How to Get More Google Reviews
20 Jun 2019 Digital Marketing
One of the most important entities for local SEO is a well-optimized Google My Business listing or listings depending on the number of physical locations a business has. 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 often be more lucrative than having your website show up in the top organic search position.
Since a Google My Business listing is its own entity, it has its own unique ranking factors which are independent from the factors that impact a website’s rankings on Google search. While geographical proximity to the user performing the search is the most important ranking factor for business listings, there are many other important ranking factors that can impact how your business listing displays in the Local 3-Pack. One of these factors is the aggregate rating from Google reviews.
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 understands how influential Google reviews can be for turning potential customers into actual customers. That is why they have put together some simple tips on how to get more Google reviews for your business.
1. Claim Your Google My Business Listing
Rather than relying on a Google business listing that you have no control over, make sure to 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.
2. Ask Customers for Reviews
One of the easiest ways to get customers to leave a review of your business on Google is to ask them to. Get in the habit of collecting customer emails if you do not already, so that you can directly contact them about writing a review in the future. When writing an email for requesting customers to leave a review of your business online, try crafting an email that is unique and memorable, as it will be more likely to get the customer’s attention.
3. Utilize Third-Party Review Tools
Using a third-party review generation tool can help make the review process much more streamlined for both you and your customers, especially if your business has more than one location. Review generation tools, such as Review Instantly, are specifically designed to work with both major online review platforms like Google and smaller review platforms, making it easier for you to reach customers across a range of different platforms.
4. Engage on Social Media
Consider using your presence on social media to help you get more customer reviews. Regularly engaging with customers on social media by commenting or liking their posts may be enough to convince them to leave a positive review on Google. Make sure to engage users by providing ongoing support and service to help improve your brand image.
5. Actively Respond to Reviews
Whether a customer leaves a good review or a bad one, actively responding to reviews on Google can help encourage users to leave their own review of your business. When responding to a review, make sure to always maintain a positive tone and to 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.
6. 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.
Encouraging customers to leave an online review of your company can help increase the number of customers using your products and services, while also improving your brand loyalty. If you would like to learn more about how to get more Google reviews, get in touch with their digital marketing experts today.
