How to get more google reviews for your business: boost your reputation
Word of mouth remains the most vital marketing channel, though it’s notoriously hard to measure. Your customers can become brand advocates, but this only happens if they share their opinions publicly.
The power of online reviews
Online reviews bridge this gap. A recent Nielsen study revealed that recommendations from friends and family are the most trusted form of advertising.
Displaying a friend’s review to potential customers can significantly influence their buying decisions. The challenge, however, lies in obtaining these reviews.
Google reviews boost revenue
A MOZ survey indicated that reviews account for 15% of local search ranking factors, with Google reviews being the most visible. Google processes 3.5 billion searches daily.
With a heightened emphasis on local search results, every search in your category could lead to a click, provided you have Google reviews directing traffic to your business. Increasing your Google reviews provides prospects with more reasons to visit your website or physical store.
Reviews and SEO: a winning combination
Recent updates to Google’s search algorithm now factor in reviews for ranking purposes. Negative reviews can push your listing lower in search results, while positive reviews can elevate you to the first page.
Your reviews affect:
Your search ranking, especially for local searches.
The likelihood of click-throughs from search results.
Customer behavior and purchasing decisions.
In today’s digital landscape, 90% of consumers read reviews before making a purchase. Therefore, accumulating more Google reviews is crucial for driving traffic through your sales funnel.
Start with your Google My Business listing
Before soliciting reviews, you need a platform for customers to share their opinions, which is where Google My Business comes into play. Setting up your Google My Business listing allows customers to provide feedback easily and boosts your local search visibility.
Steps to get started:
Visit google.com/business.
Click on “Start Now.”
Fill in your business information and click “Continue.”
Agree to the terms of service and confirm you manage the business.
Click “Continue” to create your business Google+ page.
Verify your business information (typically via a postcard), then complete your business page details.
Ensure your business information is accurate and consistent across all online platforms, including your website, other review sites, and directories. You can add hours of operation, a website address, a virtual tour, and pictures.
Strategies to get more Google reviews
Every business aims for a steady stream of positive reviews. Here are ways to encourage more Google reviews:
Incentivize reviews
Offer a discount, promo, or gift as an incentive for leaving a review. Ensure the incentive is available to all customers, regardless of the review’s nature.
Check the review site’s Terms of Service to see if recipients must disclose receiving an incentive.
Add a Google review button to your website
Simplify the review process by adding a Google review button or link to your website.
Include review requests in customer surveys
When sending out feedback surveys, include a link to your Google review page to make it easy for customers to leave a review.
Display Google reviews on your website
Google reviews are perceived as more trustworthy than traditional testimonials, as visitors view them as third-party sources.
Leverage social media
Promote new Google reviews through social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and others.
Expanding beyond Google
After establishing your Google My Business listing and accumulating reviews, consider branching out. While most users start with Google, they often explore other review sites.
Be proactive in managing your reputation across these platforms. According to a study, 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations, making reviews an essential word-of-mouth marketing channel.
Platforms like Facebook, Yelp, and Better Business Bureau, along with industry-specific sites, offer additional opportunities to gather reviews.
Automate review generation and monitoring
With numerous sites allowing reviews, it’s crucial to regularly request feedback from customers and monitor what is being said. Negative reviews can be particularly damaging if not balanced by positive ones.
A Colloquy survey found that three in four people are likely to share a negative experience with friends and family, while only 42% would recommend a good product or service.
The importance of online reputation
Online reviews are today’s word-of-mouth marketing. As the world’s most popular search engine, Google is the ideal starting point for customers to discuss your products and services.
Ensure you actively manage and respond to reviews to maintain a positive online reputation. Minimize the number of clicks required for customers to leave a review by providing direct links to the review page.
Use QR codes or custom short URLs to make it even more convenient for clients to share their experiences.
Additional tips for encouraging reviews
Physical reminders
Create physical cards with a link to your Google review page and distribute them to customers. This offline method can be especially effective after a positive interaction in person.
Personalized requests
Personalize your review requests by using the customer’s name and referencing the employee they interacted with. This can be automated with review management software to save time and resources.
Email campaigns
Run email campaigns specifically asking for Google reviews. Personalize these emails to make the request clear and straightforward, emphasizing the ease and importance of leaving a review.
Instructional videos
Produce short instructional videos on how to leave a Google review. These can be shared on your website, social media, or through email campaigns to guide customers through the review process.
Expert opinions on getting more Google reviews for your business
Linda Matthews, E-commerce Specialist: “Automating the review request process can streamline your efforts. Implement automated email or SMS campaigns that trigger after a purchase, gently reminding customers to leave a review. Personalized messages that reference the customer’s recent purchase can make the request feel more genuine and increase the likelihood of receiving a review.”
David Kim, Reputation Management Consultant: “Addressing negative reviews promptly and professionally can turn a dissatisfied customer into a loyal one. Apologize for any issues, offer solutions, and invite the customer to discuss their concerns offline. Demonstrating your commitment to resolving problems can enhance your reputation and encourage others to leave positive reviews.”
Rachel Thompson, Business Development Manager: “Partnering with local influencers or bloggers can help amplify your review requests. Collaborate with influencers to create content that showcases your products or services and includes a call-to-action for their followers to leave reviews. This strategy can extend your reach and attract more genuine feedback from a broader audience.”
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