Online reviews ARE a form of word-of-mouth. New clients who find you via a search engine appreciate being able to see what others are saying.
FWIW - I email a short thank you asap that contains the following:
I encourage you to leave a review on social media (links below) or to email me with any compliments/concerns about the show or my interactions with you. I really appreciate any and all feedback.
Response rates will vary, but if you're sending a thank you note anyway, it doesn't hurt to ask.

Hey Wes, although I agree a follow up is a good idea, "email me with any
compliments/concerns about the show" is somewhat negative, also
it contrasts with the prior line that they should leave a review.

It implies that positives should be public, and complaints should be private.

You also don't need to tell them they can email you if you are emailing them
the note.

"All reviews are appreciated:(link to single review site) If you have any
comments or questions feel free to ask." after a more personal response
might be more effective.

I email this the following day. I get probably 50% who leave a review.

Hi Elyse,

I just wanted to send you a quick e-mail to say a big thank you for making me feel so welcome during Walters Birthday party on Saturday.

I had a great time performing my shows and I'm pretty sure the kids (and some of the adults!) had a great time too. I also want to thank you for the generous tip, that was really kind and very much appreciated.

One thing that can really help a small business like mine is a positive YELP review, if you have a couple of minutes to click the link below and leave a review I'd be really grateful.


(INSERT YELP LINK HERE)

Thank you once again and if you or any other Tutor Time need a magician in the future please don't hesitate to contact me.



Best regards

Adrian A.K.A Billy Bonkers
Voted the best magician who lives in his house

I have had many problems with Yelp filtering OUT genuine customer reviews, for some strange reason!!

Is this a common experience?

Vijay

Yelp has a long history of being terrible.