Since launching the Odd Dog review app in 2016, we’ve been thrilled to see it adopted by over 1,300 businesses, generating more than 130,000 review requests. Our goal was to address the common challenge businesses face in soliciting reviews—whether it was locating a Google link or the inconvenience of sending a link at the moment of service when reviews are most likely to be favorable. Our free app was designed to offer a straightforward solution to this issue.

However, the time has come for us to retire the app as we refocus on our core strengths. We understand that reviews are crucial for your business—they enhance your reputation, boost search rankings, and attract potential customers. Although our app is being sunsetted, we want to ensure you’re well-supported during this transition and have access to valuable tips and resources for securing great reviews.

In this post, we’ll provide insights on how to maintain a steady stream of reviews and recommend tools that can assist you in achieving those sought-after five-star ratings.

How Can Your Business Get More Reviews?

Let’s start with the basics. Getting more reviews isn’t just about asking nicely (though that helps!). Here’s a quick rundown of strategies to get your customers talking about you:

Ask at the Right Time: Timing is everything. Catch your customers when they’re happiest—right after a purchase or a great experience. A simple, “We’d love to hear your feedback!” can go a long way.
Make It Easy: Nobody wants to jump through hoops to leave a review. Provide direct links to your Google My Business page or other review sites, so all they have to do is click and type.
Incentivize (Ethically): Offer a little something in return for their time. A discount on their next purchase, entry into a giveaway, or even a heartfelt thank-you can be enough to encourage reviews. Just be careful—some platforms frown upon incentivized reviews, so always check the rules.
Follow-up: Don’t be shy about sending a follow-up reminder. Life gets busy, and a polite nudge might be all someone needs to remember to leave that review.
Respond to Reviews: Whether good or bad, take the time to respond to reviews. It shows that you care about your customer’s feedback and are committed to providing excellent service.

How Can a Review App Help Your Business Get Five-Star Reviews?

If you’ve ever wondered why review apps are so popular, it’s because they simplify the entire process—for you and your customers. Here’s how a good review app can boost those five-star ratings:

Automation: Review apps can automate the review request process. After a sale, the app can automatically send out a request for feedback, taking one more task off your plate.
Easy Sharing: Many apps allow customers to leave reviews directly from their smartphones with just a few taps. The easier it is, the more likely they are to do it.
Centralized Management: Review apps often let you manage all your reviews from one dashboard, so you can respond quickly and keep an eye on your reputation.
Smart Reminders: Some apps can send friendly reminders to customers who haven’t yet left a review, ensuring you don’t miss out on valuable feedback.

Now, with our review app soon to be discontinued, you might be wondering where to turn. Fear not—here’s a list of some of the best review apps and services that can help you continue raking in those five-star reviews.

What Are Some of the Best Review Apps or Services Available?

While we’re sad to see our review app go, we’re happy to recommend some stellar alternatives that can help you keep those reviews coming in:

Here are some great alternatives to help you keep those reviews rolling in:

Google Business (Free) – Google My Business is a must-have for any local business. Not only does it allow you to manage your Google reviews, but it also boosts your visibility in local search results. And the best part? It’s completely free.
Birdeye (Starts at $25/month) -Birdeye is a robust platform that helps you gather, manage, and respond to reviews across multiple platforms. It’s a great tool for businesses that want to keep all their reviews in one place and even offers options for sending review requests via text.
Podium (Free & Paid Plans) – Podium makes it super easy to gather reviews by sending requests through text messages. It’s especially effective for getting more Google reviews, and it integrates well with your existing CRM systems.
Gatherup ($99 and up) – A more comprehensive option if you’re looking for an all-in-one reputation management solution.

Wrapping It Up

While we’re saying goodbye to our beloved review app, we’re excited for you to explore these great alternatives. Remember, getting those five-star reviews is all about making the process easy and seamless for your customers. Whether you go with Google My Business, Birdeye, Podium, or Reputation.com, you’re in good hands.

And hey, if you need help with more than just reviews—like digital marketing, SEO, or a shiny new website—we’re here for you. Just give us a shout!