One little known fact is that what customers say about your business carries more weight than what you have to say about your brand. Google reviews can make or break your business. More positive Google reviews impact more trust, online visibility and increased sales. Consumers place a lot of trust in customer reviews, using them to make informed purchasing decisions. Google reviews is the world’s leading business review platform, accounting for more than 83% of all the written reviews online. Thus, you are indeed missing out if you are not working to get more Google reviews.
The following article will break down the nitty gritty of Google reviews, exploring why they matter and strategies on how to get more of them for your brand.
Why you Need More Google Reviews
Google business optimization may be a simple process but, you will feel its impacts on your business over time. The more people you can convince to leave a Google review for your business, the more you will be able to accomplish. Here’s why you need more Google reviews for your business;
Higher local rankings
More Google reviews can impact better visibility in Google local rankings. Google rewards businesses with frequent and positive reviews.
More leads and conversions
Over 88% of consumers trust online reviews than personal recommendations. Thus, attracting more reviews increases the likelihood of many people finding and engaging with your business. Besides, a higher number of reviews can significantly influence buyer decisions.
Increased purchases
Consumers research and read reviews before making purchase decisions. A recent study found out that consumers read at least 10 reviews before feeling confident to make a decision. That means more Google business reviews can drive sales.
Unfiltered customer feedback
Getting more reviews will enable you to learn what people love and their pain points for prompt improvements.
How to Get More Google Business Reviews
Now that you understand the importance of more Google reviews, let’s dive into how to get them.
1. Optimize your Google Business Profile
If you do not have one already, set up a Google Business Profile (GBP) for your business. It is a free listing service that appears in places such as Google Search and Maps. The profile also stores your Google reviews as shown in the following example from Africa Experience Google Business Profile;
The profile creation tool can help you to add your business to google. That involves providing information like the name of your business, its category and website URL. Once you have your GBP, choose a suitable verification method (text, email or message). Verification may take about five business days.
2. Deliver an Exceptional Experience
Customers are highly likely to leave you a Google review if you wow them amazing products, services and customer support. That is the best way to get more Google reviews for your business. when you deliver an exceptional experience to customers, you will have no reason to even buy google reviews
People are more motivated to act when they feel strongly about something. For instance, writing a glowing review to tell others about the phenomenal experience that they just had with your business.
3. Share Google Review Links
Share your Google review link in as many places as possible so users may see it and leave you a review. A few ways exist for getting your Google review link through the GBP.
Semrush offers a free Google review link generator that can help you with that. Launch it, type your business name into the search bar and, then use the drop-down menu to select your business. The tool will automatically generate short and long Google review links for your business. You should prioritize the short link.
After generating the Google review link, you can copy and share it in places such as your website footer, social media profiles and email signature.
4. Respond to Current Reviews
Responding to the reviews that people have left on your profile signals that you take feedback seriously. It shows that you appreciate customers’ feedback and that can motivate them and prospects to leave you more Google reviews in the future.
A study by Shout About Us found out that up to 76% of customers may update their negative reviews if you reply and take steps to address their issues. Here are some best practices for responding to reviews;
- Thank customers for their feedback, whether positive or negative
- Share the follow-up actions that you have taken in response to negative feedback
Check out the following example of how to reply to Google reviews.
Here’s how to get more positive Google Business Replies and Google Business Reviews in Kenya conveniently.
5. Provide a Review QR Code
Sometimes, clicking a link is not convenient. And, that is where a QR code that customers can scan to access your Google review link comes in. The code does not have to be all in digital form. You can also get creative with QR prints that can be used as table stands, table talkers and door stickers.
6. Create a Google Reviews Page On your Website
Dedicating a website page for Google reviews, accessible from the main navigation menu can also help drive more reviews your way. The page should contain existing reviews and a call-to-action, encouraging site visitors to write reviews. That will give added inspiration for existing customers to leave more reviews.
Although you can use screenshots to showcase existing reviews, they should ideally be in text form. That is mainly because reviews are often keyword-rich, and including them on your website in a way that the Google algorithm can read makes them great for local SEO.
Check out the following example of how travel brand, Kenya-Experience seamlessly integrates reviews into their website.
It would be great to have a template for copy-pasting the text in. There also platforms and plug-ins that can help you aggregate your Google reviews onto your website seamlessly.
7. Ask for Reviews
Social media reviews can be great for conversational marketing and trust-building. You can post a screenshot of your best review and ask your customers to leave their own feedback. Include a short review shortcut link.
If you run a physical store or engage with customers in person, just ask directly. Doing so can even get you more Google reviews than waiting for customers to take action. The best times to ask for Google reviews Kenya for free include;
· After clearing the customer’s table at a restaurant
· After the customer has paid for their items
· Just before the customer leaves your store
8. Give Review Instructions
Perhaps, some customers fail to leave reviews for your business because they do not understand the process. That is why you should also consider teaching users how to leave you Google reviews. It can help you get more business reviews than you might have received otherwise.
Rehab In Motion shared an Instagram video to demonstrate how customers can leave it Google reviews.
9. Get Reviews from Vendors and Partners
Your business partners and vendors may not be customers but, they can attest to what it is like working with your brand on a regular basis. Their reviews can also go a long way in expanding your reach and attracting more leads from their customers. However, vendors and partners might be more willing to leave Google reviews if you write some for them first.
10. Send a Feedback Email
Reaching out to customers and asking for Google reviews after they buy from you is a good way to get reviews while their experiences are still fresh in their minds. An email marketing platform can also help you to automate customer feedback emails instead of sending them manually.
Examples of How to Ask for Google Reviews
Coming up with the right words to actually ask for Google reviews Nairobi and make an impact can sometimes be challenging. The following are some ideas to inspire and help you get started;
”Thanks for stopping by today! If you enjoyed your time with us, could you take a couple of minutes to leave us a Google review? Thank you so much! ”
”Reviews on Google help us to help more people like you. When you have a minute, please share your feedback about our business! ”
”Got a minute to review us on Google? We’d love to get your feedback.”
”Thank you for choosing our business! Let us know how we are doing by dropping us a quick Google review! ”
”Hi (customer name), thank you for choosing (business name)! we’re so glad you are happy with our products / services. If you have a few minutes, we’d be grateful if you could leave us a Google review: (link)”
”Hi (customer name), we’re so happy you enjoyed your recent visit! If you leave a review on our google business profile, you will receive (an incentive e.g. a discount on your next purchase). Thanks for your support (link).”
Make the Most of Google Reviews
Getting more Google reviews does not have to be a complex process. You should focus your energy on two things; making it much easier for customers to leave reviews and delivering exceptional services that are worth talking about. It is also essential to optimize your GBP and actively request reviews through various platforms.
Then, engage Superior Social Boost to help you grow your presence and drive engagement on social media. Choose a customized package to boost brand awareness and enhance engagements on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, X, YouTube and Google Business.