Local businesses looking to extend their online visibility should consider creating a Google Business Profile. Google integrates the details you provide to create a map listing , while also offering detailed insights into audience engagement. In many cases, Google already has a listing, but you need to claim it to update relevant details and maintain control. While a Google Business Profile is helpful for promotion and SEO, you need to ensure it effectively markets your organization. A visible promotional tool that should increase clicks and sales is a positive review score, with a star rating appearing next to your listing. So what are the best methods for gaining positive reviews?
Contact Trusted Clients
To get started, the simplest method is to actually make use of existing relationships. Most businesses have existing relationships with trusted clients that can be leveraged for a review. You may not feel comfortable contacting one-off clients from the past, but anyone you are currently in contact with should be happy to help. Simply ask these contacts if they would leave a review, indicating how the process works.
Develop Step-By-Step Guides
If the review process feels difficult, you will substantially reduce the number of reviews you receive. You can, however, avoid any confusion by creating step-by-step guides on the entire process. Develop a simple guide that applies for mobile and desktop, with the ability to email or print the details as appropriate. Avoid making it overly long and complex, focusing on simplicity and directness.
Create a Customer Feedback Form
After completing a project, you could send a feedback form to each client. The form should be easy to complete, offering a chance to rate your services and make any suggestions. Within the form, you can direct clients to your Google My Business page to complete a review. As long as the process is quick and easy, you should gain a number of positive ratings.
Use Existing Testimonials
Most businesses will already have a number of testimonials. While you cannot add them to your Google profile yourself, you could contact the client asking if they would be willing to post it as a review. The process will only involve copying and pasting the review while logged into their own Google account, so you should find a good response rate.
Post Reviews on Social Media
After a client leaves a positive review, make sure to promote it on social media. By adding it to your social accounts, followers get to see the good review, but also that you are appreciative of your customers. When other clients see that you are openly thanking people in a public forum, they can be subtly persuaded to leave their own review.
Design a System
While it is important to get reviews, you don’t want to aggravate clients who may provide repeat business. Designing a system helps you and your staff to follow a process, gaining quality reviews without being too pushy. The system you use will vary depending on how you tend to interact with clients, but could involve a small number of simple steps. Initially, you could mention the review at the end of the sale, providing the step-by-step guide with your invoice or receipt. Next, you could follow up with a post-sale feedback form, including a brief review request. Finally, post new reviews on social media, thanking each reviewer for their response.
By following these techniques you should gradually amass a number of positive reviews. In most niches, few businesses spend the time attempting to get reviews, while limited numbers of clients will think of writing a testimonial. Therefore, any business that actually dedicates time to gaining legitimate reviews will stand out in the search engines. While it is important to avoid breaking any rules as you persuade clients to contribute, the techniques mentioned will help avoid the problems encountered when fake profiles are created. In reality, any successful business offering a quality service should have no problem receiving recommendations that will act as a promotional tool on the Google My Business platform.
Bianca Frank Design offers Google Business Profile optimization and monthly management for a number of Alaska businesses. If you need help utilizing all of the SEO power that GBP encompasses just reach out! design@biancafrank.com
