of positive reviews from other clients describing their experience with your firm, it creates powerful social proof that can’t be matched by any other form of marketing.

Better yet, it’s completely free.

Unfortunately, many solos struggle to consistently get client reviews, even from their happiest clients. The main reason? They don’t have a systematic approach.

Other common roadblocks include:

• Feeling awkward about asking for reviews
• Having fear someone will post a bad review
• Waiting until the case is completely closed (when clients have already moved on mentally)
• Making the process too complicated

But here’s the good news: I’m going to share the exact system I use that more than double my online reviews in less than a year. Let’s break it down step by step:

Step 1: Deliver Exceptional Service (Without Expectation)

This step is foundational – you must genuinely focus on providing outstanding service without any ulterior motives. Clients can sense when you’re only being helpful because you want something in return.

For example, I make it a point to respond to client messages within 1 business day, provide regular updates even when there’s no major news, and always explain complex legal concepts in plain English. This builds the genuine goodwill that makes clients want to share their positive experience.

Step 2: Ask for a Commitment

Here’s where most attorneys go wrong – they send a generic “please leave a review” request along with their closing documents. This impersonal approach rarely works.

Instead, have a direct conversation with satisfied clients near the end of their case. Try something like:

“Mrs. Smith, I’ve really enjoyed working with you on this case. Would you be willing to share your experience by writing a quick review? It would really help other people in similar situations find my firm. Or, if you feel there’s room for improvement, would you let me know how I could have provided better service?”

This two-part approach accomplishes something crucial: it gives clients who may have concerns a direct channel to provide feedback privately rather than posting their critiques online. In my experience, most clients who have constructive feedback appreciate being asked directly and will share their thoughts with you instead of airing grievances publicly. This not only helps you improve your practice but also helps maintain your online reputation.

Plus, for those clients who had a positive experience, when they commit to writing a review, they’re much more likely to follow through.

Step 3: Make It Easy

The key to getting clients to follow through is removing all friction from the process. Send a direct link to your preferred review platform (Google, Avvo, etc.) via email or text immediately after getting their commitment.

Your message should be short and sweet:

“Thank you again for agreeing to share your experience. You can leave your review here: [LINK]. Please let me know if you have any questions!”

Some clients may need a gentle reminder after a week, but don’t push too hard if they don’t respond.

Step 4: Respond with Gratitude (and Grace)

Take time to personally respond to every review you receive. This shows both the reviewer and potential clients that you value feedback and care about your clients’ experiences.

Keep responses professional but warm:

“Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, [Name]. It was a pleasure working with you, and I’m so glad we were able to achieve a positive outcome in your case.”

When it comes to negative reviews, how you respond is crucial. Your response isn’t really for the reviewer – it’s for every potential client who will read that exchange in the future. The right response can actually turn a negative review into a demonstration of your professionalism and commitment to client satisfaction.

Want to know exactly what to say when responding to a negative review? Reply to this email and I’ll share my tried-and-true template that has helped turn potential reputation damage into a demonstration of stellar client service.

By implementing this systematic approach, I went from having 15 reviews to over 70 in 10 months. The best part? These reviews now bring in a steady stream of pre-sold prospects who already trust me before they even call.

Remember: the key is to make this process a habit. When exceptional service and systematic follow-through become part of your standard operating procedure, the reviews will follow naturally.