Google reviews are hugely important. Not only is it one of the first things potential customers look at but they are great for SEO (search engine optimisation).
With Google being the most used search engine it makes a lot of sense to get some reviews to help attract more customers.
What are Google reviews?
Google reviews appear under your business listing on Google My Business. When your business has had at least one review your business will be given a star rating. When you have had more than one review your business will be given an average star rating. Internet users are hugely influenced by Google reviews!
Take a look at your Google rating
How often do you search for your own business within google? The chances are probably not very often. Search for your business name within Google, find your business and take a look at your Google reviews.
Take a look at your competitors
One of the first things I would recommend you do is to have a look at your competitors – how many Google reviews do they have? What is the average star rating? Ideally you should have more reviews than your competitors and a higher star rating. 5 star reviews obviously look great! With Google being the most used search engine it makes a lot of sense to get some reviews to help attract more customers.
How do I ask customers for Google reviews?
You want to make it as easy as possible for people to leave you a google review, you also want to want to make sure that you ask your customers at the right time. Will they remember dealing with you? Have they had time to make best use of your service or product?
So, when the time is right my recommendation on how to make it as easy as possible to ask a customer for a Google review is by following the steps below:
- Find your company’s business listing on Google My Business and click on ‘Write a Review’
- The Google review box will then appear
- Copy the URL and then shorten the link by using a tracking link such as Bitly or Goo.gl (learn more about tracking links here)
- Send the link to your customers
What do I say to my customers?
I personally would keep the wording short and easy to read. Let your customers know that you are trying to build your online presence and let them know you would really appreciate a review on Google. I think it’s also important to remember that not everyone is signed into Google all the time so even though the link will take them to review your company you will need to let them know that they need to have a Google account.
It’s now time to increase your online presence – good luck!
