Happy customers can do wonders for your small business. Five-star Google reviews can boost your rankings, improve click-through rates, and attract more consumers. Best of all, it costs nothing to grow your business on Google.
However, mastering search engine optimization (or SEO for short) is not easy. Follow these 10 steps to get to the top of the search results. Once you’ve caught a customer’s attention, it’s time to encourage them to leave a good review.
After all, most buyers won’t give much weight to what you have to say about your business. They want to know what people like them are saying. Fortunately, the SEO experts at Rock The Rankings shared their insider strategies you can use to get more Google reviews.
1. Promote your business on Google by asking for reviews
That’s right: the first thing you need to do is use your words. Contact your customers and ask them if they would be willing to leave a review.
Of course, it might feel a little awkward at first. If you’re holding back because of nervousness, try to imagine the best case scenario:
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Let’s say a customer loves your product and is very satisfied. But most people live busy lives. It might not occur to them to leave a review.When this customer sees your review request, they’ll be happy to help!
Conclusion: It never hurts to reach out and ask for help. Even if some customers ignore the request, they will understand that it is necessary for your business. If you’re lucky, happy shoppers will hear your plea and tell the world how much they love your small business.
2. You can even track
This requires a delicate balancing act. While you don’t want to annoy customers, you also want to make sure they’ve seen your first request. After all, over 6 billion text messages are sent every day, according to the Vermont State Office of Highway Safety.
In addition to this, an astronomical amount of emails are sent worldwide every day. Statista data found it around 319.6 billion emails were sent and received daily in 2021. Think about how many emails and texts are piling up on people’s devices.
Your request may have been swept away by the tsunami of digital communication. Don’t worry about upsetting your customers. Send a short and sweet follow-up message to remind them how much you’d appreciate a review. After that, try one of the strategies below.
RELATED: 5 free resources to grow your business
3. Make reviews automatic
Here is a different tactic. Instead of texting or emailing your customers after a sale, show them a review option right after the transaction is complete. Many websites will ask customers for reviews directly after they buy something.
Of course, some buyers will prefer to leave a review after they have had time to use the product or service. But this strategy is worth trying. It is especially effective if you add a widget to your website.
🏃 💨 Two steps you should take as soon as possible
👉 First, verify your business profile on Google. This way, it will appear in Maps, Search and other Google apps.
✔️ Next, make it easy for customers to leave reviews. Just create and share a link on your website. Follow these steps to find your link:
First, go to your business profile on Google. Here’s how to find it.Then select Clients > reviews > Get more feedback.Share the link with your customers directly or use the sharing options provided.
✍️ After that, you can use your Google My Business review link. This makes it easy for customers to leave reviews.
There are many things you can do once you have this link. Add it to your website as a widget or insert it into receipts, thank you emails, chat messages and more.
4. Use QR codes
According to Justin Berg, the founder of Rock The Rankings, you shouldn’t underestimate the value of QR codes. You can easily send people to your Google My Business review link with a simple symbol. Print them on receipts so customers can leave a review without any hassle.
All a customer has to do is hover their smartphone camera over the code. They are then directed to a Google reviews page. Tap or click here to learn how to create your own custom QR codes.
5. Respond to comments
People like to know that their efforts are appreciated. Show your customers you care by thanking them for leaving a review. Engaging with customers shows that you care about their experiences, good or bad.
This also encourages other buyers to leave reviews. If they know you’re likely to respond, they’ll feel more incentivized to engage with you.
BONUS: Every small business owner needs this
Poor visibility can crush your business. Instead of relying on spreadsheets and outdated financial software, you need a program that shows the whole picture. Follow in Kim’s footsteps and switch to our sponsor, Oracle’s NetSuite.
Gain visibility and control over your finances, inventory, HR, planning, budgeting and more. With NetSuite, you can automate your processes and close your books in no time, staying way ahead of the competition. Approximately 93% of companies surveyed increased their visibility and control after upgrading to NetSuite. More than 31,000 companies already use NetSuite.
NetSuite has a new financing program for those ready to upgrade! Head to NetSuite.com/KIM for this special, one-of-a-kind financing offer on the #1 financial system for growing businesses.
Now that you know how to promote your business on Google, check out these tips
The best ways to make more money as a small business owner
Three small business tips that will save you time and money
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