5 Steps to Create an Effective Senior Living Review Acquisition Strategy

Online reviews play a pivotal role in helping senior living communities attract potential residents and their families. In fact, 85% of all online reviews are concentrated on just three major sites: Google, Yelp, and Facebook. If you’re not leveraging these platforms to their full potential, you’re missing out on valuable opportunities to build trust and improve your reputation. 

At Prism Digital Inc., we’re all about making marketing smarter, not harder. So let’s break down five essential steps to help you create an effective review strategy for your senior living community.

1. Choose the Best Channels for Your Senior Living Reviews

Let’s face it: there’s no shortage of review platforms out there. With 6,000 online searches related to senior care happening every hour in the U.S., the question isn’t whether you should collect reviews—it’s where you should collect them. The most effective strategy is to focus on review sites that matter most to your business.

For senior living communities, platforms like A Place for Mom and SeniorAdvisor are vital because they specialize in senior care. But don’t stop there! Be sure to claim your business on Google My Business, Yelp, and Facebook. These platforms are SEO powerhouses, helping you show up when potential residents search for senior living options in your area. After all, 73% of online reviews live on Google alone. And while Facebook houses only 3% of reviews, 50% of adults 65+ use Facebook to research senior living options. So, don’t overlook it!

2. Optimize Those Channels for Your Senior Living Review Strategy

You’ve picked your review platforms—now it’s time to optimize them. Think of each review profile as a mini website. The goal is to convey everything potential residents need to know about your senior living community, but in a compact format. Make sure your profiles showcase your care options, amenities, and unique differentiators. A strong visual presence with high-quality images can also go a long way in creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Start by claiming your Google My Business listing. Then create or claim profiles on other sites like Yelp and Facebook. Your messaging should be consistent across all platforms, focusing on the things that set your senior living community apart. Don’t forget to include information like pricing and key offerings (where applicable) to ensure you’re giving prospects all the info they need.

3. Start Collecting Senior Living Reviews

Now that your profiles are looking good, it’s time to gather some feedback! There are three proven methods that can help you collect reviews for your senior living community effectively.

One-to-One Outreach Emails: 

This method is highly effective when your team has a direct relationship with your residents and their families. For instance, send a follow-up email to residents and their families about two months after they’ve moved in. Here’s a sample script to get you started:

Hi [Resident's Name],

We’re so happy to have you here at [Community Name]. It’s been a pleasure welcoming you to our family!

We value your opinion, and we’d love to hear about your experience with us. Would you mind sharing your thoughts by leaving a review on Google, Yelp, or any platform you prefer? Your feedback helps us continue providing top-notch care, and it’ll help other families who are searching for the right place for their loved ones.

[Include instructions and links to leave reviews]

Thank you for being a part of our community!

Warm regards,
[Your Name]

One-to-Many Outreach Emails: 

For larger communities, reaching out to multiple residents at once is a great way to maximize your efforts. Use email marketing tools like HubSpot to send personalized emails at scale. Be sure to send review requests at the right time, like after a positive event or when a resident is particularly happy with their services.

Social Media: 

Social platforms like Facebook are an excellent way to engage with families and encourage reviews. Share resident stories, community events, and positive content that invites people to comment and engage. Build a sense of community by actively encouraging residents and their families to leave reviews.

4. Monitor Your Senior Living Reviews

Once your review strategy is up and running, it’s important to monitor feedback regularly. Senior living reviews offer valuable insights into your community’s strengths and areas for improvement. If you keep track of reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook, you can quickly address concerns and showcase positive feedback to potential residents.

Reputation management isn’t just about responding to reviews; it’s about understanding your customer experience and using it to make meaningful improvements. It’s also about amplifying the positive mentions, turning them into opportunities for brand awareness.

5. Respond to All Reviews in Your Review System for Senior Living

Responding to reviews is an art form, and trust us, it’s worth the time. Responding to positive reviews is great for showing appreciation, but it’s also an opportunity to strengthen your relationship with residents and their families. Think of it as saying, “Hey, we hear you, and we care!”

Negative reviews? Don’t bury your head in the sand. Address them thoughtfully and professionally. Over 50% of consumers want a response to their negative reviews within a week. Responding in a constructive way shows that you’re committed to continuous improvement and care.

Pro Tip: Create a shared document with review response templates so your team can efficiently handle various scenarios. That way, you’re working smarter, not harder.

Build a Solid Reputation Online with An Effective Review Strategy

Senior living reviews are an essential part of your senior living community’s digital marketing strategy. By choosing the right platforms, optimizing your profiles, gathering feedback, and monitoring your reviews, you can build a solid online reputation that attracts potential residents and sets your community apart. And remember, it’s not just about collecting reviews—it’s about building relationships, listening to feedback, and constantly improving.

Want to dive deeper into creating a winning review strategy for senior living? Download our full guide to senior living review acquisition and get all the insider tips you need to build your online reputation!

Download the Full Guide Below!