Discover how a JJR client achieved a 637% increase in Google reviews.
In today’s world, most consumers hop on Google to review a business before reaching out for their goods or services. Google reviews can truly make or break a business.
“The fact is that 90% of consumers read online reviews before visiting a business. And 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.”
— Invesp.com
With that being said, what do you do if you have little to no Google reviews? What about bad reviews? Can you delete them, should you delete them? Let’s talk about it!
Below we will cover 5 ideas to help you get more Google reviews (the same ideas that boosted our client 637%!) and discuss Google review etiquette.
🛑 Wait!
Before we start pointing people to your Google account, let’s make sure you have the basics set!
Check to be sure you have the latest and greatest:
- Hours
- Address
- Website
- Phone number
- Photos
- Answered any previous reviews
(Not sure how to access your account? Try logging in through Google, then click on Business Profile Manager.)
1. Send out an email to past and current clients
Our first plan of attack is always to develop a message that you can send to your past and current clients asking if they have a few minutes for a Google review.
Here’s a template you can copy and paste from:
Subject: Have a few minutes? We’d love if you’d leave a Google review!
Message:
Good Afternoon!I hope you are having a great day. If you have a few minutes, would you mind leaving us a Google review based on your experience working with us at [BUSINESS NAME]?
We appreciate your business and support. Please feel free to reach out anytime!
Thanks again,
[LINK TO GOOGLE REVIEW PAGE]
Here is a helpful article on how to create a link to your google review page.
The more personalized you can get here, the better chance you have for a review to come through.
2. Social Media
Share the link on social media accounts asking for feedback. Generally, your clients want to be connected online and will see your posts to leave a review. This can be similar in verbiage to the email.
Note: If you have a large following on social media but know you don’t have that many customers, skip this step to avoid false reviews.
3. QR Codes at the Office
If you have a location that customers frequent to meet with you or purchase your product, turn your link into a QR code with a short message like “Love what we do? Leave us a review! SCAN HERE”. These can be left around the waiting area or hung around your business. (Be careful not to overdo it.
4. Standard Follow-Up Procedure
Make sending a request for a review part of your standard procedure after a purchase or service. The Google review shouldn’t be the main focus of the email. It should be a thank you for your purchase or visit. The ability to leave a review is good for the signature or footer of your email.
5. Make it Accessible
Keep in mind most of your biggest supporters probably aren’t going to check out your Google account before working with you or considering a purchase. This means they don’t see the opportunity to leave you a review unless it’s right in front of them, or you’ve done something so amazing they can’t wait to go leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review. Add that link to places like your website, email signature, monthly email blasts, invoice emails, scheduling emails, and print the QR code around your location.
Now that you have some info to help you gain Google reviews – go out there and get them!
Google Review Etiquette:
Q: Should I reply to Google reviews?
A: Yes! Whether good or bad, you should always address each review, even if it is stars only.
Q: I got a bad review; can I delete it?
A: Google does not allow you to delete any reviews unless you believe it to be a fake review, which you can contest.
Q: I got a really bad review; what should I do?
A: The best thing to do is acknowledge the review and ensure that there is a solution coming. Your response will be read by almost everyone and will say a lot about your business.
Google Review Rules:
- Businesses are not allowed to offer incentives in exchange for reviews.
- If there is no expectation, you can give the client a thank you after their review.
- Fake or purchased reviews can result in your account being closed.
- You cannot only allow certain customers to leave a review; they must all have equal opportunity.
We hope you can implement some of these tips to grow your Google reviews! As always, we’re here to help if you need it!