This article was updated on July 16, 2021
As a small business owner, you know the value of a referral. When a satisfied customer recommends you to someone they know, their favorable review often results in new business for you. This is why gathering recommendations is a critical step in your business processes.
Recommendations account for nearly one-third of the conversations on Nextdoor. But what makes Nextdoor recommendations different is that neighbours who are making them are registered. This means recommendations are authentic and backed by a real person who lives where they say they do. This gives each recommendation more weight than it might on another site where reviews can be anonymous.
On Nextdoor, neighbours can either write you a recommendation which will appear on your website under the “Recommendations” section of your Business Page. They can also “Like” your page by clicking on the heart icon that appears under your profile photo. Keep in mind that the number of “Likes” your business receives shows up alongside any Local Deals or Neighbourhood Sponsorship ads you run, as well as when your business is tagged in a post. “Likes” will also enable your Business Page to appear in search results when a neighbour searches for something related to your business, allowing more neighbours to discover you organically.
Having recommendations builds credibility and trust, and the more recommendations you have, the more visible your business will be on Nextdoor. Having just a handful makes other neighbours more likely to reach out to you or stop by your business.
So, how do you gather likes and recommendations to make your Nextdoor Business Page stand out? Follow these three tips.
#1 Use your Business Posts
When you claim your Business Page and verify your business on Nextdoor, you’ll have access to two free Business Posts each month. Use your post as an opportunity to gather recommendations. Share your business story and what products or services you offer with neighbours, or spotlight an existing recommendation. After you’ve shared about your business, ask neighbours who have already done business with you to like your Business Page, leave a recommendation or do both.
#2 Share your Business Page
Asking for Nextdoor recommendations doesn’t have to happen only on Nextdoor. Extend your outreach into your overall marketing efforts by sharing your Business Page link and a personal note in your marketing emails, social media accounts, and website. If you have a physical storefront and have good interaction with a customer, mention your Nextdoor Business Page and ask if they can leave you a recommendation.
To find your Business Page link, follow the steps below:
- Claim or sign in to your Nextdoor Business Page.
- Click on the tab that says ‘Your Reputation’.
- Next, click the “Copy link” button. This option is the quickest and easiest, as it copies the unique link to your Business Page that you can share anywhere.
TIP: When asking your customers for a recommendation, get creative. If you need some inspiration on how to make the ask, check out our Small Business Guide to Getting Recommendations on Nextdoor. It’s full of ideas and downloadable templates.
#3 Join conversations on Nextdoor
As mentioned, recommendations account for nearly one-third of conversations among neighbours on Nextdoor. If your business is tagged in a post, join the conversation. Thank them for thinking of you and let them know they can like your business or leave a recommendation directly on your Business Page. Keep in mind, when your business is tagged, neighbours interacting with that post will be able to see a preview card that shows your business name, information, profile photo, and the number of likes.
NOTE: Likes and recommendations can come from clients, customers, family, friends, or contacts you have from philanthropic or community groups – they don’t need to only come from people that have completed a transaction with your business.
As a small business owner, a positive review is a powerful tool. Make sure to ask your satisfied customers, family, and friends to leave you a recommendation on your Nextdoor Business Page to maximise your business opportunities and establish your reputation in the local community.
Claim your free Business Page to get started on Nextdoor. For resources on how to use Nextdoor to stay connected with your local customers, pertinent news affecting businesses, and more, follow us at @nextdoorbusiness on Facebook.
