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 neighbors 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, neighbors 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 Neighborhood 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 neighbor searches for something related to your business, allowing more neighbors 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 neighbors more likely to reach out to you or stop by your business.
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 neighbors, or spotlight an existing recommendation. After you’ve shared about your business, ask neighbors who have already done business with you to like your Business Page, leave a recommendation or do both.
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:
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.
As mentioned, recommendations account for nearly one-third of conversations among neighbors 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, neighbors 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 maximize your business opportunities and establish your reputation in the local community.