Behind the Review

Getting your customers or clients to write reviews is no easy task. And on Yelp specifically, it’s against terms of service and content guidelines to solicit or ask for a review. So how can you naturally encourage them to share their experiences? Marketing expert Elizabeth Sexton shares how Aligned Modern Health, the multi-location holistic wellness business, manages their online presence while subtly showing their customers the power of online reviews. Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Auto House goes beyond lukewarm customer service, prioritizing one-on-one bonds between buyers and sales partners to integrate themselves into the lives of the community they serve. Auto House has changed the car industry's narrative by implementing thoughtful, personalized help, whether it's loaning out a minivan to let a mom try out at practice or making connections with clients long after the sale. Reviewer Amber P. shares how Auto House became her family’s first choice for their auto needs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How a business shows up online is a reflection of who they are in person. Oftentimes business owners worry more about coming across polished than being themselves. In this episode hear from Shawn Walchef on the importance of being authentic and professionally raw online. Shawn hosts a podcast in partnership with Yelp and Entrepreneur Media called Restaurant Influencers. Tune in to episode 1 at the end of this conversation. Cali BBQ Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rudy’s Bakery in Queens has been open since the 1930s. 40 years ago, Toni and her uncle bought it and kept many of the recipes alive. Now, they pride themselves on remaining non-commercial with seasonal items and an extensive list of gluten free and vegan pastries and deserts. Toni admits it hasn’t always been easy, and change has been inevitable. But she’s a staple in the community. Hear what reviewer Samantha loves most in this unique episode where we chat with reviewer and owner together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether it’s a Yelp listing or another online review site, your reputation matters and is a reflection of the work you do in person with your customers. Having a strategy in place for responding to reviews can help you maximize that online presence, and spread the word about who you are and what you do like word of mouth, but amplified. In this episode hear advice from business owners and consumers about how to engage with your online presence and build a strategy that reflects your business. Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the mouth of Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf lies Paluca Trattoria, a “coastal chic” restaurant focused on keeping the history and authenticity of its location alive. Customers can watch aquatic life swim in the bay while eating delicious meals, and also observe the sense of community and camaraderie in the restaurant. Reviewer Valerie A. shares her experience utilizing Yelp to find this classic Italian meal amidst a relatively touristy location, and what made it stand out. Paluca Trattoria Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Online reviews can be an important source of feedback to help improve your business. They’re a signal to what’s going well and what areas could be worked on. In this conversation with Jeff Toister, author of The Service Culture Handbook, you’ll learn how evaluating your reviews can save you time, and improve your business. Digging into what people are saying about you online can help improve customer service, increase sales and pinpoint problems that are costing you money. Jeff Toister Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People are at the center of Norm Theard’s life, and his restaurant The Quarter Creole Cuisine is another example of that. As the youngest of six, Norm spent time helping his mom recreate recipes from generations past that he brings to life in his restaurant with innovative twists. Hear how Norm continues his family’s legacy through authentic comfort food and service to match. Reviewer Stef B shares her memorable dining experience at and what left her longing to return to this Claremont staple. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Owning a small business can be an adventure, but according to Paper Route Bakery owner Aaron Seriff-Cullick, it can quickly turn into a crisis. When he made changes to the menu, many customers were disappointed to see favorites disappear, so Aaron showed them other wonderful treats he had cooked up. Aaron shares his experiences — both the good and the not so good — in taking his business from his tiny apartment in Austin to a full-fledged bakery, and the lessons he learned along the way. Paper Route Bakery Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes service can feel forced. At Alpenglow Sports, owner Brendan says 'if you don't love to help people you're not hired.' And that culture creates a customer forward approach to the atmosphere in the shop. Reviewer Sheena wanted to support a local business, and get some gear for a trip. The knowledge and expertise shared by the staff instilled confidence in her, and she appreciated that the guidance wasn’t towards the most expensive product, but the product that suited her needs. Alpenglow Sports Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Purchasing a home is complicated, and realtor Brad Davis knows it. In fact, his career in real estate first began as a side hustle after buying his first home. Now, after years of working full time at Just Real Seattle, Brad shares his tips and tricks for navigating such a dynamic market. From maintaining organized communication with clients to collaborating with competitors, building relationships is crucial for any business. We’ll also hear from Karen on what stood out working with Brad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having been around since before the Great Depression, Chicago’s Music Box Theatre has seen a lot over the decades. From adding social spaces in the building to establishing seasonal events, current senior operations manager Buck LePard discusses the evolution of the historic venue, and how they’ve built such a tight-knit workplace culture. We’ll also hear from Carly, a resident of the neighborhood, about her experience as a moviegoer during the pandemic. Music Box Theatre Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether it be at weddings or quinceañeras, Tempoe Entertainment DJs in Southern California seeks to create a party atmosphere anywhere and anytime. Ryan, or DJ Tempoe, shares how teamwork, cross-training, and clear communication with clients are key to curating the perfect mood for any event. Reviewer Cassandra shares her experience with Tempoe, where the whole team went above and beyond at her daughter’s 16th birthday party. Tempoe Entertainment DJs Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound Our sponsor: Nearside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shear Bliss Hair Salon owner Lana Kurayeva has qualifications under her belt, being a board certified colorist with over a decade of experience. Despite this, the thing that keeps her customers coming back isn’t just her knowledge of hair care, but the way she shares that knowledge and listens to their wants. In this episode, hear from Lana as well as reviewer Jenn, who discusses all the factors that made her very first hair coloring experience a successful one and what kept her coming back. Shear Bliss NYC Salon Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound Our sponsor: Nearside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With friendly and attentive service, an eccentric selection of signature donuts, partnerships with other local businesses, and an expansive breakfast menu, Cranky Al’s is undoubtedly a staple of the Milwaukee area. Managed by Joey Carioti, the nephew of the original owners, Cranky Al’s has weathered the pandemic and successfully adapted to changing times. In this episode, hear from Joey and reviewer Chadrick about what makes this small local business special and how it continues to thrive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode takes a look at the best advice shared on Behind the Review in its first year. Business owners talk about the stressors and reality of online reviews, and consumers share what makes them want to write a review. You’ll also hear how entrepreneurs handle critical reviews, and what they consider the key to a solid response. Reviews are a form of marketing, and engaging with those online reviews is a great way to reflect your customer service practices and humanize your brand. Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Closet America is all about organization, beauty and joy. It’s what they do, and how they do it, and each department works together to create a memorable customer experience. With communication at the center of their success, owner Skip shares how they stay connected over the extended process from getting a quote, to the final installation day. Reviewer Rae shares what stood out most about her interactions with the company, and how her life has improved since hiring their services. Closet America Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After embarking on countless memorable trips together to Greece and Turkey, Rob van den Blink and two of his friends had the idea of bringing the Aegean dining experience to their home in Miami. This resulted in DOYA, a unique meze style restaurant in the heart of Wynwood. In this episode, you’ll hear from Rob as well as reviewer Joe, who discusses how Doya’s ambience, menu, and service have made him a regular at the restaurant. DOYA Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to Megan and Tom Gibbings, communication is the most important component of their successful veterinary practice. They’ve found it’s what sets them apart, and when there’s been a challenge or a sticking point, it boils down to a lapse or failure in communication. Patient Courtney shares what stood out to her about West Coast Animal Hospital, and what called her to write a review. She drives hours to West Coast, but that’s the unparalleled trust that’s been instilled by the team. West Coast Animal HospitalAli Schwartz Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Three years in, Bird Bird Biscuit has never stopped trying to make their biscuit just a little bit better. And this is representative of how they approach everything. From the customer experience, down to the employee experience, owner Brian Batch explains that with a core value of “this is fun for us,’ it’s important that team members feel happy and supported; which ultimately translates to great consumer experiences as well. Like reviewer Casey who can’t say enough about the business. Bird Bird Biscuit Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when two interior designers from opposite coasts merge somewhere in the middle? Adriele Graham and Elizabeth Berry, the duo behind interior design firm House Meraki, have been serving the Denver area since 2018. Over the years, they’ve established themselves as a client-driven firm and have adapted their practices to weather the pandemic. In this episode, hear about how Adriele and Elizabeth helped reviewer Jéssica make the most out of her rental bedroom...entirely virtually. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nestled in the crossroads of downtown Kansas City, Missouri, KC Wineworks is not your typical winery. Owner Lindsay Clausen takes advantage of the shop’s unique Midwestern location and multifaceted wines in order to create a welcoming, friendly wine tasting experience for customers of all experience levels. In this episode, Yelp reviewer Kristina discusses the atmosphere and customer service that has made her a WineWorks regular. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Self development and lifelong learning is Josh Campbell’s key to success. Tune in to hear former guest, and owner of multi-million dollar HVAC company - Rescue Air Heating & Cooling share what leadership means to him, and how developing that leadership in yourself and your team can help your company grow exponentially. You’ll hear first hand advice, as well as a list of book recommendations that you can leverage to further your own leadership. Rescue Air Heating and Cooling Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Customer experiences aren’t always going to be five-star, but it’s what you do with those imperfect experiences that matters. Lush Nail Bar admits that in their industry, imperfections happen. In the case of reviewer Maegen, pointing out those imperfections is what led her to become such a loyal customer. The Lush team was grateful to Maegen for bringing her concerns to their attention, and they did everything they could to turn the experience around. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Alissa Bayer first opened Milk + Honey in downtown Austin, TX, she set out to prove that you can take great care of your employees and still be a profitable, successful company. By focusing on employees and making sure they’re happy, they will take care of your customers. And your customers can ensure your bottom line is profitable. Hear how the spa concept has grown into seven locations in Texas and Los Angeles, and how Milk + Honey creates memorable experiences for customers like Melissa. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brick 3 Pizza has a lot of repeat business, and it’s not simply the fresh ingredients or the friendly faces that keeps customers coming back. It’s the consistency in both the food quality and the customer service. Reviewer Daniela shares what made Brick 3 stand out for her, and how it’s become her favorite pizza place in the city, hands down. Owner Demetri shares the secret behind making food your customers want to eat 6 days a week and managing a staff that welcomes customers in like family. Brick 3 Pizza Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A quality product is important, especially when it comes to a New York bagel. But even with the best flavor, customer service is still key. In this episode, Vadim Nayman, owner of Bagel Master, shares how he believes he can solve any problem without saying no to his customers. He also shares the inside scoop on using social media to stay top of mind. Reviewer Karen shares her experience with the business and what made her keep coming back for over 20 years ago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Toister is an author, consultant and trainer who helps companies develop customer focused cultures. In this conversation he shares ways that business owners can glean insights and learnings from their online reviews, as well as best practices for responding and engaging with reviews. Discover the true impact of critical reviews on your online reputation, and how to play an active role in the conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Perfect Pizza’s Tashia Robinson shares the elements—consistency, customer service, and community— that make her franchise a success. Perfect PizzaAli Schwartz Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Keene Addington shares his journey from selling his established restaurant chain to returning to his restaurateur roots by founding Tortoise Supper Club, a family-owned restaurant located in downtown Chicago. Tortoise Supper Club Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we speak to Rey Alaniz, third generation roofer and franchise owner of Eagle Eye Contracting Services, on what it takes to get repeat business from customers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aligned Modern Health takes pride in its exemplary customer service and attention to detail. To achieve this across 17+ locations, it takes the right staff and a positive employee culture. Hear from the health and wellness center’s marketing director Elizabeth, plus reviewer Atiya who shares her experience with other providers before finding her team at Aligned. Aligned Modern Health Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After struggling to find a gym that felt like home, partners Juan and Amanda decided to open their own strength training gym and nutrition business. With a focus on giving back to the military members and first responders in their community, they’ve built a welcoming place for their members, like our reviewer Josh. Josh shares his experience at the gym and how the strong sense of community there inspired him to spend even more time with his new fitness family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nic Faitos, Owner of Starbright Floral Design, shares his approach to critical reviews. Starbright Floral Design Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A great business idea solves a hole in the marketplace, creating something that solves a problem that no one had previously been able to solve. This doesn’t always mean coming up with a new idea, sometimes it just means identifying where an existing business could meet a need and starting there. That is what Shelly Walker, owner of Fairmount Bicycles in Philly did - and it paid off. Her business is more than a business - it’s a place people want to be, according to this week’s Yelp reviewer. Fairmount Bicycles Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Uncovering why you want to start a business or what kind of business you want to start can be as easy as finding something you enjoy and not wanting that to end. And it’s the story of how co-owner James Morro started Urban Kayaks. They were dedicated to creating a great experience and learned from what the competition was doing wrong to bring the best possible outcome to life. This week’s Yelp reviewer, Michelle S. echoes those points precisely after her experience with them. This episode is sponsored by DoorDash for Work. Get DoorDash for Work and make work delicious. Go to: work.doordash.com/BTR Urban Kayaks Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Being a true solo entrepreneur is not an easy job because, in essence, it’s all of the jobs. It’s never simple to start or run a business, but there is an added element of responsibility and often stress that comes with being the sole proprietor. Victoria Gasparro, owner of The Party Nail, shares what it means to not only own a business but to also be the business and Yelp reviewer, Naomi Y, discusses how it’s really about the value you get that makes an experience worth the cost. This episode is sponsored by DoorDash for Work. Get DoorDash for Work and make work delicious. Go to: work.doordash.com/BTR The Party Nail Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes as a business owner you’re involved in a very pivotal moment in a consumer’s life. They are coming to you in a moment of need and have to trust that you’re going to help them through to the other side. Tim Lo, co-founder of career counseling service, Your Next Jump, finds himself in that position daily. He knows that developing trust, right off the bat, is essential and his entire business is built off of that foundation - something this week’s Yelp reviewer, Heather C. knows well. Your Next Jump Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Creativity and authenticity are two key factors in creating a successful business. For Matthew Wong, Co-Founder and CEO of Tea and Milk in NYC, channeling passion into creativity is a core operating principle. To create a product that could be a dime-a-dozen, but somehow rises above, is not an easy feat. This week hear from Yelp reviewer Jando S. on how the business has managed to stand out in a crowd and from Matthew about the importance of leveraging your true passion. Tea and Milk Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Business owners have enormous responsibilities and often have to navigate challenging situations. But when it comes to addiction and mental health counseling, the responsibilities go far beyond running a successful business. Dr. Church founded Wholeview Wellness because she felt there was a need not being met in the therapeutic community. Our Yelp reviewer Glori M. was kind enough to share her story and through herself & Dr. Church, we explore many learnings for businesses in any industry. Wholeview Wellness Ali Schwartz Meserole Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Customer expectations can be tricky sometimes and, as a business owner, they aren’t always in line with what you think they should be. Lucas Sin, owner of Nice Day Chinese in New York, has been expertly managing these challenges. Maintaining cultural integrity while meeting customer expectations is not easy - it takes work and dedication and this week’s reviewer, Morlene C. took notice. Learn how you can strike the balance in this week’s episode. Nice Day Chinese Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some industries have higher stakes than others. As someone who deals with the pressure of such a high stakes business - in addition to all of the other elements that go into running a successful operation - Nahuel Hilal, owner of Iris Tattoo, has plenty of insights to share. We talk a lot about the importance of customer experience and this week is no exception. When it comes to getting a tattoo - something that will be with you forever - the experience has to match the heightened moment. Iris Tattoo: https://www.yelp.com/biz/iris-tattoo-miami-2 Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Taking a walk in someone else’s shoes can have so many benefits. This week’s guest, owner and founder of Ritual Hot Yoga, uses that method in almost every aspect of her business. From a customer’s first interaction on the website, to the class itself, owner and founder, Lindsey Kaalberg, put extreme thought & care into building a memorable experience - an experience “like no other,” according to Yelp reviewer, Jane C. Find out how Lindsey’s approach can be applied to all business models. Ritual Hot Yoga: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ritual-hot-yoga-chicago-chicago-2 Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anticipating diverse customer needs takes thought, intention and mindfulness. It’s not something that comes without work and Alex Bradberry, owner and founder of The Sparkle Bar, is well aware of what it takes to create a truly inclusive experience for her customers. In this week’s deep dive, Alex, who we heard from in episode three, lends us her expertise on the matter. The Sparkle Bar: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-sparkle-bar-scottsdale?osq=sparkle+bar Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s nothing new to hear that hospitality should be a big priority for all business owners. But, for Cali BBQ, it’s all about Digital Hospitality. While that may sound like just another buzzword, it’s something that all businesses should be prioritizing. In this ‘Deep Dive’ episode, Shawn Walchef, Owner of Cali BBQ & Founder of Cali BBQ Media, talks about what Digital Hospitality is, why it’s so important and what steps business owners can take to implement an effective digital strategy. Cali BBQ: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cali-comfort-bbq-spring-valley-4 Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re trying something a bit different and are introducing a Deep Dive episode where we’ll go deeper on one topic with one of our previous podcast guests. This week: Hiring and Firing with The Candle Pour’s Misty & Dennis Akers. They share their expertise and help business owners with how they might want to think about staffing and why who you hire is essential to creating an unforgettable experience. The Candle Pour: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-candle-pour-tampa Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many people care about small businesses and philanthropic causes, but truly making a difference takes a little something more. In our final episode during Women’s History Month, I spoke with Angela Shen, owner and founder of Savor Seattle. Angela cares deeply about her local community, advocates for a number of social causes, and actively supports women-owned businesses. Yelp reviewer, Vy M. connected immediately with Savor Seattle because of Angela’s customer service & mission. Savor Seattle: https://www.yelp.com/biz/savor-seattle-food-tours-seattle-2 Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we talked with Amanda Scotese, owner + founder of Chicago Detours - a touring company that is always pushing the limits of what is expected to create an unforgettable - and more importantly, irreplicable - experience for their customers. That mindset enabled them to thrive during a pandemic when in-person tours are out of the question. Our Yelp reviewer, Michelle R., experienced the Chicago tour from her living room in Orlando - an offering Amanda hadn’t dreamed of just one year ago. Chicago Detours: https://www.yelp.com/biz/chicago-detours-chicago-3 Ali Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/alischwar Meserole Sound: https://www.meserolesound.nyc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices