How to Get More Google Reviews for Your Business in 2024?

It’s common for business owners to feel overshadowed by their competitors when researching their industry online. It may seem unachievable but there is a path to a glowing business reputation using the untapped goldmine of Google Reviews.

In this guide, we’ll delve into the nitty-gritty of customer feedback – the lifeblood of any thriving business – and reveal how you can make it work wonders for business growth.

Let’s dive into this guide of invaluable insights and transform your business into a Google reviews magnet. We’ll uncover the roadmap to a glowing online reputation and share the secrets to gain the success you’ve always envisioned for your business.

Why are Google reviews important for your business?

Google reviews shape your business reputation, improve visibility, attract new customers, and build brand trust. 5-star Google reviews build stronger customer relationships and take your business to the next level. They have a huge impact on purchasing decisions.

In fact, over 95% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase decision, and a staggering 84% trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations from friends and family.

Google reviews improve local SEO

Google Reviews play a major role in local search engine optimization (SEO). A study by Moz revealed that online reviews account for approximately 15% of the factors influencing local search rankings.

By getting more Google reviews, businesses can enhance their presence on SERPs (search engine results pages) and draw in a larger clientele.

Positive Google reviews boost revenue

Positive Google Reviews contribute to a strong online reputation, leading to higher conversion rates and increased revenue. Research has shown that reviews make customers 71% more comfortable purchasing a product.

Additionally, businesses with more reviews generate 54% more revenue than those with fewer reviews. Therefore, prioritizing obtaining and managing Google reviews is vital for businesses looking to stand out in the competitive marketplace and maintain a healthy bottom line.

How to get more Google reviews?

We’ve compiled a list of highly-effective tips and tactics to help you get started with Google reviews and boost your online reputation.

1. Claim your Google Business Profile

First things first: plant your digital flag by claiming your Google My Business profile. This move empowers you to take charge of your online presence, ensure your information is accurate, and paves the way for customers to find and review your business effortlessly.

2. Optimize your Google Business Profile

Next up, give your Google Business profile a makeover. Spruce it up with up-to-date information such as your address, phone number, business hours, and website. An optimized profile attracts potential customers and makes it a breeze for them to locate and review your business.

The more complete your business profile is, the more chances you have of being found by customers. Make sure to fill out all fields in the “about” section, including services and products. Keep your business profile accurate and up-to-date on Google and any other web listing you have. A major key to business profile management is consistency.

Check your NAP (name, address, phone) for consistency. Your NAP information must be exactly the same in each web listing. For example, if you write “ABC Business” in one listing, do the same for all the listings on the web.

Make sure to add relevant keywords to your business description. This will help you rank higher on Google search results. Nowadays, people use long-tail keywords to search for local services, so it’s best to focus on those. Use all 750 characters in your business description to give potential customers key reasons for choosing your business.

3. Guide your customers on how to write a review

Educate and encourage your customers on how to leave a review. Provide clear guidance and make the review process a breeze. This will get them to share their experiences, contributing to your ever-growing collection of Google Reviews.

Offer step-by-step instructions

Break down the process into digestible steps, ensuring that even the most technologically challenged customers can leave a review easily. Whether you include these instructions on your website, in a follow-up email, or on a handy flier, simplicity is key.

Provide visual aids

A picture is worth a thousand words! Support your customers with visual aids like screenshots or a short video tutorial demonstrating the review process. By catering to different learning styles, you’ll make it even easier for customers to leave their reviews.

Respond to your existing Google reviews

Roll out the red carpet for your existing Google Reviews by acknowledging and responding to them. This simple act of appreciation showcases your dedication to customer satisfaction and might inspire others to join the review bandwagon.

Follow the best practices when replying to reviews to prevent complications. Maintain a courteous and professional tone in your responses, expressing gratitude to everyone for their reviews, irrespective of the sentiment.

45% of consumers say they are more likely to visit a business that addresses their negative reviews. Even if you can’t rectify the situation that led to the unfavorable review, you can still build a rapport with the customers and transform them into satisfied clients.

For a positive review, thank the customer for their generous words and tell them you value their feedback. In fact, 7 out of 10 customers altered their perception of a business after the business responded to the review.

A carefully composed response can turn a negative review into an opportunity to showcase your exceptional customer service abilities.

Here are some examples of review response templates:

Negative Review Response Template

“Hi [First Name],

I’m sorry that you had a negative experience at our office. We would love the opportunity to make it right. Please contact me directly at [your email or phone number] so we can resolve the issues you experienced.”

Positive Review Response Template

“Hi [First Name],

Many thanks for the wonderful praise! We’re happy that you had a great experience at our clinic. Looking forward to serving you again.”

4. Ask for reviews in person

Asking for reviews right after customers’ visit is a sure way they don’t forget to leave one. As soon as you have finished your appointment, take some time to ask them about their experience and if they would be generous to share it with others.

This is when the client will recall their experience clearly and know how satisfied they were. Since people tend to be more inclined to spread positive experiences and reviews, this could work in your favor.

In fact, 70% of consumers will write a review for a business when asked. So, it’s worth reaching out and asking patients to leave a review. Also, if you offer something of value in exchange for a review (such as discounts or free services), remind them of it when asking.

5. Share Google review links

Let’s make it a walk in the park for customers to leave a review. Spread the word by sharing direct links to your Google Reviews page across various platforms.

The easier the process, the more likely customers are to share their thoughts, catapulting your Google review count to new heights.

Generate the Google review link and send it to your customers via SMS, email or social media. This review link can also be connected with the QR code and used on business cards, postcards, websites, or email signatures.

6. Use text messages to send review requests

In today’s fast-paced world, SMS has become an indispensable communication tool for people on the go. It allows businesses to easily and quickly ask for customer reviews. Here’s how you can use text messaging to send review requests:

7. Choose a reliable SMS platform

Choose a trustworthy and user-friendly SMS platform that aligns with your needs. Platforms like DemandHub offer features like bulk messaging, personalized templates, and automation, which can streamline your review request process.

Craft a compelling message

Compose a concise yet engaging text message. The message must highlight the importance of customer feedback and how it helps your business improve. Personalize your message by addressing customers by name and including specific details about their experience.

Include a direct review link

Provide a direct link to your Google Reviews page in the text message. This simplifies the process and increases the likelihood of customers submitting their feedback.

Send Messages at the right time

Timing is key when sending review requests via text. Ideally, send your message shortly after a positive interaction with your business while the experience remains fresh in your customers’ minds. However, avoid sending texts during unsociable hours, as this may be perceived as intrusive.

8. Build a Google reviews page on your website

Creating a page specifically for reviews on your website is an effective way to get more reviews. Ensure the page is prominently visible, easy to access, and secure (encrypted).

Include review submission forms, star ratings, and patient testimonials on your website. Showcasing the experiences of previous patients encourages potential ones to book an appointment with you.

Incorporate strategic calls to action or CTA onto the most popular pages on your website — it can be a banner, sidebar, or middle section of the web page. The CTAs should direct visitors to an internal landing page or an external third-party review site with a clear and concise copy!

9. Place a Google review CTA on your website footer

Place a Google Review call-to-action (CTA) in your website footer to encourage customers to leave reviews without disrupting their browsing experience. The footer is visible on every page of your site, making it an ideal location for a non-intrusive yet prominent CTA.

Create “Leave us a review” cards

Review cards are tangible tokens of appreciation. They add a personal touch to your customer interactions and serve as a friendly reminder for customers to share their experiences online.

Design an eye-catching card that aligns with your brand’s aesthetics. Incorporate your logo, brand colors, and a striking visual that captures your customer’s attention.

Add a heartfelt message that conveys your gratitude for their patronage and highlights the importance of their feedback. Keep the tone conversational and enthusiastic that resonates with your audience.

To make it super easy for your customers, include a scannable QR code that directs them to your Google reviews page. This modern, tech-savvy approach eliminates any unnecessary hurdles and gets them reviewing in no time.

Distribute your “Leave us a review” cards strategically. Hand them out after a positive interaction or put them in a prominent location within your office. By incorporating these cards into your customer experience, you will see a boost in Google reviews and a stronger online reputation.

Incorporate the Google review link in your email signature

Add your Google review link to your email signature to remind clients to leave a review. Here’s how to add the link to your email signature:

Generate your Google review link

Create a shareable link that leads directly to your Google reviews page using the Google Place ID Lookup Tool or a third-party review management platform.

Design a visually appealing email signature

Create a clean, professional signature that reflects your brand identity and includes essential contact information.

Add a call-to-action for Google reviews

Incorporate a concise and clear call-to-action (CTA) within your email signature, inviting recipients to leave a review on Google. Use a small graphic or text-based CTA that is noticeable without being overwhelming.

Link the CTA to your Google reviews page

Connect your Google review CTA to the shareable link, ensuring it functions correctly and takes recipients directly to your Google reviews page.

Monitor and optimize

Track the performance of your email signature and adjust your CTA’s design, placement, or wording to enhance engagement and conversion rates.

Adding your Google review link to your email signature provides a consistent reminder for recipients to share their experiences, helping you gather more feedback and enhance your online reputation.

Ask for reviews on Social media

Asking for reviews on social media is a powerful way to gain social proof for your business. Social proof refers to the idea that people tend to rely on the actions and opinions of others when making decisions.

You can increase your credibility and attract new customers by showcasing positive reviews from satisfied customers on social media.

There are many strategies you can use to ask for reviews on social media, such as:

Craft personalized messages

Reach out to customers with personalized messages on social media, either through direct messaging or by mentioning them in a post.

Personalizing your request shows that you value their opinion and are genuinely interested in their feedback. Tailor your message to the individual’s experience with your product or service.

Use branded hashtags

Create a unique hashtag for your business. Encourage customers to use it when posting about their experiences with your product or service. This not only helps in tracking reviews but also builds a sense of community among your customers.

Leverage social media influencers

Team up with social media influencers relevant to your industry to review your product or service. Influencers’ reviews can reach a wider audience and add credibility to your brand.

Run review contests or giveaways

Motivate customers to leave reviews on social media platforms by organizing contests or giveaways. Offer incentives, such as coupons, discounts or freebies, to customers who participate in the contest and leave a review.

Share positive reviews

Showcase positive reviews from your customers on your social media channels. This not only acknowledges the customers’ efforts but also serves as social proof for future customers.

Respond to all reviews

Engage with customers who leave reviews on social media, both positive and negative. Thank them for their review and address any concerns they may have. This shows that you value their opinions and are committed to customer service.

Make it easy for customers to review

Integrate review options directly into social media profiles, such as Facebook’s “Recommendations” feature. This makes it easier for customers to leave reviews and increases their likelihood of doing so.

Use visual content to encourage reviews

Create visually attractive content, such as images, videos, or GIFs, to encourage customers to share their experiences with your brand on social media platforms. Visual content can be more engaging and persuasive, increasing the chances of customers leaving reviews.

Tips for improving your business reputation with Google reviews

In today’s digital landscape, your business’s online reputation is paramount. Google reviews, an absolute cornerstone of customer feedback, can significantly impact your business’s success.

To harness the full potential of these reviews and enhance your reputation, follow these essential tips.

Monitor and analyze your Google reviews

Careful monitoring and analysis of your Google reviews are essential for maintaining a sterling online reputation. Regularly examine your reviews for valuable insights into customer sentiments.

Identify areas of improvement and acknowledge praiseworthy aspects of your services. By embracing this proactive approach, your business can grow and adapt to the ever-changing market.

Implementing feedback from reviews

Show your dedication to excellent customer service by taking into account and acting on the feedback from reviews. By integrating constructive criticism into your business model, you foster a culture of continuous improvement, ultimately boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Using Google reviews for local SEO

Google reviews can be an instrumental component of your local SEO strategy. With their direct influence on search rankings, reviews can propel your business to new heights of visibility.

To maximize this potential, encourage satisfied customers to share their positive experiences and respond to reviews promptly. This proactive engagement bolsters your online presence and showcases your dedication to customer satisfaction.

Identify fake or malicious reviews

Fake or malicious reviews can tarnish your business’s reputation. Remain alert for phony feedback by scrutinizing the review’s tone, timing, and content. Reporting and addressing these reviews promptly can mitigate their adverse effects and preserve your online credibility.

Build a strong reputation to mitigate the impact of fake reviews

To fortify your business against the effect of fake reviews, cultivate an unwavering reputation by consistently delivering exceptional services. A 5-star Google reputation will deter potential detractors and reassure future customers of your commitment to excellence.

Cross-promote reviews on other review platforms

To amplify the impact of your positive reviews, strategically cross-promote them on various review platforms such as Yelp, Healthgrades, Dentistry.com, CareDash, and Yahoo Local. You can reach a wider audience and strengthen your brand’s credibility by showcasing your glowing testimonials across multiple channels.

Start winning more customers with Google reviews!

By tapping into the magic of Google reviews, you can leave your competitors in the dust and make a name for yourself online.

Customers trust what other customers have to say about your business. Believe it or not, many people find reviews from total strangers as trustworthy as advice from their best buds. So, why not use that to your advantage?

Make it a habit to ask your customers to give your business a shout-out on Google. Just make it super easy for them, and you’ll see more Google business reviews popping up on your listing in no time.

To sum up, here are the 13 time-tested tips to get more Google reviews:

1. Claim your Google Business Profile.
2. Optimize your Google Business Profile.
3. Guide your customers on how to write a review.
4. Respond to your existing Google reviews.
5. Ask for Reviews in Person.
6. Share Google Review Links.
7. Use text messages to send review requests.
8. Create a Google reviews page on your website.
9. Place a Google review CTA on your website footer.
10. Create “leave us a review” cards.
11. Include your Google review link in your email signature.
12. Ask for reviews on Social media.
13. Use DemandHub Platform.

Frequently asked questions about this Google reviews

What are Google reviews?

Google Reviews is a feature within Google Business Profile and Google Maps that allows users to rate and review businesses, services, or points of interest. These publicly visible user-generated reviews can help other users make informed decisions when selecting a business or service.

Google Reviews enables users to leave a star rating from 1 to 5, with 5 being the best, along with a written review detailing their experiences or opinions about a particular business or place. The overall rating of a business is an aggregate of all individual ratings.

How do Google reviews impact my business?

Google reviews greatly influence your business’s online reputation, visibility, and consumer trust. High ratings and positive reviews can boost credibility, attract new customers, and foster loyalty.

Conversely, low ratings and negative feedback can deter potential clients and harm your brand’s image. Additionally, Google reviews directly impact local search rankings, with businesses boasting numerous positive reviews enjoying enhanced visibility.

How do I manage my Google reviews?

Effective management of your Google reviews is important for maintaining a stellar online reputation. Key strategies for managing your Google reviews are:

• Regularly monitor your reviews for valuable insights and customer sentiments.
• Take constructive criticism on board to improve your products and services.
• Respond promptly and professionally to both positive and negative feedback.
• Address negative reviews and solve the issue professionally to boost customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Look out for fake reviews to protect your brand image.

By embracing these tactics, you can demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction and safeguard your online reputation.

How do I get more Google reviews?

Attracting more Google reviews can be achieved through a multi-pronged approach:

• Request reviews from satisfied customers, either in-person or through email campaigns.
• Include strategic calls to action on your website, social media profiles, and marketing materials.
• Leverage incentives, such as discounts or exclusive offers, to encourage reviews.
• Run a text message campaign to request customer feedback. Keep the message short, clear and impactful. Include a direct review link to make it easy for them to leave a review.

By employing these strategies, you can grow positive reviews, boosting your business’s credibility and online presence.

How do I respond to negative Google reviews?

Addressing negative Google reviews requires a discreet and professional approach:

• Respond promptly.
• Remain calm and courteous, resisting the urge to become defensive.
• Acknowledge the customer’s concerns and offer a genuine apology.
• Propose a solution or remedy to rectify the issue and rebuild trust.

By responding empathetically and proactively, you can mitigate the damaging effects of negative reviews and demonstrate your dedication to customer satisfaction.

How can I use Google reviews to improve my local SEO?

Google Reviews can significantly impact your local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) efforts. You can enhance your local search rankings and visibility by effectively managing and optimizing your Google Reviews.

Here are some tips for leveraging Google reviews for your local SEO:

Encourage customers to leave reviews

The more reviews you have, the better it is for your local SEO. Encourage your customers to leave reviews by asking them in person, through email or text, on social media, or via your website. Make it easy for them by providing a direct link to your Google reviews page.

Respond to reviews

Engage with your customers by responding to both positive and negative reviews. This shows that you value their feedback and helps build trust and credibility. Google may also consider review responses in its ranking algorithm.

Maintain a high average rating

A high average rating can positively influence your local search rankings. Strive for excellent customer service and address any issues promptly to ensure customer happiness.

Monitor and analyze your reviews

Regularly check your Google reviews to identify trends, areas of improvement, and customer pain points. This can help refine your products, services, and buyer experience, leading to better reviews and improved local SEO.

Use keywords in your review responses

When responding to reviews, include relevant keywords related to your business, services, or products. This can help Google associate those keywords with your business, potentially boosting your local SEO.

Share positive reviews

Promote positive reviews on your website, social media channels, and other marketing materials to showcase your happy customers and build trust with potential ones. This can indirectly contribute to local SEO by driving more traffic to your website and business listing.