Getting more Google reviews is crucial for any business looking to build credibility and attract new customers online. However, asking customers to leave reviews can feel awkward or pushy. Believe me, I’ve been there.
After years of trial and error, I’ve learned some highly effective techniques to get more organic Google reviews without appearing desperate or skeevy.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my favourite strategies on How to increase Google reviews for your business step-by-step.
Here’s the deal:
Online reviews are social proof that people love your business. They build trust and credibility with potential new customers browsing online.
In fact, according to BrightLocal, 91% of consumers read online reviews before visiting a business. And 88% of them trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
But here’s the kicker:
Google reviews don’t just help your reputation. They also directly impact your local SEO and search visibility.
Google factors review count and sentiment into local search rankings. So, more positive reviews can help you rank higher in local pack and map listings.
It means more visibility in search and more new customers calling or walking through your door.
So, if you want to attract more customers online, increasing Google reviews need to be a top priority.
Before anything else, you must ensure your Google My Business (GMB) listing is properly set up to collect and display reviews.
It sounds obvious. However, many businesses need to realize they must actively claim and verify their GMB listing to start aggregating reviews.
Here are the key steps involved:
You can accumulate customer reviews once your GMB listing is fully set up.
Here’s the truth:
Most customers won’t leave reviews unless you explicitly ask them to.
Even satisfied customers often think to wait to review your business online. You have to make the first move.
The key is to ask politely, not desperately. Refrain from begging for 5-star reviews. Just give a friendly nudge to happy customers.
Some good times to ask include:
Here are some casual review request examples:
The key is keeping it low pressure while highlighting the benefits to other consumers.
Pro tip: Train employees to ask for reviews face-to-face during positive customer interactions. This personal touch can yield a review bonanza.
Here’s the reality:
The harder you make review submissions, the fewer reviews you’ll get.
That’s why you need to minimize friction for customers leaving Google reviews.
The easier you make it, the more reviews will roll in.
Some tips:
The key is eliminating all barriers to leaving a review. Treat submission like a breeze, and customers will happily oblige.
Here’s an underutilized truth about reviews:
Responding publicly shows you care, which motivates new reviews.
When you reply to Google reviews, it demonstrates you’re listening and interested in feedback.
BrightLocal says 86% of consumers read businesses’ responses to reviews.
So, replying has a dual benefit:
Make sure to reply to negative reviews, too. Thank the customer for the feedback and offer to make amends.
This customer service recovery opportunity is invaluable. Don’t waste it by ignoring unhappy reviewers.
Now, you can’t pay for reviews. That’s a big no-no, according to Google’s guidelines. But you can offer small rewards or perks to thank reviewers. Some ideas:
Just make sure rewards come after an honest review with no strings attached. Avoid quid pro quo offers.
Pro tip: When giving discounts for reviews, cap them at 10-15% of purchase value. Anything bigger looks suspicious to Google.
Here’s a neat psychological trick:
Showcasing standout reviews motivates others to contribute their own.
It’s social proof in action. When potential reviewers see rave reviews from others, they want in on the fun.
Some ways to highlight reviews:
Pro tip: Use screenshots to prevent fake reviews when sharing on social media. Links can be manipulated.
Now, a few negative reviews are normal. Don’t panic if you get some 1-star ratings.
The key is burying those bad reviews under an avalanche of positive ones.
If you only have a handful of reviews, a single negative one can tank your average rating.
That’s why you need many positives to counteract the occasional bad apples.
Pro tip: Aim for at least 30+ Google reviews for a robust profile. Negative reviews get drowned out at that volume.
Here’s the reality about reviews:
You will accumulate them after a period of time. Review generation is an ongoing process.
Keep going even if you only get a trickle at first. Consistency and persistence pay off here.
Make review requests part of your regular customer communications. Don’t just ask once and give up.
With regular nudges and follow-ups, your Google reviews will snowball over time.
Pro tip: Set a goal of 10 new Google reviews per month. Check your progress weekly and tweak your tactics as needed.
Google reviews are crucial for any business looking to build credibility and attract new customers online. More positive reviews help you rank higher in local SEO, leading to increased visibility and more customers. Reviews also provide social proof that people love your business.
First, claim and verify your Google My Business listing. Then, politely ask satisfied customers to leave reviews after positive interactions. Make review submission easy by sharing a direct link to your reviews page.
Ask politely after an in-store purchase or positive experience. Say something casual like “We’d greatly appreciate a quick Google review if you were satisfied with your service today.” Avoid begging for 5 stars.
Google reviews are social proof that gives your business credibility and trust with new prospects.
They also help you rank higher in local SEO by signalling a popular, high-quality business to Google.
That’s why every business needs to make review generation a priority.
Focus on:
Keep these best practices in mind, and your Google reviews will flourish. Just don’t get discouraged by early, slow progress.
The more reviews you accumulate, the more you’ll reap the SEO and reputation benefits. So get out there and start asking – your future customers are waiting!
Up until working with Casey, we had only had poor to mediocre experiences outsourcing work to agencies. Casey & the team at CJ&CO are the exception to the rule.
Communication was beyond great, his understanding of our vision was phenomenal, and instead of needing babysitting like the other agencies we worked with, he was not only completely dependable but also gave us sound suggestions on how to get better results, at the risk of us not needing him for the initial job we requested (absolute gem).
This has truly been the first time we worked with someone outside of our business that quickly grasped our vision, and that I could completely forget about and would still deliver above expectations.
I honestly can’t wait to work in many more projects together!
Disclaimer
*The information this blog provides is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as financial or professional advice. The information may not reflect current developments and may be changed or updated without notice. Any opinions expressed on this blog are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author’s employer or any other organization. You should not act or rely on any information contained in this blog without first seeking the advice of a professional. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this blog. The author and affiliated parties assume no liability for any errors or omissions.