Want a reliable way to generate more qualified leads? According to Statista, 43% of customers read local business reviews before selecting their service provider.
Reviews play a direct role in influencing a potential customer’s decision to contact you for your services. It’s how you show up in Google and Google Maps. But getting them isn’t always easy — we get it.
Let’s cover some practical strategies you can implement to get more reviews rolling in and boost your online presence so that the next time someone does a Google search for a service like yours, you rise to the top of the list.
Why does your business need reviews?
Think of online reviews as word-of-mouth recommendations. Positive reviews act as customer endorsements, influencing new visitors who are ready to make a buying decision.
Reviews create a welcoming and trustworthy first impression, enticing people to choose you. They showcase the quality of your work, highlighting factors like expertise, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
Positive Google reviews also signal to search engines like Google that your business is well-established, has a good reputation, and provides an amazing customer experience. Having a large number of these existing Google reviews helps to rank your business even higher in local search results.
6 proven strategies to get more Google reviews
The easiest way to get a review is simply by asking! But there’s an art to asking effectively. Here are some proven strategies that we use to help businesses like yours boost their review count and increase customer engagement.
1. Ask for the review
Check how satisfied your customers are and ask for a review when they seem happiest.
By asking while the experience is fresh in their mind, customers are more likely to remember their satisfaction and take a moment to leave a positive review.
And provide the Google review link shortcut for your business.
2. Make it easy to leave reviews
Sometimes, the only thing stopping a satisfied customer from leaving a review is a slightly inconvenient process. Here are some simple steps you can take to remove the headache and encourage more reviews:
Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile: This is your online storefront, and a complete profile makes it easier for customers to submit Google business reviews.
Generate a direct review link: Help your customers skip the search. Create a link to direct customers to your review page and share it with customers in follow-up emails, on receipts, or via text messages.
Offer a QR code: Make leaving easier for your customers by providing them a QR code to scan with their smartphones. The QR code can instantly direct them to your review page.
Provide clear instructions: Don’t leave people guessing. Offer simple, step-by-step instructions on how to leave a review, reducing any confusion for your customers.
Make it easy for customers to leave reviews, and you’ll improve the likelihood that they’ll take the time to share their positive experiences.
3. Use multiple channels to increase your reviews
People are busy, and sometimes, your initial request for a review might get missed. To maximize your chances of getting more reviews, cast a wider net using various touchpoints throughout the customer experience. This approach increases your review request’s visibility and makes it easier for satisfied customers to leave a review at their convenience.
Here’s how you can use different channels:
Email marketing: Include review requests with clear instructions in your email newsletters or follow-up emails.
Social media marketing: Promote your Google review link on social media to reach your past customers.
In-person meetings and real-time interactions: Train your staff to politely ask for reviews during positive customer interactions, making it a natural part of their service.
Printed materials: Include review request instructions with a link or QR code on business cards, flyers, or receipts.
4. Incentives: encouraging reviews the right way
While Google discourages offering direct incentives for reviews, there are still ways to encourage customers to share their experiences in a way that complies with Google’s guidelines.
Loyalty Programs with Diverse Rewards: Consider implementing a loyalty program to reward customers for working with your business. Leaving a review can be one way for customers to earn points or rewards within the program. Offer a variety of reward options beyond just discounts, such as early access to new products, exclusive content, or entries into contests. A broad range of rewards turns the focus to customer engagement rather than solely incentivizing reviews.
Small, Non-Monetary Incentives: Consider options like entering customers into a drawing for a prize, offering early access to new products or services, or providing exclusive content.
Be sure to always disclose within incentive programs how leaving a review contributes to the rewards.
Following Google’s review guidelines protects your online reputation and avoids any penalties for your Google Business Profile.
5. Respond to reviews
Responding to reviews shows that you value customer feedback, both positive and negative. Here’s how to make the most of your responses:
Engage with reviews: Thank satisfied customers for their positive reviews and acknowledge their support. A personalized response mentioning something specific from their review builds higher customer loyalty. It also shows others you care and may motivate them also to leave reviews.
Address concerns quickly: If you get a negative review, respond quickly and professionally. Acknowledge the customer’s concerns, apologize for any inconvenience, and explain how you plan to rectify the situation. A negative review can be a great opportunity to show the reviewer that you care about their experience and your commitment to customer satisfaction.
By following these tips, you can change the narrative of negative reviews into positive learning experiences and demonstrate your commitment to providing the best service possible.
6. Create a positive environment to leave reviews
Following up with customers for reviews helps them take action, but you don’t want to be too pushy. Here’s how to encourage customer participation in a friendly way:
Politely request the review: Make sure your requests for reviews are courteous and respectful. A simple, genuine phrase like “We’d love to hear about your experience. Would you be willing to leave us a review?” is far more effective than repeated, forceful prompts.
Provide clear instructions: Provide simple, straightforward steps for leaving a review to minimize potential frustration.
Limit follow-ups: Respect your customer’s time and be cautious with how many times you follow up. It’s okay to send a gentle email reminder a few days after the initial request, but avoid bombarding them with too many requests. If a customer doesn’t leave a review after a reasonable follow-up, they may not leave one, and that’s okay.
Recap on how to get more Google reviews
You can encourage more customers to leave positive reviews, enhancing your online presence and attracting new business more consistently.
Ask for reviews at the right moment, and make it easy and beneficial for customers to share their positive experiences.
Start implementing these strategies today to enhance your online presence! Schedule a free consultation with our team for expert guidance and personalized tips.
How to get more google reviews: FAQ
Can I pay for Google reviews?
No, paying for Google reviews is against Google’s policies. Violating this can result in penalties, including removal of reviews.
How do I auto generate Google reviews?
You cannot auto-generate Google reviews as it violates Google’s policy on authentic reviews. Engaging in such practices can lead to penalties.
How do I get Google reviews to show up?
To get Google reviews to show up, encourage your customers to leave feedback by providing them with a direct link to your Google Business profile.