11 Ways to Improve Your Google Reviews

Reviews are incredibly important to your business and can influence customer decisions in several ways, both positive and negative. Positive reviews build trust and attract new customers, while negative reviews offer an opportunity to showcase your customer service. To make the most of this, your business needs to receive reviews regularly. But how do you increase Google reviews effectively?

How Do I Get More Google Reviews?

Make Sure Users Can Leave Reviews The first step to getting more 5-star Google reviews is to ensure you have a Google My Business (GMB) page. Many small businesses don’t realize they need to register for a GMB page and fill out the information completely. Once your GMB page is created, fleshed out, and verified, it can begin to collect reviews. Older businesses with a Google Places page will find that it has been transferred to a local GMB page, providing a solid foundation for a complete profile. One of the best ways to increase Google reviews at scale is to hire a professional online reputation management company such as Rize Reviews.
Ask! Often, the simplest way to get more reviews is to ask for them. Customers may have a satisfactory experience but never think to leave a review. This is where your follow-up comes in. Use social media accounts, newsletters, or even direct emails to ask your customers for honest reviews. Even mediocre reviews are better than no reviews at all, as they show a genuine customer base.
Make it Easy to Leave a Review To gather as many reviews as possible, link directly to the review form. Instead of linking to your basic GMB page or website, link directly to the review page. Minimize the number of clicks required to reach the review form. Each additional step is a point where potential reviewers might drop off.
Avoid Buying or Faking Reviews Veteran internet users can easily spot fake reviews. Purchased positive reviews or deleted negative reviews make your business look dishonest. Additionally, fake reviews often get removed by Google, harming your credibility further. Promote genuine feedback to maintain trust and transparency.
Get Reviewed Elsewhere While GMB is crucial, don’t rely solely on it. Encourage reviews on platforms like Yelp, Angie’s List, and other popular review sites. Diverse review sources make your business appear more authentic and reliable. When asking for reviews, let customers choose their preferred platform.
Address Negative Reviews Quickly and Personally Negative reviews are inevitable. Address them promptly and personally. Monitor your reviews frequently, and instead of deleting bad reviews, respond to them constructively. Offer to resolve issues and invite unhappy customers to contact your customer service. This shows potential customers that you value feedback and are willing to make things right.
Use QR Codes to Link to Review Pages With mobile devices being ubiquitous, QR codes are an effective way to link directly to your review page. Print QR codes on promotional materials, receipts, and other locations visible to customers. When scanned, these codes should lead directly to the review form, making it easy for customers to leave feedback.
Encourage Public Testimonials Sometimes, customers leave unsolicited positive feedback privately. Ask these customers to post their reviews on GMB and other review sites. This brings private praise into the public domain, where it can benefit your business.
Add a Call-to-Action via Your Newsletter The footer of your newsletter is a great place to add a link to your GMB profile, with an attached call-to-action. Newsletter subscribers typically like your products or services and are more likely to leave a review when prompted. A link in your newsletter provides an easy and timely reminder.
Review Partners and Other Businesses You can also get reviews from industry partners. Leave reviews for other businesses on their pages. Often, these businesses will reciprocate by leaving reviews on your page, building mutual goodwill and boosting your review count.
Provide Review-Worthy Service Ultimately, no strategy will work if you don’t provide stellar service or products. Satisfied customers are more likely to leave positive reviews. Ensure your customer service is excellent and your products meet or exceed expectations. Positive reviews will come organically, and the strategies above will help you gather even more.

The Importance of Google Reviews

Google reviews are a critical component of your online reputation. They influence potential customers’ perceptions and decisions. Here’s why improving your Google reviews is essential:

Builds Trust: Positive reviews build trust with potential customers. They provide social proof that your business is reliable and offers quality products or services.
Increases Visibility: Google favors businesses with higher ratings and more reviews in its search results. Better reviews can improve your local SEO, making your business more visible to potential customers.
Provides Feedback: Reviews offer valuable insights into what your customers like and what areas need improvement. Use this feedback to enhance your services and customer experience.
Boosts Conversion Rates: Potential customers are more likely to choose your business if they see positive reviews. High ratings can increase your conversion rates and drive more sales.

Implementing Review Strategies with Trajital

If managing your reviews feels overwhelming, consider partnering with a digital marketing agency like Trajital. A professional agency can help you implement these strategies effectively and manage your online reputation. Here’s how Trajital can assist:

GMB Management: Trajital can set up and optimize your GMB page, ensuring all information is complete and up-to-date.
Review Solicitation: The agency can help you create and execute strategies to solicit reviews from satisfied customers.
Review Monitoring: Trajital will monitor your reviews regularly, responding to negative feedback and promoting positive testimonials.
SEO and Visibility: By improving your reviews and ratings, Trajital can enhance your local SEO, making your business more visible in search results.
Customer Engagement: The agency can manage your customer interactions, ensuring timely and professional responses to all reviews.

Conclusion

Google reviews are vital for your business’s success. They build trust, improve visibility, provide valuable feedback, and boost conversion rates. By following these 11 strategies, you can increase the number and quality of your Google reviews.

Remember, providing exceptional service and products is the foundation of garnering positive feedback. Partnering with a digital marketing agency like Trajital can further enhance your review management efforts, ensuring a strong and positive online presence. Start focusing on your Google reviews today and watch your business thrive.