When we're considering engaging a service, making a purchase, exploring a restaurant, or booking a hotel, what's typically our first move? We turn to the Internet, explore the brand in question, and scrutinize its Google reviews. In fact, a 2021 Consumer Review Survey disclosed that 81% of US consumers consult Google reviews when evaluating local businesses. Undoubtedly, in today's digital age, online reviews, particularly those on Google, significantly influence buying choices. Consequently, it's crucial for brands to devise effective strategies for boosting their Google reviews and building a positive review score.
Outlined below are seven proven tips to help amplify your Google review score, enabling you to more effectively engage with customers and encourage them to share their experiences. Let's delve into each strategy.
1. Distribute Direct Review Links via Email and SMS: In today's digital age, sending a direct review link via email or SMS can be an effective way to ask customers for reviews. For instance, after completing a sale, you can automate a system to send a personalized email or text message thanking the customer for their purchase. The message should include a direct link to your Google review page, making it as easy as possible for the customer to leave a review. By doing this right after a transaction, when the experience with your brand is still fresh in their minds, you increase the likelihood of receiving a review.
2. Incorporate a Review Link on Your Website: Your website is one of the first points of contact between you and potential customers. As such, it's a great place to solicit reviews. You can place a button or hyperlink that leads directly to your Google review page. The footer is a popular location for this, but you could also place it on your 'Contact Us' page, 'About Us' page, or even on a popup that appears after a certain amount of time spent on the site.
3. Utilize Feedback Surveys to Encourage Google Reviews: Feedback surveys are an excellent tool for gauging customer sentiment. Consider sending a survey after a purchase, asking for feedback about the product and the customer's experience. You can then take this opportunity to include a link to your Google review page, inviting satisfied customers to share their positive experiences. Tools like Net Promoter Score (NPS) surveys can be particularly effective in identifying customers who are most likely to leave positive reviews.
4. Engage with On-Site Customers: For businesses with a physical location, personal interactions are crucial. You can train your staff to ask customers for a review during a conversation. This strategy works well because it allows staff to gauge a customer's satisfaction in real-time. If a customer is visibly pleased, staff can encourage them to share their experience via a Google review.
5. Distribute 'Leave Us a Review' Cards: A more traditional, yet effective method is to distribute physical cards asking for reviews. These cards can include a brief message requesting a review, along with an NFC chip that directs your customer to your Google review page. You can hand out these cards at the point of sale, or include them in your product packaging.
6. Leverage Social Media to Gather Reviews: Social media platforms are a powerful tool for building your brand and engaging with customers. You can use your social media profiles to ask followers for Google reviews. This could be done by including a link to your Google review page in your bio, or by sharing posts that encourage followers to leave a review.
7. Actively Respond to Reviews: Last but not least, it's essential to respond promptly to all reviews, whether they're positive or negative. Responding to reviews shows that you value your customers' feedback. It also gives you an opportunity to address any issues or complaints, demonstrating your commitment to customer satisfaction. This not only helps to retain existing customers but can also attract new ones.
In Summary There's no wrong time to start building your brand's Google reviews. However, this process doesn't stop at simply accruing more reviews. Engaging with reviewers and addressing any issues raised is vital in retaining customers and ensuring they feel heard, even after a less than ideal experience. The upside of boosting google reviews is that it can yield substantial benefits, such as attracting new customers, enhancing SEO and visibility, and improving customer interactions.
By implementing these seven strategies, you can significantly boost your Google reviews and improve your online reputation. Keep in mind that quality of service or product should always come first. No matter how good your strategy is, the most effective way to receive positive reviews is to provide a great customer experience.