Getting Bail Agent Reviews and Referrals

• September 22, 2016
• by AboutBail Staff
• Business Tips

It’s a well-known fact that word-of-mouth advertising is one of the most effective forms of advertising. Whether you want powerful testimonials, referrals or social media followers, it’s important to have a word-of-mouth marketing plan.  The most powerful aspect of that strategy can be bail agent referrals and reviews.

Helpful hints for getting reviews and referrals

Unhappy clients are more likely to write online reviews than satisfied clients, so it's important to encourage satisfied customers to submit reviews. Happy clients aren't always active about giving positive feedback, so here are a few tips for getting the most out of your reviews.

1. Be patient and explain

Not every client will have experience with the bail process. If you are patient and take the time to answer any questions they have, it will help calm them down. Any customer service that is above and beyond what they expect will surprise them, make them feel more comfortable, and encourage them to refer any of their friends.

2. When your client has a problem, fix it

If a client has an issue with your service, solving it is an opportunity to leave the client with good feelings toward your company. A client that walks away satisfied and had no issues might not share their experience, but if you cleared up a major problem that could have been disastrous, that client might be more vocal about their experience.

3. Ask for a letter of recommendation

If a client tells you they are happy with your services, ask them for a recommendation. You can then post parts of it as a testimonial, or even supply it to potential clients. You can also ask repeat clients if they know anyone else who uses bail services on a regular basis.

4. Ask for specific reviews

If you encourage a satisfied client to write a review, ask them to be specific about how you helped them. ‘Great service and very personable’ isn’t quite as powerful as "XYZ Bail Bonds was incredibly patient and helpful. They explained the entire process and took the time to walk me through the process. I would recommend them to anyone."

5. Ask your Facebook fans for feedback

Post a question asking past clients how you’ve been most helpful and how your business can improve. Negative feedback is just as important as positive feedback, and something potential clients actively look for. This way you can show that you care about your clients, get controlled negative feedback, and show how you interact with your clients. It might also give you the opportunity to help clients that weren’t completely satisfied.

6. Create a channel for feedback

 A follow-up email or online poll can be a place for clients to share their likes and dislikes about your service.  Most people don’t complain in person, even if they're asked. With this approach you can get some insight to what problems you need to fix. And if anyone gives a great review you can always ask to use it as a testimonial.  

7. Network with friends and family

Although your friends and family probably haven't used your services, they can still recommend you to people they know. Often enough, people choose to go with someone who is connected to someone they know and trust.

8. Get involved with your community

 It's hard to get referrals from people who have never used your services and don't know you very well, but if you interact and network with your community you might be remembered the next time someone needs a bail agent. It's also a great way to break through some of the negative publicity, and if you're known as the most professional and friendly bail agent a person's ever met, you're likely the person they'll turn to when they need a bond.

Remember, getting referrals and good reviews is about making sure your customers are satisfied. Make sure your customer service skills are polished and that you are using proper email and phone etiquette.

Places where reviews can function as referrals

Ideally, your satisfied customers will be sending new clients your way, but if you aren't getting enough traditional referrals here are a few places where reviews can function as referrals.

Local Search Listing

Once you submit your business to local search, encourage clients to rate your service and write a review on that listing. This way, people who are searching for a bail agent online can get a feel for your customer satisfaction rate.

Facebook Page

Facebook is one of the most important places to showcase your reviews. If a satisfied customer leaves a positive comment on your business page, not only does it boost confidence in your page visitors, but that comment is also visible to the commenter’s friends.

Website

When a potential client visits your website, they are checking for signs that your business is legitimate. Testimonials and reviews from recent clients can turn those page visitors into clients.

Keep in mind that your online presence is how many potential clients will find you, so it's important to put your best image forward.

Conclusion

Having a constant stream of clients takes a great deal of effort and balancing. It's important to manage your online identity and do your best to get positive reviews, and also make the most of your relationships with previous and repeat clients. Whenever you find out a new client is a referral, be sure to thank the person who sent them to you. It's a simple gesture that could send even more clients your direction.