What do you think the first thing a potential customer does before trying your product or stepping foot in your store?
They look you up online, right?
And what they find can heavily influence their decision. That’s where Google reviews shine brightly. These reviews not only boost your online credibility but also enhance your business’s visibility in search results.
But how do you get started with creating a Google review presence that speaks volumes about your business’s quality and reliability?
Setting Up Your Google Business Account
The first step is straightforward but crucial. You must create a Google Business Profile (GBP) account. If you haven’t done this yet, are you leveraging the full potential of online visibility for your business? A GBP listing is your digital storefront on Google. It allows customers to find your business easily, see your hours, contact information, and, yes, read those all-important customer reviews.
Getting Verified
Once your GBP account is set up, the next step is verification. Google needs to ensure that your business is legit. This process can vary from a simple phone call to sending a postcard to your business address. Verification is a small hurdle but a significant step toward building your online presence.
Encouraging Customers to Leave Reviews
Now, for the interesting part – getting those reviews. You might think, “But how can I ask my customers to leave a review without sounding pushy?” It’s simpler than you might believe.
First, ensure you’re providing excellent service or products. Happy customers are usually willing to share their positive experiences.
Then, make it easy for them. Send a follow-up email thanking them for their business and include a direct link to your GBP listing.
Or, if your business has a physical presence, a polite verbal request or a sign at the checkout can work wonders.
Remember, the key is to make the process as seamless as possible for your customers.
Responding to Reviews: The Good, The Bad, and Everything in Between
What should you do once the reviews start rolling in?
Respond, respond, respond.
Thank your customers for the good reviews. For the not-so-good ones, see them as an opportunity. Show potential customers that you care by addressing concerns professionally and offering to make things right. This not only could win back an unhappy customer but also demonstrates to others that you’re committed to customer satisfaction.
But Wait, There’s More!
I’ve outlined the steps, but are you wondering how to streamline this process? How can you consistently generate positive reviews without it taking up too much of your valuable time? Enter REVU4. Our service is designed specifically for small business owners like you. We automate the process of requesting, collecting, and leveraging positive online reviews.
With REVU4, you can focus on what you do best – running your business – while we ensure that your online reputation continues to grow. Think of us as your digital partner, dedicated to providing superior customer service and strengthening your customer relationships.
Curious to see how REVU4 can transform your approach to online reviews? Book a no-obligation, no-cost demo, customized to your brand. Take the first step towards enhancing your business’s online presence and see the difference for yourself. After all, isn’t it time your customer reviews reflect the true quality and dedication of your business?
Schedule Your Branded Demo For Free
Len Marshall is the owner & founder of REVU4, a division of Quiet City Design located in Toronto, Ontario.
One of his guiding principles is to help local business owners find new and more frequent customers using everyday technology with hands-free marketing systems.
If you’d like to know how that works for your business, contact Len directly by text message.
