Google Reviews can make or break your business. Give this a read to find out how to set up a Google Business Profile, promote your business, and raise your review count.
Your customers’ experience is one of your most important business commodities. From your product to your people, customers can be your worst critic or your biggest asset.
Nowadays, many people make choices based on Google Reviews, and the more reviews you have, the more credible you seem. Stick with us to see how to get more Google reviews for your business.
Reviews are useful tools for determining if your customers are happy with your business and to stay on top of any improvements you might be able to make. So, how do you get reviews?
Your Google Business Profile is a free and efficient way for you to raise awareness and create a dialogue for your small business.
With Google Business, you can:
Google has a feature called Google Business Profile Manager, which walks you through the entire sign-up process.
Once you have entered all of the information for your business, the verification step is simple. You'll be given a choice of either text, call, or email. Usually, Google verifies requests manually, so the process can take up to seven business days.
Google will send you a notification once your request has been approved. Note that sometimes it can take a week or two before your business is searchable, but if you have received verification confirmation, then you are good to go.
Seems obvious, right? It might sound silly, but double-check that your street number is correct, your street name is spelled correctly, and every part of your listed address is exactly how the USPS would write it. Having an accurate address will ensure customers can find your business.
Google Business has policies for several types of use. Here’s what you need to know:
Business Representation
You may not advertise any illegal activities on your business page. Any fraudulent activity will result in suspension or removal of your page.
You must maintain an accurate representation of your business. Your business should only have one Google Profile and should keep a consistent visual representation of signage and branding.
Posts Content Policies
All of your content should be relevant to your business. You should not post any type of spam, irrelevant links, or scams. You should also avoid posting any inappropriate content such as hateful, disparaging, or obscene images and language.
Messaging Guidelines
When using the chat feature, avoid sharing any personal information like credit card numbers or any official identification numbers. Because this service is meant to help your customers, you should respond in a timely manner. Your goal is to assist your customers, so be as upfront and informative as possible.
Photos, Videos, and Reviews
Google uses both a manual process and an algorithm to maintain an upstanding environment. Google encourages authentic user-generated content (UGC) rather than curated content. All reviews should be genuine user reviews based on real customer experience. Google also allows you to delete customer reviews if it violates their terms of use.
Think about it: you know that reviews are everything. These days, most people check the reviews of a business before they even try it for themselves. Keep reading for our tips to get more Google Reviews for your business.
The more visibility your business has, the more traffic you are likely to get. In order to promote visibility, you need to utilize SEO best practices. Google does a great job of making information readily available to prospective customers by including it in multiple places like Google Search, Google Maps, third-party websites, and other apps.
You need to meet Google halfway by making sure your information is always up-to-date. Customers value information like business hours, photos, and products. The more accurate and current you can keep those aspects, the more customers will likely be attracted to your business.
Who doesn’t love a shortcut? The more accessible your review link is, the more likely customers are to use it. Here’s how to create one:
Desktop
Mobile
Once you have created and copied your short URL, paste it into your social media profiles. This way, customers have a streamlined way to interact with your business.
There are many pathways you can take to promote reviews for your business. Sometimes, customers don’t think to leave reviews unless you remind them. Below are three strategies for fostering reviews:
In-Person
Creating relationships with your customers can be a huge asset when it comes to acquisition and retention. One of the ways you can create those relationships is by asking for their opinion.
When you have a positive interaction with a customer, ask them if they would be willing to leave a review of their experience. Most of the time, they are happy to do so!
Social Media
Maintaining a social media page is a huge marketing asset these days. Create written and visual posts to let customers know that you’d love their input. If you’re unsure how to get started on social media, Google has a marketing tool that you can use as your personal starter kit.
Leave a Reminder Card
If your business is a store-front or in-person, giving customers physical reminder cards with a personal note is a lovely touch. You can write on business cards or create small thank you cards, and with each purchase, customers will see that you are hoping for their reviews.
If your business is online, it is wise to create space in a purchase confirmation email where you can let customers know that you’d love their reviews.
When you are growing your clientele, it is wise to create an email list so you can promote sales, keep customers informed, and encourage customers to leave reviews. When creating an email campaign to garner reviews, your email should include:
Emailing your customers will keep your business top of mind and encourage them to share their experiences.
Think about how you operate when you are in a customer role. Do you read reviews before you go to a new restaurant? Do you look ahead at product examples before buying? People want to know what to expect before they spend their money.
Building up the number of reviews for your business will get more people interested in your business because numbers boost credibility. Also, the more reviews you have, the more Google’s algorithm will find keywords in reviews and direct web traffic to your business.
Customer service matters. People will always remember how they were treated, so providing them with a positive experience is crucial. When a customer has a positive interaction, that is the best time to reach out for a review, whether you ask in person, via social media, or through a reminder card.
Always reply to negative reviews in hopes of solving the problem. This will show prospective customers that you care enough to attempt to correct mistakes.
Google uses a five-star scale for rating businesses. The number of stars is almost always the first thing a customer will see. When a customer reviews your business, they will also be asked to give a star rating.
The more stars your business receives, the higher you will be in any local Google search relevant to your business. Having a high rating increases your chances of acquiring customers.
You don’t have to pay for reviews! And actually, it is against Google Business’s terms of use to pay for or incentivize reviews. This means that the reviews customers leave are basically free advertising. This is why it is vital that you do your best to make every customer’s experience a positive one. They are one of your biggest allies when it comes to free marketing.
Now that you’ve got the need-to-know information, it’s time to start building. Create your Google Business Profile and get verified. Nurture your profile by keeping your information accurate and up-to-date. Remember, when you are working with customers, they can be one of your biggest assets. Treat them with care, and when your transaction is finished, don’t be afraid to ask them to leave a review.
Sources:
Seven SEO Best Practices To Transform Your Business In 2022 ⎸ Forbes
8 Reasons Why Customer Service is Important | Indeed.com
How to Respond to Good & Bad Reviews ⎸ Google for Small Business
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