Get More Google Reviews

Solutions by Design

Google reviews have become a critical factor in shaping the online reputation of businesses. Potential customers frequently check reviews before deciding whether or not to engage with a business. In fact, positive Google reviews can enhance your credibility, improve local SEO rankings, and even increase sales. If you're wondering how to get more Google reviews for your business website, here are some effective strategies to boost your review count and build trust with future customers.

1. Ask Customers Directly - One of the simplest and most effective ways to get more Google reviews is by asking your customers directly. Satisfied customers are often more than willing to leave a review, but they might need a little nudge. You can ask them in person, through email follow-ups, or even after a service or purchase.
2. Make It Easy to Leave a Review - Convenience is key when it comes to collecting Google reviews. If the process is too complicated, customers may not follow through. Provide clear, step-by-step instructions on how they can leave a review, and make sure to include a direct link to your Google Business profile.
3. Offer Incentives - While it’s important to follow Google’s guidelines and avoid offering discounts or gifts in exchange for reviews (as this can be seen as manipulating reviews), you can still motivate customers through other incentives. Consider running a giveaway where each review enters the customer into a prize draw. This doesn’t directly pay for reviews but encourages more interaction and engagement with your review system.
4. Respond to Existing Reviews - Responding to reviews, whether positive or negative, shows that you value customer feedback. Engaging with existing reviews also demonstrates a level of care that potential reviewers will notice. When customers see that you're attentive and responsive, they’re more likely to leave a review themselves. Make sure your responses are personalized, polite, and constructive, especially when addressing negative reviews. A well-handled negative review can actually strengthen customer trust in your business.
5. Promote Reviews on Social Media - Leverage the power of social media to encourage reviews. Share the best reviews you’ve received across your social platforms and ask your followers to leave their own reviews. Sometimes seeing other positive feedback can inspire others to do the same. Include the direct link to your Google review page in the posts to streamline the process.
6. Use QR Codes - QR codes can simplify the review process for in-person customers. You can create a QR code that links directly to your Google review page and display it in your store, on business cards, or even on receipts. Customers can quickly scan the code and leave a review in seconds, eliminating the need for them to search for your business online.
7. Provide Excellent Customer Service - No strategy for getting more Google reviews will be effective if your customer service isn’t up to par. The best way to encourage reviews is by delivering an exceptional experience that people want to talk about. Whether you’re selling a product or providing a service, make sure your interactions with customers are positive and memorable. Happy customers are more likely to leave positive reviews on their own.

Google reviews are a powerful tool for building trust and attracting new customers. By making the review process simple, asking at the right moments, and engaging with your current reviewers, you can steadily grow your Google reviews. Every review you collect will not only improve your online reputation but also boost your business’s visibility and success.

 

Facebook Testing Improved Local Search Feature To Offer Users Business Suggestions

Our favorite social media network is at it again. Facebook is currently testing a new and improved local search feature that may take away from Foursquare, Yelp, and Google Maps. According to TechCrunch, Facebook has confirmed that users are able to catch recommendations of nearby places. This works by entering something like “nearby vet” or “orthodontist nearby” in the mobile or web search of Facebook. By doing this, users will receive a list of relevant businesses near their location, as well as their Facebook ratings, map, and friends who have liked or visited the place in query.

At the moment Facebook is declining to share any further details on this addition, or how long this testing has been in progress. It is possible that some users are able to utilize this function, while others are slowly gaining access or don’t have it at all.

In regards to how Facebook determines which results to provide to the user, that answer is currently uncertain. It has been noted that the order of which locations are shown first is not determined by the number of reviews, rating, or proximity to your current location.

We will continue to keep you informed on this new Facebook feature as it unfolds. In the meantime, connect with Solutions by Design on social media to stay updated on social media news and more.

Easy Way To Get Google Reviews

Google reviews are extremely important for businesses nowadays because of consumer influence. Businesses know they need to be accumulating as many positive reviews as possible for various business marketing reasons, though many don't know how to do so or where to start. As Google is constantly changing, it’s important for us at Solutions by Design to keep our clients ahead of the game and educated on how Google reviews work, as well as conquering the task of getting more reviews from current and past patients.

Where to start?

The first thing you need to do is a Google search with your business name in the search box. As long as you’ve already claimed your "Google My Business" page(s) and you’re easily found in that kind of a search, you’ll see the Google Maps and "Google My Business" page appear to the right of the screen. Once you get here, click on the map and you will be taken directly to your “Google My Business” public page. This page is where your patients will go to write a review. Persons leaving the review must have a Google account and must be signed in to do so.

The question we hear is how do you get your patients through this journey of finding your "Google My Business" page easily? We suggest you simplify the search for the patient by linking your Google place page on your website or email the link in an e-blast. To do this, find the "embed map code" and provide it to the person designated to update your website, or use the short link for an e-blast or hyperlink on your website.

How do you find the link?

1. Find your Google place page.
2. Click the menu option.
3. Click share or embed map. 
4. A pop-up to share the link will appear, click the short URL and use this for e-blasts or hyperlink on your website.
5. To embed map on your website, click “Embed Map” and provide this code to the designated person. 

We suggest you add this to your website to help increase the number of Google reviews on your "Google My Business" page. If you are a Solutions by Design social media client, talk to your social media manager about this update as it is included in your monthly subscription if it is not already done. If you are not a social media client, give us a call to add have your maps code embedded to your website. All Google Maps website updates starting at $150.