Ross Pike
A business’s average rating is one of the first things prospective customers see.
What’s the first thing you do when looking for a new company’s services? You probably google them. More than 60% of her customers check Google reviews online before visiting a store. Naturally, they want to check out what other people have experienced with your business before engaging with you.
This is why Google reviews are important and why you should work hard to get them. When you search for a business on Google, the first thing you see is the business’s reviews and average rating. If they aren’t good, potential customers may move elsewhere.
What are Google Reviews?
Google Reviews are commercial reviews left by customers on the Google platform. One of the first things he sees when someone searches for a business on Google or looks up directions on Google Maps is word of mouth.
All you need to leave a review is a Google account, and it’s a free service. Google’s popularity as a search engine and Google Maps means that these reviews are read much more than reviews on sites like Trustpilot.
Why Google Reviews Matter
Google is the most widely used and trusted search engine, so people pay attention to reviews on the platform. Google reviews are important because:
- They give your business visibility online. Good reviews make people more likely to visit your website or business.
- They are beneficial for search engine optimization. When Google sees that you have good reviews, it helps Google know that your site is popular and provides a great customer experience, which helps your website rank higher in search engine results. As a result, good reviews increase relevance. Google’s algorithms are dedicated to providing searchers with the most relevant results, so good reviews improve your rankings.
- Ratings based on the average rating appear below your business name on your Google Business Profile. Four or five stars means more people will click on your business listing.
- Receive important feedback about your business. Customer feedback can help you understand how others perceive your business and identify areas for improvement.
- Good reviews increase brand trust. People trust Google, so they trust reviews on your Google Business Profile.
It is important to monitor reviews regularly. If you notice recurring customer service issues or other complaints, you can fix them to improve your customer experience.
How to get and reply to Google reviews
1. Set up a Google My Business account
The first thing you need to do is apply for a Google Business Profile. If it’s been around for a few years, you may already see it on Google Maps or local search. You may already have a review.
Claiming and optimizing your business profile makes it easier for people to find you and leave reviews. Method is as follows.
- Do a Google search for your business name.
- Click Do you own this business? button. This will take you to the complaints area of your Google Business Profile.
- Google will then need to verify your business. Once verified, you will be able to modify your profile.
- You can add a photo and a description of your business. Try to include keywords and phrases related to your business. But don’t overuse keywords or use irrelevant words. This may result in penalties.
2. Find customer reviews
Customers are usually only motivated to write reviews if they have had a negative experience. That said, getting lots of great reviews is not something you can leave to chance. Then ask the customer if they would like to leave a review on Google. This can be done by email or her SMS. Business recommends including a link to her profile to make it easily available to customers.
Consider timing carefully. Don’t wait weeks after a customer makes a purchase. You may have forgotten about your customer. It’s a good idea to ask for a review right after someone buys from you. Try early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Offer to provide a template for review if needed.
You can even automate this process with your ecommerce platform so that review requests are automatically sent after a customer makes a purchase.
Finally, never buy reviews. If Google becomes suspicious of you, they will punish you and lower your ranking.
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3. Tell customers how to leave a review
Some customers don’t know how to leave a review, so it’s worth explaining the process.
- Log in to your Gmail account.
- Find a store on Google or Google Maps
- Click on the review column
- Write a review and select the number of stars
- Press “Publish”
4. Thank customers for leaving reviews
We encourage you to reply to reviews. Thanking a customer for a great review shows that you care about what they think of you and appreciate their business. By responding in a straightforward and non-defensive manner, you show that you are willing to do the right thing and admit your mistakes.
5. Share your Google Reviews link
To make it easy for your customers to leave a review, send them a link to your business page. This can be done by:
- Go to Google Place ID finder
- [場所を入力してください]Enter your company name in the box
- Select a company from the dropdown list
- Copy the location ID link
How to remove bad reviews
You may receive notices that you believe are unfair or inaccurate. You can report this review by marking it as inappropriate. Google will only remove it if it violates our policies. So don’t expect your review to be removed just because it’s negative.
If the review is only from a dissatisfied customer, instead of reporting it, reply to the review, fix the reviewer’s issue, and ask the customer to remove or change the notice as appropriate. I can. Speed matters, so check Google reviews regularly.
Don’t leave Google reviews to chance
Google reviews are important. Give your business credibility, increase click-through rates, and improve rankings.
For these reasons, it’s essential to pay attention to your business’s Google Reviews. Leave good reviews, monitor reviews, and encourage your customers to reply, good or bad.
About the author
Ross Pike is the COO of Quadrant2Design, the UK’s leading independent exhibition booth contractor. Ross has 10 years of design, manufacturing, marketing and business operations experience in the exhibition industry.
Related: Why Branded Search Results Are Your Most Important Digital Asset
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