The internet has empowered consumers to easily find what they want online. When interested in a service or product, their first instinct is to hop on search engines to gauge its reputation. And recognizing this growing need for convenience, businesses now strategically place their visibility across various search engine aspects.
However, the journey hasn’t been smooth for online businesses. With the rise of disappointments and scams, consumers have become more cautious. It would be safe to claim that, at this point – consumers are critics first and shoppers second. According to a report by Good Reviews, 72% of the time, this holds true.
Google Reviews has become the primary platform for individuals and businesses to research and evaluate potential partners or vendors. Read this guide to understand how it functions and discover strategies to increase the number of reviews for your company.
What are Google Reviews?
Google Reviews are like online word-of-mouth. When customers share their experiences on Google, they leave ratings and comments about your business. These reviews appear on your Google Business Profile (earlier known as Google My Business) and are visible to anyone searching for your business on Google Search or Maps. Think of them as digital testimonials that show your business’s strengths or weaknesses to the world!
Imagine you’re trying to choose a new restaurant. Would you pick the one with glowing reviews and a 4.8-star rating or one with no reviews at all? Google Reviews can make your business the go-to choice for potential customers. They provide social proof that your products or services are worth checking out.
Importance of Google Reviews and Why it Matters?
Google Business Profile (GBP) is a secret weapon for managing your online presence. This complimentary tool enables you to manage your business’s representation on Google Search and Maps.
Once you’ve claimed your profile, you can send review requests, respond to feedback, and update your information. The real power of GBP lies in its impact on Local SEO.
Customers are moved by numbers….
Studies reveal that 81% of consumers are likely to peek at Google reviews before heading to a business, proving just how crucial the platform is for drawing in customers.
Positive reviews serve as digital “word-of-mouth” endorsements, boosting trust and credibility with potential customers who might not yet know your brand.
When people see a company with a track record of happy clients, they’re more inclined to do business with you. This means higher conversion rates, more sales, and a flourishing business.
Customers also crave community. They want to know they’re not alone in their choices.
Google understands this fact as well! Just a couple of five-star reviews won’t make the cut. Your reputation rests on the quantity and quality of feedback you receive. Search engines track and display this information, using it to determine your website’s ranking. Simply put, more positive reviews can boost your search engine visibility. This increased online presence draws more visitors to your website while adding a credibility factor necessary to convert them into valuable customers at a higher rate.
Now that you’re in the know, it’s time to jump in and learn how to secure top-quality Google reviews. This will boost your branding power and provide a solid channel for keeping your reputation in check.
Google Business Profile Creation Guide
- Step 1: Sign in to Google
Visit – https://business.google.com/create
Sign in with your Google account. If you don’t have one, create a new account.
- Step 2: Add Your Business Information
Enter your business name, category, location (physical address or service area), and contact information.
- Step 3: Verify Your Business
Enter the verification code sent by Google to confirm your business or choose from other available verification methods.
- Step 4: Complete Your Business Profile
Set your business hours, select relevant attributes, upload photos, write a brief description, and list your products or services.
- Step 5: Add relevant Google Business Profile Categories
Choose up to 10 categories that most accurately represent your business to improve its search presence. For instance, if you run a bakery that also offers catering services, you can select categories like “bakery” and “catering service.”
As a digital marketing agency, Savit Interactive understands the power of building strong customer relationships through online interactions. From perfecting your GMB profile to harnessing elite local SEO methods, we’ll enhance your reputation and achieve standout visibility at the peak of search engine results.
How To Send a Review Request
Besides the manner of making review requests, let’s examine how you can proficiently guide your customers to leave their reviews.
There are two widely recognized methods in the market: manual and automated. Manual methods might involve personally asking customers or sending follow-up emails, while automated systems can streamline the process by sending review prompts through software. Let’s evaluate each method in detail to determine which one aligns best with your business needs and customer engagement strategy.
Getting New Google Review Through Manual Means
If your business philosophy is all about keeping every task under your own control, then go ahead and embrace that approach! Create a custom short link to your business’s Google review page and share it with your customers via email or SMS. This streamlined process makes it easy for them to leave a review with just one click.
Just Know That the Automated Approach Has Various Perks, Too!
Automated Google review redirection takes a different approach from manual methods, and it delivers better results. The doer shifts from the business owner to a software doing the task for you. It could be an emailing platform or ORM software.
Throughout our local SEO activities, one more way we influence an increase in Google review submissions is by adding a survey form on every landing page of said services. Then, we redirect the viewer to the GMB profile to leave a review. Such ease of interaction and indirect way makes the visitors think our client’s offering and the associated mindset is more genuine.
Responding is Equally Important as Well
Responding to Google reviews is just as crucial as earning them. Whether the feedback is positive or negative, timely responses can cultivate customer loyalty and nip potential issues in the bud. Google even recognizes the value of review interactions, boosting your search engine ranking when done effectively.
Responding to positive reviews
Showcasing your appreciation for positive feedback is essential for building strong customer relationships. Here’s how to craft effective responses:
- Express Your Gratitude: Show appreciation by thanking the customer for their kind feedback. It’s a simple yet effective way to convey your thanks.
- Invite Them Back: Let the customer know you’d be thrilled to serve them again. This can encourage them to choose your business in the future.
- Be Concise and Clear: Keep your response brief and to the point. There’s no need for a lengthy reply—just a quick and heartfelt acknowledgement will do.
Responding to negative reviews
Addressing irate customers requires tact and empathy. A sincere, well-thought-out response can negate the escalation and persuade them to revise their negative feedback.
- Maintain Composure: It is understandable to experience frustration when encountering a negative review. However, it is essential to remain calm and composed when formulating a response. Emotional responses can be counterproductive and hinder effective communication.
- Timely Response: Promptly addressing negative feedback is crucial. Aim to respond within 24 hours to show commitment to customer satisfaction and negate the review’s potential impact.
- Encourage Offline Communication: To thoroughly address the customer’s concerns and find a satisfactory resolution, it is advisable to transfer the conversation to a private channel. Provide clear contact information, such as a phone number or email address, so the customer can reach out directly.
Things You Must Absolutely Avoid While Dealing with Google Reviews
There are certain tactics some businesses use to gather reviews that we strongly advise against. These methods can have severe consequences. Engaging in these practices could harm your search engine rankings and might even result in your business being completely removed from Google search results.
- Don’t Buy Reviews
Purchasing Google reviews is strictly prohibited. It’s a violation of Google’s guidelines and can result in severe penalties. Honest feedback is essential for building trust with your customers, and fabricated reviews undermine this trust.
- Avoid Review Gating
Soliciting reviews only from customers you believe will provide positive feedback is unfair and counterproductive. It’s important to value all customer experiences, both positive and negative. By focusing on a select group of customers, you risk missing out on valuable insights that can help improve your business.
- Refrain from Employee Reviews
Asking employees to write Google reviews can skew the perception of your business. Authentic customer feedback is crucial for building credibility. Employee reviews may not accurately reflect the experiences of your customers and could potentially damage your online reputation.
Savit Interactive can create a thoughtful review response strategy for your business, managing client communication with care and ensuring your brand’s message stays consistent. We’ll handle the details so your interactions always reflect your unique voice and connect with your audience.
How do Google Reviews Influence a Business’s Local SEO?
- Builds Trust and Credibility
92% of consumers check online reviews before deciding to visit a business. Good reviews are like a virtual handshake. When people see positive feedback from others, it builds trust and makes your business look more reliable. Imagine walking into a store with a great reputation—you’d feel confident about your purchase, right? Reviews work the same way online!
- Boosts Your Search Rankings
Google loves fresh content, and reviews are a big part of that. More positive reviews can help your business climb higher in search results and get noticed by more potential customers. It’s like getting a VIP pass to the top of the search page!
- Increased Reviews to Strengthen Google’s Algorithm
The more reviews you get, the more information Google’s algorithm must work with. When customers use relevant keywords in their reviews, such as “Fantastic estate planning services,” it helps Google’s search engine understand the specifics of your offer. Moz reports that review signals contribute to 15.44% of your local search ranking. This implies that garnering more reviews can greatly enhance your visibility in search results.
- Impact of Reviews on Clickthrough Rate
Did you know that businesses with higher star ratings on Google see up to a 35% increase in their clickthrough rate? That’s right – more stars can lead to more visitors to your website and catch the eyes of potential customers. A higher rating not only boosts your visibility but also makes people more likely to click on your link and explore what you have to offer. The first step to getting those reviews? You need a Google My Business profile to start collecting them!
Elevate Your Business with Expert Help
Getting more Google reviews doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a little effort and these simple tactics, you can boost your online presence and attract more customers. Start by optimizing your Google My Business profile, encouraging reviews, and handling feedback with care. Before you know it, you’ll see those stars adding up and your business growing!
Ready to make your business shine? Take a moment to speak with a GMB Profile Specialist at Savit Interactive to learn how we can help your business get found, selected, and succeed.
