If you’re like most business owners, you understand the importance of online reviews but you may wonder how to get more Google reviews. After all, they provide valuable insights into what your customers think of your products or services. But what you might not realize is that Google Reviews can have a big impact on your business – both in terms of search ranking and customer acquisition. In short, more Google Reviews can mean more customers and more revenue for your business. This guide on how to get more Google Reviews will cover 4 key points.
1. Google Reviews can impact your business in terms of search ranking and customer acquisition
For many businesses, the most important ranking factor is the quality of their reviews on Google. If you want to rank higher in Google search results, you’ll need to have more and better reviews. When we’re asked how to get more Google Reviews for your business, this is one of the key drivers for small business owners.
According to a survey by BrightLocal, 77% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations from friends and family. With more than 70% of consumers reading online reviews before making a purchasing decision, it’s vital to collect reviews from your customers.
2. Ask customers to write Google reviews
Customers are busy and they may not understand the value of reviews to your business. One of the key strategies we employ on how to get more Google Reviews is to simply ask. Customers often don’t understand the value of Google Reviews to a business…if they did, they would be more likely to leave reviews. Point out how reviews help you, the business. Explain how reviews affect SEO and the links that will lead to your website. Most importantly, thank your customers for their interaction with your business and ask them to leave a review.
“We are a small business (50 employees) so when it comes to advertising, we can’t afford to do much due to the size of our company.” Customers simply don’t realize what a few minutes of their time to write a Google Review may mean to your business. When you let them know in clear terms, you’ve unlocked another tool in how to get more Google Reviews.
3. Make it easy for customers to leave Google Reviews by providing clear instructions and links
When asking for reviews, guide your customer where to write a review. Don’t make them search for your Google listing on their own. These customers are already your fans, and hopefully happy customers. If you’re making it easy for them to leave a review, it may be the deciding factor in whether they do or not.
How to get more positive Google Reviews? Customers tend to write reviews on their own when they have a negative experience. By making it easy for all of your customers to leave a Google Review, your happy customers will be more likely to write positive reviews.
4. Utilize a system to automate and track Google review requests
A software solution can help to automate the review request process. To get more Google Reviews, use both email and text to reach customers and provide a convenient way for them to leave a Google review right within the message. Automated follow-up reminders and other features of these tools help take the burden off your staff to chase reviews. A Google review automation tool, such as Customer Voice, can help eliminate the time and expense of staff manually reaching out to customers and requesting reviews.
