When looking for a store, restaurant, service or product, most customers turn to Google at some point in their search. Google reviews are a compass for many customers, showing them which businesses have provided positive experiences, and which haven’t. If your business doesn’t have many Google reviews, or your overall rating isn’t where you’d like it to be, customers might be overlooking your business. Let’s take a look at a few strategies to get more Google reviews.
Do You Need Google Reviews?
Google is the most visited website in the world. Because of this, Google Reviews are the most popular and most viewed. Over 57% of all online reviews are Google Reviews. Google Reviews are a part of Google Maps, and over a billion people use Google Maps every month to find places to go and things to do. From big cities to small towns, consumers use Google Maps and Google Reviews to find trustworthy, high-quality businesses. Missing out on Google reviews can mean missing out on customers.
Some studies show that as many as 90% of consumers look at reviews before visiting a business. Studies also show that consumers tend to spend more at businesses with high star-ratings, and that a higher star-rating correlates with higher revenue. Of course, businesses with higher star-ratings tend to provide higher-quality products and services, so it makes sense that customers would spend more money at these locations. However, it also makes sense that businesses with lower star-ratings will be overlooked, even if they are providing high-quality products and services.
What About Other Review Sites?
There are many different online review sites. Some are focused on particular industries, such as healthcare or law. Others, like Amazon, are focused on the products available on the website. Depending on your industry and business model, other review sites may provide more value. Or, customers might look for other types of reviews, like case studies, testimonials or contacts with previous customers. This is especially true for B2B industries. However, these strategies to get more Google reviews can be adapted to get more reviews on other websites, or gather more case studies or testimonials.
How to Get More Google Reviews
There are many ways to get more Google reviews. Some of these strategies you can use in your store, and others you can use online. You can use a combination of strategies to get even more customer attention, and get more reviews, faster.
Before you start a campaign to get more Google reviews, it’s also important to know what is not allowed under Google’s guidelines. Since Google Reviews are a part of Google Maps, Google lays out its rules in Maps User Contributed Content Policy. This outlines how users and businesses can contribute and gather reviews. Though this list isn’t exhaustive, here are a few important things to keep in mind when gathering Google reviews for your business.
- Do not incentivize reviews: Google, and all review sites, strictly forbid the practice of paying for or providing discounts for reviews.
- Do not ask employees or family members for reviews: Only real customers, with no other relationships with you, should provide reviews.
- You cannot review a review because it’s bad: It’s impossible to please everyone, and a few bad reviews are likely to happen. However, they can’t be removed simply because they’re bad.
- Inappropriate reviews can be removed: If someone leaves a review that uses inappropriate language, or is otherwise not suitable for public viewing, you can flag the review, and moderators are likely to remove it.
With all this in mind, let’s take a look at a few strategies to get more Google reviews.
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Ask by Email
One effective way to get more Google reviews is by reaching out to your existing customers through email. Craft a personalized email expressing gratitude for their patronage and kindly request them to share their experiences on Google. Ensure that you include a direct link to the page where customers can leave a review. This will simplify the process and increase the chances that your customer will leave a review.
To increase the likelihood of a positive response, make the email concise, friendly, and appreciative of their past support. Timing is crucial; consider sending the email shortly after a customer has made a purchase or received a service, when their experience is still fresh in their minds.
Here are a few tips to make this process easier:
- Try automating this process to send review request emails at certain times.
- Your customers are busy, so one email request probably won’t get their attention. Try asking a few times, but be sure your customer is removed from the automation when they leave a review.
- Add a few prompts or suggestions, such as “tell us about your favorite product” or “what stood out about your most recent experience?” If your customer isn’t sure what to say, this can help.
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Make a Social Media Post
Leveraging your social media platforms is another powerful way to encourage customers to leave Google reviews. Craft engaging posts that highlight positive customer experiences or showcase your products or services. Directly ask your followers to share their thoughts on Google, providing a link to your page for convenience. Encourage them to use specific hashtags related to your business to create a sense of community.
Consider these tips when using social media platforms to get more Google reviews:
- Use graphics or customer testimonials in your social media posts to grab attention.
- Regularly engage with your audience by responding to comments and reviews, fostering a positive online environment.
- Don’t be afraid to make a few requests at different times. Remember that your customers have a lot of demands on their attention, so they might not notice the first request you make.
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Use an In-Store Sign
One simple, yet effective strategy is to display signage within your physical location encouraging customers to leave Google reviews. Place the signs strategically, such as near the checkout counter or entrance, where customers are likely to notice them. Keep the message concise and friendly, prompting customers to share their experiences online. Ensure that the sign includes a quick response (QR) code or a shortened URL leading directly to your Google review page for easy access.
Try these tips to make your in-store signs stand out:
- Use signs where customers are most likely to see them. This might include a board where you post the day’s specials, a link and request on your menu, or a sign near the check-out.
- Add an encouraging phrase to explain why Google reviews are important to your business, such as, “Your input helps other customers find us!” or “We love hearing from our customers; share a review and tell us about your experience!”
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Ask In-Person
Engaging with customers directly and making a personal request for a Google review can have a significant impact. Train your staff to tactfully and genuinely ask satisfied customers if they would be willing to share their experiences online. Provide them with business cards or printed materials that include the Google review link, making it convenient for customers to leave feedback. Ensure that the request is made in a friendly and unobtrusive manner, respecting the customer’s time and preferences.
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Utilize Customer Feedback Surveys
To gather feedback and reviews at the same time, you can integrate the request for Google reviews seamlessly into your customer feedback surveys. After customers provide feedback about their experience with your business, express gratitude for their input and kindly ask if they would be willing to share their thoughts on Google. Include a direct link to your Google page in the survey, making the process straightforward. To enhance participation, keep the survey short and easy to complete, respecting your customers’ time.
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Leverage Thank-You Pages
After customers make a purchase online or complete a transaction, redirect them to a customized thank-you page. Express appreciation for their business and include a call-to-action encouraging them to share their experience on Google. Provide a prominent and clickable link to your Google page. This method takes advantage of the customer’s positive sentiment at the conclusion of their interaction with your business.
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Highlight Google Reviews on Your Website
Feature a section on your business website dedicated to showcasing positive Google reviews. Display a selection of glowing testimonials from satisfied customers along with a clear call-to-action inviting visitors to leave their own reviews. Make sure the link to your Google page is easily accessible. This not only encourages new customers to share their experiences but also serves as a testament to the positive interactions your business has had with previous clients.
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Collaborate with Influencers or Brand Ambassadors
If your business has relationships with influencers or brand ambassadors, leverage their reach to promote Google reviews. Encourage them to share their positive experiences and thoughts about your products or services on their social media platforms, blog, or other channels. Request them to include a call-to-action for their followers to join in and leave Google reviews. This not only amplifies your business’s visibility but also brings in authentic reviews from a broader audience.
Be sure to establish clear guidelines and expectations when collaborating with influencers. Provide them with ready-to-use captions or content that aligns with your brand messaging and encourages engagement.
These strategies can help you get more Google reviews, which can help customers find your business more easily. Actively and organically building a positive presence for your business through Google reviews can have a big impact on your bottom line, while also boosting your reputation.