There is no doubt that Google reviews are extremely powerful and vital for any business. Potential customers are comparing your company to others in your region, and reviews are an excellent way to differentiate yourself. However, getting reviews isn’t always easy.
In total, gathering online reviews must be a constant process to maintain a strong online presence and reputation. However, only about 5%–10% of consumers write reviews without being asked.
Because many happy customers never think to share their experiences, understanding how to approach consumers for reviews is critical to building and maintaining a positive online presence. Read on for more information on why Google reviews are important, and exactly how you should be asking for them.
Why Are Google Reviews Important?
The influence that customer feedback has on other potential consumers cannot be overstated. Start by thinking about it from the customer’s point of view.
Let’s say you own a small café. You can tell me that your coffee is great, and I may believe you. However, if an unbiased third-party raves about your coffee—or even better, multiple online reviews—I’m much more inclined to try it out.
What is causing this trend? Well, according to one study, 89% of consumers search out and analyze reviews online before making a purchase. Even more so, customer reviews are trusted twelve times more than manufacturer descriptions.
As a result, if you want to continue working successfully as a business owner, you need reviews. Furthermore, a review enables you to learn about your clients’ aspirations and particular needs.
Customer Feedback
Customer feedback is a vital factor in the success of any business. Without it, the business is effectively operating in a bubble, with no understanding of whether it is satisfying the requirements and expectations of its consumers.
All of your reviews, including the negative ones, are a chance for you to grow as a business owner. This allows you to pay attention to what your reviews are truly saying and to do your best to see your business through your consumers’ eyes.
You simply can’t go wrong today by focusing your emphasis on Google reviews. Online reviews can also assist you in improving your search engine exposure, in turn, bringing you fresh customers.
Local Search Ranking
To provide the most relevant and helpful results for local searches, Google wants to know not just what your business does, but also how it is viewed.
Local results are prioritized based on relevancy, distance, and prominence. This is based on information gathered by Google about a company from many sources on the internet, such as links, articles, and directories.
One of the most crucial ranking criteria for local SEO is the number and quality of reviews on Google. More positive reviews and ratings might help your company’s local position. When a user searches for a local product or service on Google, the company listings that contain customer reviews appear more credible and, as a result, earn more hits.
There is no way to request or pay for a better Google ranking. As a business owner, you need to take it into your own hands to go out and get those reviews.
5 Creative Ways to Ask for Google Reviews
Now that you know why Google reviews are important, how do get them?
While only about 5%-10% of consumers will leave a review on their own, a survey found that 70% of consumers will leave a review when asked.
So, how do you go about asking? Well, here are 5 creative methods you could use to ask for Google reviews.
Send an Email
One of the best ways to ask for Google reviews is to simply hit send. Emails offer more flexibility and are more cost-effective than other methods. This also makes leaving a review as easy as possible for your customers.
Be sure to ask for a review in every email you send. It doesn’t have to be anything grand. Something as simple as, “We’d love to hear what you think!” with a link at the end of the email works wonders. This is especially important to include in any customer service emails or sign-off emails when working with clients.
Engage With Existing Reviews
Engaging with those who have already submitted reviews is another excellent strategy to encourage customers to write reviews without having to ask for them.
Because online reviews are more public than in-person interactions, demonstrating your dedication to outstanding customer service is even more important. High-quality, favorable customer reviews may boost your company’s exposure and raise the probability that a shopper would visit your location. But responding to those reviews may give you even more leverage.
Responding to reviews demonstrates that you respect your consumers and their opinions, driving your customers to speak up more often. Not to mention, people who would not normally submit reviews, whether they are happy or not, will be encouraged to do so if they see responses and input from companies.
Create an Automated System
While asking for reviews is important, it’s not always going to be at the forefront of your mind. An easy way to make sure you never miss out on a review is to automate the process.
If you have a website, using pop-up forms and follow-up emails is a great way to get a review after a purchase. These automatically populate and can include a link right to your Google business page to make things easier.
Get Personal
Personalization is an important tool in building rapport with your audience. If you’ve ever received a personalized postcard or email from a business with your name on it, it probably left you with a happy feeling. A handwritten card? Even better.
Adding a personal touch to an email or phone call has a greater chance of ending in a review than simply sending a generic message.
Reach Out on Social Media
Social media provides an excellent opportunity for gathering more online reviews.
Notice that a popular TikToker frequently uses your product? Reach out to them, thank them for the feature, and ask for a quick Google review. If consumers are already referencing your company or product on social media platforms you have a better chance of getting favorable feedback when you reach out to those customers for reviews.
Final Thoughts
Remember, consumers are going to go with the company that has the most and best rating. Having a review acquisitions plan in place will go a long way toward guaranteeing you continue to receive fresh reviews.
Hopefully, the above suggestions give you some ideas on how to ask for Google reviews. In the end, the best thing to do is just ask.
