Your online reputation can make or break your success as a business owner. Registering your business with Google is a great way to increase visibility and drive traffic to your website. Still, more than having a presence on Google is needed, as you need to ensure your reputation is positive.
Did you know that 89% of consumers read online reviews before purchasing? According to Trustpilot, most shoppers want to hear from others who have already tried and tested the product or service they’re considering.
You can use several tools to allow customers to leave feedback on their interactions with your business. Social media is a popular option, as is featuring testimonials on your website. Word-of-mouth marketing is also effective, but you can only sometimes rely on it.
What is a Google Review?
A Google Review is a public evaluation and rating of a business, product, or service a customer or user posted on Google. These reviews appear on a company’s Google My Business profile, a free business listing allowing businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including Google Maps and Google Search.
Google Reviews typically include a rating (usually on a five-point scale) and a written review with comments, feedback, and suggestions from customers about their experience with a business. They are visible to anyone who searches for the business or product, providing valuable social proof and feedback for potential customers.
What are the benefits of Google Reviews?
Google Reviews offer several benefits for businesses looking to improve their online reputation. First and foremost, they provide potential customers with social proof, allowing them to read about the experiences of others who have done business with your company.
Positive reviews can help to build trust and credibility with new customers, while negative reviews can offer valuable feedback for improving your products or services.
Google Reviews can also positively impact your local search engine optimization (SEO) efforts, helping your business appear higher in search results and potentially increasing website traffic and sales.
How to deal with unfair reviews?
When dealing with unfair reviews on Google, brands need to tread carefully. While it can be tempting to respond with anger or defensiveness, this can often do more harm than good.
Instead, it’s essential to approach the situation calmly and professionally. Start by acknowledging the customer’s concerns and expressing empathy for their experience. If there are factual inaccuracies in the review, politely correct them.
Avoid getting into a back-and-forth argument with the reviewer, and offer a solution to the problem. It’s also essential to monitor and respond to all positive and negative reviews, as this shows that you value all feedback and are committed to improving your business.
What are Google Review QR codes?
Google Review QR codes are a relatively new technology that allows businesses to quickly and easily share their Google review page with customers. By using QR codes, businesses can make it easy for customers to leave reviews and help spread the word about their products or services.
QR codes can be printed on business cards, flyers, or even stickers that can be placed in public spaces. When scanned, the QR code takes customers to the business’s Google review page, where they can leave a review in just a few clicks.
This technology is a simple and effective way for businesses to boost their online reputation and attract new customers.
How do Google Review QR codes work?
Google Review QR codes use a particular type of barcode that a smartphone camera can scan. These QR codes are generated by linking a business’s Google review page to a specific QR code using a generator tool.
Once the QR code is generated, it can be printed on flyers, posters, or stickers in various locations. When a customer scans the QR code using their smartphone camera, it takes them directly to the business’s Google review page, where they can quickly leave a review or read reviews from other customers.
How to ask customers to leave a Google Review?
There are several ways that brands can ask their customers to leave a review on Google. A straightforward way is to send a follow-up email after a purchase or interaction, thanking the customer for their business and inviting them to leave a review on Google.
Another method is to include a request for a review in the brand’s email signature or on their website. Some brands also incentivize customers to leave a review by offering discounts or other perks for those who take the time to do so or create a customer loyalty program.
It’s important to note that brands should always ask for reviews ethically and never resort to buying fake reviews or engaging in other deceptive practices, as this can ultimately harm their reputation and credibility.
An example of asking a customer for a review
Let’s say you own a local bakery called “Bread Bliss.” One way to ask for a Google review from a customer would be to follow up with them after their visit. You could send them a thank you email or message, expressing how much you appreciated their business and hoping they enjoyed their treats.
In the same message, ask if they would be willing to leave a review on your Google listing and include a direct link to make it easy for them to do so.
Consider placing a small sign near the checkout area or on the table that kindly asks customers to leave a review with a QR code that leads directly to your Google listing or provides a bonus (e.g., a discount or a coupon for leaving a review).
Summing up
Businesses can leverage Google Reviews to enhance their offerings and entice new customers by urging them to leave reviews and responding professionally to all feedback. QR codes can serve as a creative and simple means to share your Google Review page with clients, making it easier for them to review and endorse your business.
As customers continue to rely on the internet for researching products and services, Google Reviews will remain a critical aspect of a company’s online reputation. With the rise of mobile devices and the simplicity of leaving reviews on the go, we can anticipate a surge in the number of reviews posted on Google in the years ahead.
