Continually being recognized in your reviews as the best, most reviewed, expert, timely, etc. by customers is invaluable. These reviews can also assist you in driving new messaging for your business. If you see a pattern in review communication, you can begin to turn that into a core message. For instance, if any of your reviews are mentioning how timely you perform your services, you can add that as a core to your business values.
On Google, once you attain at least five reviews, your business will begin showing stars in the SERPs. This is a huge advantage if you are listed in the Local Pack. It is an even larger advantage if you have stars on your listing and your competitors do not. Stars will make your listing stand out above the rest. The more reviews you attain, the better off you will be.
For non-Google or niche review websites, they may also have stars in the SERPs. This can be another benefit to your business if you have positive reviews on those sites as well. If a potential customer searches for your business and sees a SERP page full of review stars of your business, the odds are likely you will win that customer’s business.
The more positive reviews you have, the more likely you will rank in the Local Pack above your competitors. GMB reviews also surface in the Google Q&A section when customers are searching for answers.
Attaining a steady stream of reviews is more difficult than it seems. To keep getting reviews for your business, you need to be proactive. There are several ways to do so.
To save time, or if multiple employees in your company will be asking customers for reviews, it is helpful to create an email template. Effective, consistent communication can save you headaches.
You can also create a page on your website or a handout that you can provide to customers. This can be an effective way to attain reviews without having to spend time explaining the review process and steps to each customer. The handout or copy on your website should explain what sites you want them to review you on, how to set up an account or log in, how to find your business on the review site, and how to post a review.
Reputation management tools typically charge monthly fees and allow you to set up a review page or custom email template to capture reviews. The streamlined process will automatically email previous clients and prompt them for reviews while you focus on your day to day business.
A simple, yet effective way to ask for reviews is to add a link to your social profiles in everything you own. Add review links to Google, Facebook, Yelp, and any other review platform you deem valuable to your business. These can go in the signature of your email, on your business cards, and on invoices, you send to customers. Even if people do not review your business immediately, the constant subtle reminders should be enough to entice the review eventually.
It is also a good idea to add links to your website for review platforms. Maybe you add links to your website footer or have a page dedicated to reviews. Showcase the platforms, the number of reviews, star rating, and logo of those review sites. The more you can show customers you care about reviews, and highlight the positive effects, the more likely they will be to review you as well.
The easiest and most obvious way to ask for reviews is to email the customer directly after a purchase or service is performed. Thank the customer for their business, show them you appreciate them choosing you over your competition, and invite them to review their experience. The customer is more likely to review your business after purchase, especially if they had a positive experience. They are also likely to review since the transaction is top of mind for them.
If you want to be successful in today’s digital marketplace, you need to take advantage of the numerous opportunities and benefits reviews can provide your business. Having a well-designed review strategy with the opportunity to attain reviews regularly is key. If your business is not taking advantage of reviews, you can bet your competitors are.
Today, the online reputation of your business is defined by your customers.
Reviews, accurate business information, and social media activity impact your reputation and whether a consumer decides to do business with you. You need a way to manage all of these factors in a scalable way. We can help!
Monitor what people are saying about you online and improve your visibility in local search. See how you stack up against the competition, stay in the know with automated alerts, and get progress reports to see how your reputation has improved.
Take control of your online reputation today!
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