Harness the Power of Reviews to Skyrocket Your Google Business Listing
Supercharge Your Local Digital Presence with Google Business: Part 3
The Importance of Reviews on Google Business and a Comprehensive Review Management Process
Google Business is the premier platform for local businesses to collect and showcase reviews. As a crucial part of your online presence, Google Business not only helps potential customers find you, but also plays a significant role in building trust through reviews. This article, part 3 in our Google Business series, will highlight the value of reviews and outline a comprehensive review management process.
Your company’s online reputation is vital for both survival and sustained growth, and your online reviews, particularly on Google Business, are the best evidence of that reputation. A collection of positive reviews on Google Business is an incredibly potent marketing asset.
The significance of online reviews, especially on Google Business, is backed by the following statistics:
TRUST: For nearly 9 in 10 consumers, an online review is as essential as a personal recommendation.*
CONVERT: 93% of consumers say that online reviews influenced their purchase decisions.*
REVENUE: Customers are likely to spend 31% more on a business with “excellent” reviews.*
LOCAL SEO: Your online reviews, particularly on Google Business, play a significant role in where local businesses rank in search engines.
So, how can you accumulate positive reviews on Google Business? The answer lies in implementing a functional review management process that is both achievable and efficient. After you’ve setup and optimized your Google Business Listing, its time to turn your attention to Reviews.
Step 1: Provide Amazing Customer Service
The first step in review management for your Google Business profile is offering 5-star service. Outstanding customer service is about creating memorable experiences while addressing your clients’ needs. Ensure your staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and respectful.
Step 2: Engage and Ask for Customer Feedback After the Sale
Asking a customer “how it went” is essential for building relationships. Show that you care and want to know their opinion. Be prompt, keep it short, and ask consistently! Make sure to direct them to your Google Business page for leaving their feedback.
Step 3: Handle Feedback – Embrace the Positive, Address the Negative
How you manage feedback on your Google Business profile is as crucial as asking for it. For positive feedback, thank the customer and personalize your message as much as possible. Then, request a formal online review.
For negative feedback, apologize, thank the customer, be polite, and provide contact information. Aim to resolve the issue quickly and keep your response concise.
Step 4: Ask for the Review – Do it Fast & Make it Easy
Ask for a review on your Google Business page when the customer is still excited about their experience. Direct them to the appropriate platform with ease, and send them the direct link to your Google Business profile.
Step 5: Respond to All Reviews on Google Business
Responding to both positive and negative reviews on Google Business is a must. For positive reviews, be quick, thankful, and personalized. For negative reviews, be humble, helpful, and provide a solution without being combative or defensive.
Step 6: Market Positive Reviews
Showcase your Google Business reviews to generate new business, enhance your brand, and increase your online reputation. Display reviews on your website, create social media posts from positive reviews, and share them in promotional emails.
Bonus Step: Step 7 – Empower Your Team
Encourage your team to participate in the review management process for your Google Business profile. Consider providing incentives for employees who generate positive reviews. Remember, a 5-star review on Google Business can be invaluable for your business.
We’ve created a tool that automates and assists with the entire review management process. You can check it out here: Review Monkey
In conclusion, establishing a workable review management process specifically for Google Business and sticking to it is the best way to accumulate positive reviews. Whether you use a manual process or an automated tool, consistency is the key.