Online reviews can be a game-changer for a business owner.
Globally, 99% of consumers read online reviews before purchasing products. 49% report that they trust those reviews more than a personal recommendation.
Positive reviews can attract new customers. Negative reviews can discourage potential customers from doing business.
It is therefore crucial to understand all you can about Google reviews, and how to make them work for your benefit.
This blog post will cover everything you need to know regarding Google reviews and ratings. We'll also show you how to get more reviews and respond to negative reviews.
What are Google Reviews?
Google reviews are comments and ratings that customers leave about your business.
Google Search, Maps and Local Finder allow customers to review businesses. Reviews are important because they allow potential customers to learn more about your business, before they make a decision to patronize it.
Google reviews can have up to 4,000 characters. They include a brief writeup and rating ranging from 1 star (lowest) through 5 stars (highest).
You won't be surprised to learn that Google is the most used online review platform with over 59 percent of users.
Why are Google Reviews Important for Your Business?
Google reviews for businesses are crucial because they can increase your business's visibility and click through rate (CTR), on Google Search and Maps.
Higher CTR is a sign that more people will see your listing and click it in search results. This can lead to more customers.
Google ratings and reviews can also be used as social proof. These reviews and ratings show potential customers that others have had positive experiences with your company, which makes them more likely to buy from you.
Google reviews for businesses are another factor search engines take into consideration when ranking local SEO.
If you have more positive Google reviews, it may help you rank higher in local search results. Google reviews can help you get more customers and grow your business.
How to get customers to leave Google Reviews and Ratings
BrightLocal reports that 67 percent of customers are open to leaving reviews for positive experiences, while 40 percent would consider leaving a negative review.
But, just because a customer wants to leave a review does not mean that they will. You must make it easy for customers to leave reviews for your business if you want to increase the number.
Asking your customers directly is the best way to achieve this. Include your Google My Business review link:
- email signatures
- post-purchase confirmation emails
- Physical receipts
- Thank-you notes and cards
If you ask customers to leave reviews, be sure to:
- Personalize your request:Address them with their name and describe any recent purchases or experiences.
- Be concise and clear: Customers will be more inclined to leave reviews if they are asked for a simple, direct request.
- Add a link to the Google My Business listing . Make it easy for customers leave reviews by adding a direct link.
- Send a promptTry to send a brief prompt for the review that you would like them leave. This will give reviewers a point of reference and make it easier to send the review. Example: “My favorite thing is ….” about company>.”
NOTE Most review sites, including Google allow businesses to offer something for reviews. Instead, make it easy for them to leave a review.
Keep in mind that the most positive Google reviews have had a recent experience with your company and will likely leave a detailed review.
These tips will help you get more Google reviews about your business and build your online reputation.
Tips to Respond to Google Reviews
Google reviews are just as important as the initial contact.
You show potential customers that your value their feedback, good or bad. If a customer leaves negative reviews, you have the opportunity to tell your side.
When you begin collecting reviews, make sure to reply to both positive and negative feedback.
Positive reviews can be great for morale. However, it is important to respond to negative reviews if you want your business' reputation to remain positive.
ReviewTrackers discovered that over half of customers expect businesses to respond within one week to negative reviews. Yet, 63% of customers reported not hearing from the company regarding their negative review.
BrightLocal research also found that 89% of consumers will continue to patronize businesses that respond to all online reviews.
Tips to Respond to Negative Google Reviews
These steps will help you transform a negative review into an interaction.
- We thank the customer for their feedback.
- Recognize the problem they have raised and propose a solution.
- Invite the customer to contact you directly if possible to resolve the problem offline.
- Consider offering them a coupon or discount to encourage them to return to your store (and perhaps leave a better review).
Tips to Respond to Positive Google Reviews
This is how to reply to a positive Google Review to make a customer for life.
- Recognize the customer's feedback and express your appreciation for their help.
- Invite the customer to contact you directly if necessary to thank them personally.
- Personalize your responses so that they feel valued by your company.
When responding to Google reviews, it is important to be professional, responsive, and friendly. This will show potential customers that your business is serious and you are dedicated to giving the best possible experience.
How to Use Google Reviews for Your Business
Google reviews for businesses are more than just a way to receive feedback from customers. They're also an effective marketing tool.
These are five ways to leverage Google reviews to help your business succeed.
1. Showcase your reviews on your website
You can display Google reviews for your business once you have them all on your Google My Business Page. Potential customers can see what other people think about your business before making a purchase.
Different widgets will be available depending on which content management system (CMS). You should ensure that the widget you choose is compatible with your site platform and matches your site's style.
Most providers provide instructions and customer support if you don't know how to add a widget on your website.
These are some of the most popular Google reviews about business widgets:
- WP Review Pro
- Widget for Google Reviews
- Taggbox
2. Negative Reviews can be used to reduce abandoned carts
Customers are more likely to purchase if they see other customers who have had positive experiences with your brand.
Adding testimonials and product reviews in your checkout process is one of the best ways to boost customer confidence.
An in-depth review can help reduce abandoned carts by:
- Helping customers with specific problems
- Building trust is essential for potential buyers
- Reducing friction during checkout
Review products pages and checkout flows to highlight features that are important to customers.
If you sell headphones, for example, customers might want to see reviews that address comfort, battery life, and sound quality.
If you are unsure which reviews to show, start with the most recent or from customers who have made similar purchases.
Flowers.ie, an online flower delivery service, saw a 37% increase in sales of products with reviews.
Google reviews and ratings can be used to gather feedback about your company, product, or services. This valuable feedback can be used to improve your business.
If you notice that customers complain about your checkout process, you may be able to take action to correct the problem.
3. Keep checking back for updates
Customers want to see reviews and that you are actively collecting them. Which would you prefer: a company that hasn’t received a review within the last six months or one that receives them frequently?
Reach out to your customers if it has been a while since your last review. If they leave a review, you can offer a discount or incentive such as a coupon for their next purchase.
PhysioRoom.com has increased its review collection by 1,900%, which in turn improved its monthly B2B sales of 8 percent.
Here are some ways to get new reviews.
- In confirmation emails, ask customers to leave reviews.
- Place signs in your office or store promoting reviews.
- In product packaging or boxes, include review requests.
4. Use the best reviews for retargeting campaigns
Did you know that retargeted display ads convert nearly as well as high-intent searches ads? In some cases, even more in certain industries. Because you are targeting people who already have an interest in your message, this is why retargeted display ads convert almost as well as high-intent search ads.
Customer reviews can make your retargeted ads more effective. Social proof reminds potential customers why they are interested in your product/service in the first place. It could even be the push they need in order to convert.
If you sell a toothbrush that is gentle on sensitive gums, for example, you might include a review that states, “I found to love brushing my tooth again!” or “I no longer have to fear going to the dentist any more.”
You could also include a review if you are an accountant that states, “I have so many more hours to run my business now.”
TaxSlayer's featured reviews accounted for a staggering 60 percent increase in CTRs.
Retargeted ads that include customer reviews are a great way to demonstrate social proof and increase your click-through rates. If done correctly, it can increase conversions.
Spend some time reading through reviews to find the most relevant for your target audience. Next, test different placements of reviews in your ads until your business finds the best.
5. Select Reviews that Elicit Emotion
Consider some recent reviews that you have read online. What stood out for you?
The two-line review that said the product worked as expected was probably not what it was. It was the review that made it feel something. It could have been funny or weird, but it left an impression.
This principle is also applicable when selecting reviews to highlight in your marketing strategy. You should look for reviews that are able to elicit an emotional response from your target audience. If you are focusing on parents, make sure to find reviews that highlight how your product made their lives easier.
If you are targeting millennials, it might be worth looking for reviews that are humorous or unusual.
Whatever your target audience, ensure that you choose reviews that resonate with them emotionally. Prospects will be more likely to become customers if you have a greater impact.
G-Form is an athletic equipment company that doesn't mind letting its funny bone show.
Google Reviews for Business
Google reviews are fake
No. Google claims it has a zero tolerance policy for fake reviews. BrightLocal however found that 62% of users believe they've seen a fake review within the past year. To verify the legitimacy of a review you are unsure of, look at the username and avatar to determine if there is anything suspicious. Reviewers can also view previous reviews.
Pay close attention to past reviews' dates, times, and locations. It's a red flag if a reviewer leaves reviews in multiple cities in just a few days. It's important to note that the reviewer has not left any other reviews. You can request removal from Google if you believe that a review was fake or in violation of Google policies.
Is it possible to remove Google reviews?
Yes, in some cases. Google offers a request removal service. Google is clear, however, that the final decision to remove or not remove a review is up to the company. Google will remove reviews that violate their policies in most cases. This includes reviews that include profanity, sexual explicit language, reviews that encourage illegal activity, spam, and reviews that are off-topic.
Do I have to respond to negative Google reviews
Reacting to Google reviews is an important part of online reputation management. You can make a negative review positive by responding to it. Always respond to negative reviews professionally and politely. Do not respond in a derogatory or inflamatory manner.
What number of Google reviews should you try to get?
Get as many reviews legitimately as possible. The more Google reviews you have for a business, the better. If you get a negative review, having more reviews will help protect your Google My Business rating. It is a good rule of thumb to aim for at least 50 Google reviews.
Conclusion: Google Reviews for Business
Google reviews for businesses are a powerful tool to build trust with potential customers.
Customers can see that you are trustworthy by reading reviews. Reviews can highlight the best aspects of your business and demonstrate your commitment to customer service.
You can create a strong review list that will benefit your company by following Google's reviews policies. You can also turn a negative review into a positive by responding professionally to it.
Are you positive about Google reviews?
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By: Neil Patel
Title: Mastering Google Reviews For Business: Everything You Need to Know to Grow Your Brand
Sourced From: neilpatel.com/blog/google-review-summaries/
Published Date: Wed, 08 Jun 2022 19:45:00 +0000