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How to Receive More Google Reviews for Your Business
If you own a small business and are looking to build your brand or promote your products and services to more people, it’s crucial to make a strong first impression on potential customers. While a well-designed website and effective SEO strategies go a long way in growing your business and appealing to new customers, your Google reviews are an element that should never be overlooked. Google reviews are one of the first things potential customers will look at before deciding the visit your website or contact you, making them one of the most important methods for increasing site traffic and conversions.
Encouraging customers to leave online Google reviews for your business can help improve the rankings of your business listing, increase the number of new customers you are bringing in, establish brand loyalty, and encourage repeat business. As digital marketing experts, the team at FirstPage Marketing knows how influential Google reviews can be for turning potential customers into actual customers. That is why we have put together a few tips to help you understand how to receive more Google reviews for your business.
Learn more about online reviews and why they matter for your business.
5 Ways to Get More Google Reviews for Your Business
To get more Google reviews for your business, you will need to perform the following actions:
1. Claim Your Google My Business Listing
One of the most important entities for local search engine optimization is a well-optimized Google My Business listing. This is because Google’s Local 3-Pack (also known as “map pack”) almost always displays above organic search results on both the mobile and desktop SERP (search engine results page). Having your Google My Business listing show up in the Local 3-Pack can even be more lucrative than having your website show up in the top organic search position, making it well worth your time.
Instead of relying on a Google business listing that you have no control over, you should claim your Google My Business listing so that you can provide potential customers with up-to-date information about your business. Taking the time to claim a Google listing and to update the information can help make it easier for customers to find and review your business on Google. For example, updating your phone number, website link, business category, and hours can give customers the information they need in one convenient location.
2. Ask Your Previous Clients or New Customers for Reviews
When it comes to reviews, the sad reality is that people are more likely to leave a negative review for a poor experience than a positive review for a great experience. That is why it’s crucial to ask new customers and previous clients to provide a review for your business. By asking customers to provide you with a review, you will drastically increase the rate at which you obtain them.
In addition to asking customers to provide a review in person, consider sending follow-up emails for purchases or the services you provide. To ensure that your email achieves the best possible results, be sure to make the subject line stand out and keep the message short and to the point. While asking for reviews is a great strategy, it is important to stay away from incentivizing customers to provide reviews as this can be viewed as dishonest and unethical. After all, a positive Google review should only be left by a customer if they were happy with your products/services, not because they wanted to enter a draw or receive something in return.
3. Increase Your Social Media Engagement
Using your presence on social media can be a great way to get more Google reviews. By regularly engaging with customers on social media by commenting on or liking their posts, you may be able to convince them to leave you a review. Engaging users by providing ongoing support and service can further increase the chance of users leaving you a review, so it is well worth your time. In addition to engagement with customers, consider creating a post asking for reviews once or twice per year. This will allow you to increase your reviews without coming off as pushy or demanding.
4. Actively Respond to Reviews
If a customer sees that a business has several negative reviews with no response to them, this can deter them from reaching out to your business. Whether a customer leaves a good review or a bad one, actively responding to them can help encourage other users to leave a review for your business. When responding to a review, make sure to always maintain a positive tone and accept accountability for any complaints that your customers might have. Responding to all reviews, good or bad, will help potential customers see your business as being trustworthy and attentive.
5. Provide Excellent Customer Service
Every good Google review starts with providing excellent customer service and products. Since customers are more likely to leave a review when their experience with your company is at an extreme, customer experiences that are only satisfactory will most likely not result in the customer taking the time to do a Google review. Make sure you go the extra mile to fully understand your customer’s needs and deliver the perfect solution while maintaining great service.
If you would like to find out how you can get more positive online reviews for your company, give the team at FirstPage Marketing a call at 604-866-2230 or reach out through our online contact form. We will be happy to help you develop the perfect strategy for your business.