Google My Business Reviews – A Simple Guide

More than 60% of customers check Google reviews online before they visit a business or consider using their services.

In all probability reviews are one of the most important parts of your listing, but one you ultimately have little control over. What you do have control over is when you ask, how you ask & what you do with a review.

Think of the last time you searched for a service. How much did the number of reviews, the rating and the content of the reviews effect your decision?

This simple guide will help you get your review acquiring machine started.

How Google reviews affect your business online?

“They raise the profile of your business online. People are more likely to visit your website or your business if they see good reviews. They are beneficial for search engine optimization.” Forbes.com

They also have the following benefits:

They affect the ranking of your business listing in local search.
They add to your online reputation
They help to let your business stand out from your competitors.
They improve the CTR (Click Through Rate) of your listing, which means Google will notice and push you further up the search results.

When should you ask for a review?

First off. Ask once. And ask when your client is at their happiest with your service. IF it is a client that you have an exceptional relationship with, you could remind them. Once.

Barring that and assuming you missed that opportunity, ask as soon as possible after you have delivered your service or product.

It goes without saying that bothering people at dinner, too early in the morning, or on weekends will not work in your favour.

How should you ask for a review?

You can ask for reviews in many different ways. In person face to face, via a phone call, via Whatsapp, SMS or email.

For South African Businesses and first time clients, Whatsapp would be your best platform. We get bombarded with emails, SMS…who reads those? And if you ask in person, the client needs to go find your business online before they can review you. Which adds another hurdle. Assuming that they will remember do do it off course.

If it is a long standing client, perhaps a direct phone call to let them know you need a review will be a stronger approach. You can then either email or Whatsapp them the link with an appropriate message.

How do I word the request for a review?

Be direct, but not pushy about it.
No-one wants to read a half a screen of text.
Make it personal (Hi Mike….)
Remind them of the service you provided.
Tell them how it will benefit you (Your review will help us at *business name* reach more customers and help us grow)
Provide the review link – check the video at the bottom of the post on how to get it.
Assure them that you appreciate their review.

Here is an example for a Whatsapp message:

“Hi there Matt, we hope you enjoy all the sales leads your new website will provide you. By doing a review for us we will be able to make more people aware of our website building services. You can click here *insert link* and it will directly to the review section. We know time is precious and we appreciate yours. Thank you!”

Spend some time formulating a couple of approaches. You can test which work better and if you understand your customers you would know which style suits them best,

When you get a review:

When you received a review answer the review on Google. Especially if its a bad review!
Send a message to your client to thank him for the review.
Share your new review on social media or other platforms.

Make your life easier.

As suggested in the video, make a copy of your “template” and the review link somewhere to get it to quickly. It cuts down on procrastination & spending time duplicating tasks.

Some final thoughts on reviews.

Clients will not always do a review for you. No matter how well you performed or asked.
Don’t stop asking for reviews if the first 10 do not comply. Never stop asking.
Never be tempted to buy reviews. If your Google Listing gets suspended for it, you will not be able to get it back.

Thank you for reading. Google My Business is an essential & powerful tool. Make sure you get out of it what you can!