Why reviews dominate conversion
Three reviews from named schools convert
at 3–5× zero reviews.
Social proof is the single most powerful conversion factor in any marketplace. A curriculum with 3 positive reviews from named schools converts at 3–5× the rate of an identical curriculum with no reviews, even at a higher price point. The quality of the review matters as much as the quantity. ‘Used with three Year 10 classes for our GCSE Chemistry SOW. The misconception-focused approach in Lessons 3 and 4 significantly improved our students' exam performance. Will definitely be using the creator's other A-Level materials next year.’ — this review does the selling for you.
How to get your first three reviews
Ask explicitly. Make it easy.
Follow up once.
Free listing strategy — the fastest path
List one of your best units as free. When a school adopts, send a message: ‘Thank you for adopting this resource. I'd be genuinely grateful for a review once you've used it — it makes an enormous difference for a new creator. The review link is [link]. It takes 3 minutes.’
Network adoption — colleagues you know
Ask colleagues in your subject area to try and review. These are your highest-conversion review requests because the adoption barrier is low and the trust is high. Ask for a specific review: ‘which part of the resource saved you the most time or worked best with your students?’
Teacher community sharing — broader reach
Share your free listing in teacher communities (subject associations, LinkedIn groups, teacher communities online) with a specific request for a marketplace review. The specificity significantly increases the conversion rate from viewer to reviewer.
The quality of the review matters
Ask for specifics.
Not 'what did you think?'
The review request that produces useful social proof
Instead of: ‘Please leave a review if you found it helpful.’
Ask: ‘When you leave a review, if you can mention: (1) which year group you used it with, (2) one specific thing that worked well, and (3) whether you'd use this creator's other materials — that would be incredibly helpful for other schools deciding whether to adopt.’
Ask: ‘When you leave a review, if you can mention: (1) which year group you used it with, (2) one specific thing that worked well, and (3) whether you'd use this creator's other materials — that would be incredibly helpful for other schools deciding whether to adopt.’
You've finished C6