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About 91% of consumers regularly read reviews online. Another 84% trust online reviews as much as a recommendation from a friend.
Gathering Google reviews can have a major impact on your business. As a form of social proof, reviews can influence consumer behavior. You can boost sales, improve your online reputation, and improve your search engine ranking.
If you don't have reviews online, however, consumers might not trust your brand. If they can't learn more about your business, they might turn toward your competitors.
Don't give your competitors that advantage! Instead, keep reading to learn the best way to get Google reviews online. With these tips, you can gather and manage Google reviews to give your business the boost it needs.
Get started with these 13 easy tips today!
Before learning how to get more Google reviews, it helps to know why they're essential for your business. About 51% of consumers who read reviews believe they give an accurate picture of the product's quality. Consumers read reviews to learn about your brands, products, and customer service.
Without reviews for on-the-fence customers to read, however, they'll feel left in the dark. Some customers won't risk their time and money choosing your business. Instead, they'll research similar brands in your industry.
By learning how to ask customers for Google reviews, you can set your business up for long-term success instead. Here are a few ways acquiring reviews can benefit your business.
Search engine optimization (SEO) can help consumers find your business online. When they search for your product or service, your website can appear on Google. The higher your website ranks, the more often consumers will see your brand.
A higher search engine ranking can:
If you're not ranking on the first page of a Google search, consumers might never see your brand. They'll see your competitors instead.
Google considers your online presence when determining your ranking. It looks to see:
Google also considers your ratings and the review text to determine your local and organic listings. The more reviews you acquire, the more likely your ranking will improve. As your ranking improves, you can attract more people to your business.
Learning how to get more Google reviews can benefit your search engine ranking. It's not enough to grab a few reviews, though. You need a constant stream of fresh reviews.
Consumers won't rely on a single, 10-year-old review. Instead, they'll check for recent reviews to understand the current state of your business.
By gathering reviews, you can boost your ranking, generate more leads, and maintain a competitive advantage in your industry.
Why should consumers trust your brand? What value can you offer them? Consumers might not find a reason to trust you if they can't learn more about you.
They might feel wary about buying a new product if they know nothing about it, either.
About 42% of American consumers say reading reviews from other customers would increase their chances of buying a product.
You can use reviews to build brand trust and credibility. Consumers will see how happy other people are using your product. They'll consider trying it for themselves to experience the customer satisfaction others experienced.
As more people try your product and leave reviews, you can boost brand trust and loyalty. Loyal customers will spread the word about your business, expanding your reach. Think of reviews as the new "word of mouth."
As your online ranking improves, you can generate even more business!
When a product receives five reviews, the likelihood customers will purchase it increases by 270%.
Reviews help you remain transparent about your business. Consumers won't feel like you're hiding something. Instead, they can learn more about your brand and the value you have to offer from consumers just like them.
It's difficult to improve your business if you don't realize the mistakes you're making. As you get more Google reviews, watch out for any complaints. You can use negative reviews to improve your business.
Don't feel defensive when you read a negative review. Instead, show consumers you want to change. Let them know you're listening and that you hear their concerns.
As you make these improvements and listen to your customers, consumers will take notice. They'll recognize the time and energy you're committing to customer service.
Replying to reviews can also give your business a voice. You won't seem like a mysterious entity that only cares about making sales. Instead, you can give your brand a personality and show consumers you're dedicated to their needs.
As people post positive reviews, use it to your advantage. Utilize user-generated content (UGC) to show on-the-fence buyers people trust you. Consumers will see how much people love your brand and start shopping, too!
Now that you recognize the importance of Google reviews, it's time to start asking your customers for help! Here are 13 ways you can get more Google reviews online. Try using a mix of these strategies to determine what works best for your business.
Have you asked yourself "how do I find my Google reviews" recently? Start by Googling your business. Does your listing appear on the right side of the search page?
Before you can learn the best way to get Google reviews, you'll need to set up your Google My Business (GMB) listing. Otherwise, customers won't have a place to post their comments and concerns.
Many businesses aren't set up on GMB yet.
Your GMB listing will take up prominent space in a Google search. This listing can provide consumers with important information about your business. Consumers can find directions, your phone number, and reviews from previous customers.
Take a look at your GMB listing. Make sure the information is accurate and up-to-date.
Do you already have a few reviews? Great! Make sure to respond to the reviews you received to let people know you're listening.
Once you update your GMB listing, make it easy for consumers to find. For example, you can add a landing page to your website that's dedicated to acquiring reviews. Create an eye-catching button that sends visitors straight to your GMB review page.
You can also post a reminder on social media prompting your followers to leave reviews there.
One of the easiest ways to get more Google reviews is to simply ask. Your customers might not realize there's an easy way for them to post their reviews online. If a customer is satisfied with their experience, prompt them to write a review.
You can ask customers for reviews:
There's no one place where you can ask. Instead, maximize your opportunities to gather reviews. We'll go into more detail with some of these strategies later on.
Asking for reviews in more than one place can help you develop a steady stream of fresh reviews. As you keep generating fresh reviews, your Google ranking will rise!
Some people only think to leave a review after a negative experience. Asking happy customers for their reviews will remind them you care about their opinion.
Even if it's a fast, mediocre review or a simple rating, it's better than nothing at all! Remember, you want to generate fresh reviews throughout the year.
How to Ask
Not sure how to ask for Google reviews from your customers? It can feel a little intimidating at first.
The next time a customer sings your praises, thank them! Express how much you appreciate them taking the time to offer feedback. Then, let them know their comments could benefit other customers.
Ask if they wouldn't mind rewriting what they said as an online review. Then, provide them with a Google reviews link to your GMB listing.
You don't have to wait for customers to come to you, though. Instead, consider starting the conversation yourself before giving them an opportunity to post a review. For example, you can ask about their experience with your store, website, or products.
Ask questions like "how was your experience with our store" or "did you find what you were looking for?" Then, ask if they wouldn't mind sharing that experience as an online review.
Want to learn how to ask for a 5-star review? Focus on the customers who are already singing your praises. Let them know how appreciative you are for the kind words.
Then, ask them to leave a 5-star review on your GMB listing. Putting the idea of a 5-star review in their minds will give them a push.
Don't feel afraid to ask for a review. Most people want to know their voice is heard. After a positive experience, they might want to return the favor with a positive review.
At the same time, you're empowering future customers to feel confident about their decision when choosing your brand.
After a successful sale, send your customers a follow-up email.
Make sure the email is personal but short. Write your emails in a way that acknowledges the customer. An impersonal email can feel ungenuine and robotic.
Instead, thank the customer for choosing your business and let them know how appreciative you are. Then, ask if they have any feedback they want to share. Consider creating an email drip campaign that features a survey to gather these reviews.
With drip campaigns, you can set it and forget it!
Let customers know why their feedback is valuable. Then, provide them with a direct link to your GMB listing.
You can even use a review tool that integrates with your email platform to make it easier!
Are you too busy to manage Google reviews on your own? Consider using a review generation tool or software. You can generate reviews from SMS, email campaigns, landing pages, and other resources without hassle.
Using a review tool will help you stay organized and on top of your review generation strategy.
Add a Google review card to your customer's bag the next time they complete a purchase. You can use an online tool like Canva to create an eye-catching design. Leave-behind collateral can ensure customers keep you in mind.
If you provide a service, consider leaving the collateral behind at the customer's home.
If a customer doesn't leave a review the first time you ask, that's okay. It doesn't mean they'll never leave one. Give yourself a second chance and ask again.
Try creating two different email Google review request templates to follow up with customers after they make a purchase. Don't request a review more than twice, though. You don't want to risk frustrating customers.
Schedule these emails to ensure only one sends in a given week.
Sending persistent follow-up messages will keep your brand in the customer's minds. You could catch them at the perfect time! Then, you can get more Google reviews without missing opportunities.
Have a pop-up appear on your website before people leave the page. Encourage the visitor to leave a review. Then, link them straight to your GMB listing.
Don't forget to use an engaging, compelling call-to-action. A strong call-to-action can give customers the push they need.
If you add pop-ups to your website, make sure they're optimized for mobile devices, too!
It's not enough to learn how to ask for Google reviews from your customers. You also need to make sure your company is worth reviewing. Focus on improving your customer service and impressing customers.
If they're not satisfied with the service you offered, they won't leave a positive review. You could use these tips and attract negative reviews as a result. Instead, keep your customers happy!
Improving your customer service and wowing customers will give them a reason to post reviews without you asking.
Consumers know what fake reviews look like. Buying fake reviews can make your company look ungenuine. It could also make it seem like you have something to hide.
Don't lose your credibility. Instead, avoid buying fake reviews altogether.
Avoid incentivizing customers with a discount code or free gift, too. In fact, incentivizing customers for reviews goes against Google's terms and conditions. You could receive a high volume of low-quality reviews as a result.
Instead of using a discount code, consider adding downloadable content or tools to your website. Provide your customers with helpful information and resources they can't find anywhere else. They'll start to appreciate your guidance and help in time.
When they download your tool or guide, say thank you. For example, you can write, "Thanks for downloading our eBook. Did you find it useful? Let us know by posting a review here!"
Then, link the text straight to your GMB listing!
About 82% of Yelp users visit Yelp before buying a product or service. Meanwhile, every one-star increase on Yelp is a 5 to 9% increase in revenue.
You don't have to stick to Google! Instead, check out other platforms like Angie's List or Yelp. As people post their reviews on other platforms, thank them. Then, ask if they're willing to post on another site.
Don't forget to give them a link so your listings are easy to find!
Having reviews on multiple platforms will ensure your eggs aren't all in one basket.
People use their phones every single day. Use that to your advantage! Use QR codes to make it easy for people to reach your GMB listing.
You can add QR codes around your store, to your packaging, or on your website. Consider adding them to your receipts and invoices, too!
Prompt their curiosity by writing, "We have something to ask you" above the QR code. People will want to see where it leads.
Do you work with a lot of vendors and partners? Ask them for Google reviews as well! Other business owners are in your shoes; they know the importance of positive reviews.
You can write, "We really appreciate your time and hard work. Are you willing to share your experience in a review? It would really help!"
Before you ask your partners for a review, review their business first. They'll see how much you value your business relationship and reciprocate.
Your company website is one of the most important marketing tools you have at your disposal. Use it! Find different ways to prompt people to leave reviews on your GMB listing.
First, make sure to create a testimonials page. There are plugins available that can feed reviews from your GMB listing to a webpage. Then, add a strong call-to-action that encourages customers to post their own reviews.
You can also add reviews to your website manually. That way, you can hand-select which reviews people see.
Adding reviews to your website can benefit your SEO ranking, too.
You can also automate your request for reviews by adding a chatbot to your website. Once a customer completes an online purchase, the chatbot can ask about their experience. The chatbot can direct customers straight to your GMB, helping you receive more reviews.
Meanwhile, you can save yourself valuable time and focus on generating more sales!
About 86% of people will hesitate to purchase from businesses that have negative online reviews. Learning how to manage Google reviews can help you respond to negative comments.
First, make sure to say thank you to everyone who leaves a review on your website, GMB listing, or social media feed. Then, use these tips to manage Google reviews on a regular basis.
Don't forget to follow up as you start receiving online reviews.
Following up shows customers you're listening. It also tells them you appreciate that they took the time to leave a review. At the same time, you're building customer relationships.
Communicating with your customers can encourage them to come back and make repeat sales. As they learn to trust your business, you can build brand loyalty. Loyal customers boost retainment, which can improve your ROI.
Meanwhile, responding can boost engagement on your GMB listing. Google will take notice when it determines your search engine ranking.
As you learn how to request Google reviews, it's important not to force it. Pushing too hard could make your conversation sound ingenuine. You might make it seem like you care more about reviews than the customer's experience.
You could hurt your brand's reputation as a result.
Instead, get a read for your customer. If they don't feel like talking or give you short responses, don't push it. If they respond with a positive comment, ask if they're interested in leaving a review.
When retailers reply to negative online reviews, about a third of consumers will delete the original review or replace it with a positive one.
Take the time to respond to any negative reviews quickly and personally. Don't delete negative reviews. Your customers will take notice and get even more upset.
Instead, try, "We're sorry to hear about your unsatisfactory experience. We want to make things right." Then, direct them to your customer service department.
Don't ignore the issue. Instead, address it, apologize, and try to find a resolution.
You can't satisfy every customer. Responding to negative reviews to try to make things right will show customers you care, though.
Ignoring negative reviews, on the other hand, could hurt your business. Consumers will think you're ignoring their needs. They can turn away from your brand and choose one of your competitors instead.
Acknowledging your mistakes can help you improve your company's reputation.
Learning how to ask for Google reviews can boost your online ranking and brand reputation. As your ranking and brand trust improve, you can generate more business and keep long-time customers. Your retention rate and ROI will rise as a result!
Need help growing your reviews? That's what we're here for!
Make it easy to request reviews and receive feedback from your customers. Request a free demo from our team today.
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