According to a report by Statista, in 2021, Google’s review jumped to 71 percent from 67 percent in 2020. This shows that customers are now more inclined to share their experiences online to help others.
That’s not it. 38 percent of online users in the US first read online reviews and then make a decision.
Data shows us that Google My Business (GMB) reviews matter, which is why you need to encourage your customers to leave reviews more often as a business. The better reviews you gather, the higher your rank on Google and the more traffic you’ll get. Eventually, it’ll lead to higher revenues and recurring leads.
If you want to learn more about GMB optimization services and how to use them to get more Google reviews, keep reading.
Why are Google My Business Reviews Important?
Google reviews are a game changer for businesses. They bring an abundance of benefits, including increased visibility and higher ranking, without spending any money.
Here are a few benefits of GMB reviews:
Increased Transparency
People value transparency, and Google reviews provide just that. Consumers are still a little skeptical about online shopping. Knowing other people have bought the same product and service as they’re seeking gives them peace of mind.
That’s why users tend to search for a business and read its reviews before purchasing anything from them. Research shows that positive reviews create trust, increase confidence, and persuade the consumer to take action.
Increased Online Visibility and Improved SEO
Google My Business reviews have an impact on search results. Google’s current algorithm goes over customer reviews and checks their posting frequency, quantity, and diversity.
A business with all three elements will have a higher chance of landing on the first page of local search results. This increases your chance of being discovered organically, especially if you use other SEO practices like GMB optimization, keyword use, and SEO content development.
When done right, Google reviews will show your business on the location map and display your content information, site, ratings, and reviews for the customers.
Allows You to Improve
Google reviews give you direct input on what customers think of your product and service. You get insights about your customer experience, where customers were happy and when they were not, and what products and services they’ve been opting for.
Monitoring this can tell you which areas need improvement and what you’re doing right.
Higher Conversion Rates
Consumers who see positive reviews about your business on Google are more likely to trust you. This will, in turn, give them the confidence to buy from you and leave a positive review themselves.
How to Get More Google My Business Reviews
Now that you know the importance of Google reviews, you may wonder how to increase them. Here’s what you can do:
Focus on Providing an Exceptional Customer Service
Need to compel your customers to leave a review? Make them love your product or service. If they’re blown away by the service you provide and see that their needs matter to you, they’ll become loyal customers who want to leave a positive review about their experience with your company.
Ask for a Review Directly
Want to increase your chances of getting a Google review from your customers? Ask them! Customers might not think of leaving one, so a reminder can encourage them to leave one. You can direct them to the review page by sending them a link.
You can also ask your employees to ask the customers for a review every time a purchase is made. However, make sure you aren’t too pushy.
Respond to Negative and Positive Reviews
Don’t ignore the negative reviews you get. When you respond to the positive and negative reviews you get, you’re showing the customers that their voice matters. It also builds a lasting customer relationship where they are encouraged to post more reviews because they know they won’t be ignored.
Leave Something Behind
It’s also a great marketing tactic to give your customer a little something to contact your business if they need to. With their product, leave a business or feedback card or a phone number to contact you. If you’re an online business, you can do this digitally.
Don’t Lose It at Bad Reviews
You won’t always get positive reviews. If your first reaction is to attack the customer, stop! Don’t come up with excuses; instead, tell them you’ll make things right.
When your customer can see that you read the reviews and work on them, they’re more likely to choose your business over the competitors.
Use CTAs to Encourage People
Sometimes customers just need a reminder to go write that review. For that, you can add Calls to Action (CTAs) in multiple places on your website or physical store. A simple “Like something? Leave a review!” will give them a nudge.
Let Them Know It’s Simple
Customers can be lazy. So, let them know it’s easy to leave a review and takes little to no time at all! You can ask them to leave a star rating and write a sentence or two about what they think of your product or service.
Try Email Marketing
Need more reviews? Try email marketing! Be straightforward. Ask them to write a review for you, and if they’re happy customers, they will be encouraged to do so. Since the process of writing a Google review is pretty simple, you’re very likely to get a response.
Use Social Media Platforms
Have a social media following? Don’t ignore them! Social media platforms are a great way to build a communicative relationship with your customers. You can include a link to the Google My Business reviews section and ask your followers to add in what they think of your business and the experience they’ve had with you.
