How to Increase Google Reviews for Your Business
Are you looking to increase your Google reviews for your business? You’re not alone in wanting to increase Google reviews for your business. Many companies ask the same question, especially those eager to enhance local visibility for their products and services. So, what are the first steps to getting more Google reviews for your business?
Let’s take a moment to step into the shoes of our potential customers. The first step is usually to go online and pick out a brand. Afterwards, we look at its Google reviews to gather feedback from other customers. These reviews and other customers’ experiences often influence our decision to purchase.
10 Proven Methods to Increase Google Reviews
3. Share and Create a Google Review Link via Email and SMS
4. Include a Review Link on Your Website
5. Use Surveys to Enhance Google Reviews
6. Hand out ‘Leave Us a Review’ Cards
7. Engage with Customers in Person
8. Create QR Codes for Review Link
Why are Google reviews Important?
Positive Google reviews help your business stand out in local searches, attracting more customers. Google has a unique way to figure out these search results. They consider several factors, but how many good reviews your business has, and their quality are critical.
The Influence of Online Reviews
Studies show that nearly all people, 98% to be exact, look at online reviews for local businesses. Furthermore, a hefty 87% of them use Google for these evaluations. So, companies must learn ways to boost their Google reviews and secure a good rating.
The Impact on Local SEO
In simpler terms, Google Reviews greatly influence your local search rankings. Managing these reviews is more straightforward than it appears, and they hold a lot of importance.
Striving for a Solid Online Reputation
Businesses with a solid online image should aim for at least 50 Google reviews. For a good start, try to achieve a star rating of 4.5 or more based on local competition. In short, Google reviews are beneficial for small businesses.
Enhancing Google Review Scores
Google reviews are vital in shaping what customers think and how they shop. So, businesses need to boost their Google review scores to enhance their online reputation and trust.
The following advice can help you get more customer feedback, which can increase your Google review score. Let’s dive into these techniques to expand your business’s Google reviews.
1. Encourage User Reviews
Creating a Google My Business Page
The initial step to getting more 5-star Google reviews is to set up a Google My Business (GMB) page. Unlike common assumptions, businesses must actively register and fill in the required details for a GMB page. After setting up and confirming this page, it will start collecting reviews.
Transition from Google Places to GMB
If you previously had one, Google would have upgraded your Google Places page to a local GMB page. This serves as a solid foundation for an extensive profile.
2. Ask for Reviews
The Power of Simply Asking for Reviews
To gather more Google reviews, ask your customers to leave one. Your customers might be happy with your product or service but may only think to leave a review if you ask them. This is common in all sectors, though it’s usually more accessible for a consumer facing sector to get reviews.
Utilising Social Media and Newsletters
If your consumers follow you on social media or subscribe to your newsletter, you can use these platforms to ask for reviews. So, as you know, having mediocre reviews is still more helpful than having no feedback.
1. Share and Create a Google Review Link via Email and SMS
Making Google Reviews Easier for Customers
The initial step is ensuring happy customers can easily share their experience. So, you simplify the reviewing process of your brand by supplying them with a direct link. As a result, they no longer need to search for your business or learn how to leave a Google review.
Creating a Google Review Link Shortcut
Here are simple steps to create a Google review link shortcut:
- Go to Google My Business Account
- Navigate to Home
- Click on Get Your First Review or Get More Reviews
- Click Share Review Form
- Copy the link
With this link, you can invite customers to review your business through various channels.
Sharing the Link Via Email
After a sale or customer service contact, send your Google review link to your customers through a business email. Do this promptly while their experience is still new, so they’re more likely to leave a genuine review. This way, they’re more likely to leave an honest review. You can just add the review link to the email signature when responding to customers seeking support.
2. Include a Review Link on Your Website
Simplifying Google Reviews through Your Website
Having an online presence often means that your customers will visit your website. This is particularly true for service-based brands, where most customer engagement happens through the site. So, why not simplify the process of writing Google reviews for your business?
Rather than solely relying on email and SMS for reviews, consider adding a Google review link on your website. That being said, you could place this in the footer of your site as a constant reminder.
Customise Your Confirmation Page
You can inspire customers to leave reviews by making minor changes to your confirmation pages. Once a customer makes a purchase or signs up, they can swiftly leave feedback using the link on the page. Ultimately, this strategy is easy for customers to use and beneficial for your business.
3. Use Surveys to Enhance Google Reviews
Understanding Customer Feedback
Understanding customer’s attitudes is essential to keep consumers engaged with your brand. Surveys can help with this, primarily when they use the Net Promoter Score (NPS) to gauge feedback.
Linking Surveys to Google Reviews
If a customer participates in your survey, they might also want to write a review for your brand. Therefore, you can use surveys to encourage Google reviews. Add a Google review link at the end of any survey – email, QR code, web link, or SMS. After completing the survey, customers can click the link and leave a review on the Google review page.
Response-Based Actions
You can lead customers to the Google review page based on their feedback. For example, if customers provide positive feedback in an NPS survey, you can show them a message. For instance: “Thank you for your great feedback; please take a minute to review us on Google.”
But remember, according to Google guidelines, you mustn’t only collect positive reviews. This practice, known as Review Gating, can result in penalties like removal of reviews and a drop in ranking.
Customised Workflow
Survey software lets you make a tailored process. For example, your survey can ask customers if they want to leave a review. The system will auto-send them the Google review link if they say yes.
This method helps find possible reviewers. It also keeps email bounce rates low and makes sure future communications are effective.
4. Hand out ‘Leave Us a Review’ Cards
Gathering Google Reviews through Physical Cards
Creating physical cards can be a powerful way to collect Google reviews. You can distribute these cards at different points where you engage with your customers
What to Include on the Cards
Crucial elements you should include on these cards:
- Step-by-step instructions on how to write a review for your business
- A QR code with the review link embedded, allowing users to scan and visit the review page instantly
Using Review Cards Effectively
The use of these cards is versatile.
Here are some examples of gathering feedback in the financial services industry:
Client Meetings
During face-to-face client meetings, you can provide a review card to your clients. As a result, this opportunity allows them to share their customer experience about the service they received.
Branch Visits
If your company has physical locations, could you hand out these cards to customers when they arrive? In other words, you could do this when customers visit the cashier’s desk or the customer service station.
Seminars and Events
Hand out these cards to people who come to your seminars, workshops, or other events. In short, it helps gather quick feedback when their thoughts and information are fresh.
5. Engage with Customers in Person
Interacting with Consumers In Person
Actively engage with your customers, showing them how much you value their opinions. Be eager to hear what they have to say and respond to any criticism.
Here are several strategies to enhance Google reviews:
Step 1: Initiate Conversation
When a consultation or service ends, your team members should contact clients. Then, they can ask about the client’s experience and feelings about the service.
Step 2: Request for a Review
Next, ask the client if they would be willing to leave a Google review for your company. Adding these steps can make clients feel valued and persuade them to leave a review. By using this simple marketing strategy, you can significantly improve your company’s online standing.
6. Create QR Codes for Review Link
Using QR Codes for Feedback
Collecting feedback from many clients can be a daunting task. Indeed, you can seamlessly engage with your customers by including a Google review link into a QR code. This makes it easy for them to leave a review with just a quick scan.
In Branches and Offices
You should display the QR code in your offices? Could you place it at high-traffic points like the customer service desk or waiting areas for maximum visibility?
On Branded Content
You can print the QR code on:
- Documents such as account statements
- Brochures
- Or even on the reverse side of business cards
Ease of Use
This approach is straightforward and user-friendly. You can encourage clients to scan the QR code with their phones, which takes them directly to your Google review page. As a result, this QR code makes it easy for them to provide feedback.
7. Ask for Reviews on Social Media
Enhancing Brand Visibility Through Social Media
Social media is vital to enhance your brand’s image and allow you to talk directly with customers. You can use these platforms to share a wide range of content, including news and special offers. Also, they are an excellent tool for sharing other vital details with your followers.
Simplifying the Review Process
Make it easier for your customers to leave reviews. Put a Google review link in your social media so anyone who visits your page can easily find it. Also, it’s important to remember to share the review link occasionally. In short, give a gentle nudge for your followers to leave a review if they’ve used your services or products.
8. Always Respond to Reviews
Engaging with Customer Reviews
In basic terms, responding to Google business reviews is essential to get more. When you reply from your brand account, your responses appear next to customer feedback. Customers may hesitate to leave new reviews if they see old ones without reactions.
Building Trust Through Responsiveness
In short, it’s essential to reply to all Google reviews, both good and bad reviews. As a result, responding can help your brand’s relationship with its customers. Moreover, by acknowledging all feedback, we can build and maintain trust.
Google reviews FAQ
How many 5-star reviews does it take to increase Google’s rating?
Your goal should be to secure a 5-star rating as fast as possible. You need another 25 five-star reviews to achieve this. As soon as Google adjusts your review score, you’ll gain a 5-star status. Start by asking satisfied customers to leave a review and watch your rating soar!
Why are my Google reviews decreasing?
Stay vigilant for any spam, fake Google reviews, or negative feedback that Google may have removed. If a valid review does not appear, contact Google’s support team for help. Encourage your clients to review your business on Google. As a result, this can increase the number of reviews and make your business more visible.
Do Google reviews expire?
In short, Google reviews are essential for a business’s brand image. A review, once posted, remains online forever until removed. These reviews can help or hurt a business. Good reviews can attract new customers, while bad ones may discourage them.
But remember, these reviews are only partially unchangeable. The person who posted the review can delete it, or Google can remove it if it violates their rules. Businesses can also respond to reviews, which lets them handle complaints or express gratitude for positive comments.
Do Google reviews help SEO?
Yes, Google Reviews can improve your search rankings and support your local SEO. They show search engines that you are reliable and trusted, which can impact your ranking position.
How many Google reviews do I need to increase my rating?
Getting a 5-star Google rating isn’t just about the number of reviews but the ratings from each customer. As a result, the more feedback you get, the more accurate your overall score is.
Is there a Google review widget?
In short, you can easily add the Google review widget to any website without needing extra plugins or modules.
About Goldmine Media
Goldmine Media is a renowned, all-in-one financial services marketing agency. We’ve worked closely with driven clients for over twenty years to achieve their goals.
Our services include:
Global Marketing Services
As a company, we proudly partner with various clients, from major corporations to small and medium financial firms. These partnerships span across the globe, from the UK and abroad. So, be it the UK, USA, UAE, or Singapore, our team is always ready to meet your marketing goals.
Firstly, our emphasis on storytelling has been instrumental in fostering our organic growth. Secondly, we’ve used it to form deeper connections with our audience, standing out in a competitive market. Finally, we constantly strive to deliver meaningful and engaging content. As a result, this content resonates deeply with our clients’ needs and aspirations.
Looking for a Top Financial Marketing Agency to Boost Your Firm’s Online Growth?
Please reach out to Goldmine Media and see how we can drive your business forward, whatever your goals are.
So, if you’d like more information on how we can help with your marketing, please contact Goldmine Media. Moreover, you can reach us by calling 0845 686 0055 or emailing findoutmore@goldminemedia.co.uk.
