Maximizing Your Impact: A Guide to Getting More Google


TABLE OF CONTENTS


Google Business Profile Reviews

Google reviews are a cornerstone of your online reputation and a powerful driver for local SEO. They not only influence how high you rank in local search results but also significantly impact a potential customer's decision to choose your business. This guide will walk you through why reviews are crucial and how to effectively encourage your customers to share their experiences.


Why Google Reviews Are Crucial for Your Business

Beyond the SEO boost, Google reviews offer several key benefits:

  • Increased Trust and Credibility: Positive reviews act as social proof, building confidence in your brand for potential customers.

  • Higher Search Rankings (SEO): As you've noted, a steady stream of positive reviews is a significant ranking factor for Google. More (and better) reviews can help you appear higher in local pack results and on Google Maps.

  • Informed Customer Decisions: Many consumers read reviews before making purchasing decisions. Your reviews can be the deciding factor.

  • Valuable Feedback: Reviews provide direct insight into what you're doing well and where you can improve.

  • Improved Click-Through Rates: Businesses with higher review scores and more reviews often see more clicks from Google search results to their profile or website.


Strategies for Getting More Google Reviews

We've found that one of the best ways to increase your search rankings (SEO) is by getting more reviews. This can be done either actively or passively.


Active Methods: Directly Asking for Feedback

  1. Ask In Person (Every Interaction):

    • At the Point of Sale/Service: Make it a habit to ask satisfied customers to leave a review as they complete their purchase or service. For example, "We're so glad you're happy with your new [product/service]! If you have a moment, we'd love it if you could share your experience on Google."

    • During General Interactions: Even if someone is just browsing or inquiring, if you've had a positive interaction, you can say, "Thanks for stopping by today! We're always trying to improve. If you have a moment later, we'd appreciate you leaving us a review on Google about your experience in our store."

    • Train Your Team: Ensure all customer-facing staff understand the importance of reviews and are comfortable asking. Provide them with simple, polite phrasing.

  2. Follow Up with Recent Purchasers (Call/Email):

    • Contact customers shortly after their purchase (e.g., within a few days to a week) while their experience is still fresh.

    • Use the email template provided at the end of this article, or a similar script for phone calls.

  3. Reach Out to Past Customers:

    • Don't forget about customers who purchased from you weeks or months ago, especially if you know they had a positive experience.

    • Send a polite follow-up email: "Hi [Customer Name], We hope you're still enjoying your [Product/Service] purchased on [Date/Approximate Timeframe]. We're always looking for feedback and would be grateful if you could share your thoughts in a Google review. Here's the link: [Your Review Link]."

Passive Methods: Making it Easy for Customers to Review You

  1. In-Store Signage with QR Codes:

    • Prominent Placement: Display laminated signs or stickers in high-traffic areas (e.g., checkout counter, waiting area, near popular products).

    • Clear Call to Action: Use inviting language like:

      • "Leave us a Five Star Review!"

      • "Share How We're Doing on Google!"

      • "Scan to Review Us!"

      • "Your Feedback Matters! Review Us on Google."

    • QR Code: Include the QR code that links directly to your Google review page (instructions to get this are below). (Your attached QR code would be referenced here).

  2. Email Signatures:

  3. Social Media:

    • Occasionally share a post inviting followers to leave a review, including the direct link.

  4. On Receipts or Invoices:

    • Print your review link or QR code on customer receipts or invoices.


The Power of Pictures: Encourage Photo Reviews

Reviews with photos are incredibly valuable! They help you in many ways including:

  • Authenticity: Photos provide visual proof of a customer's experience or product.

  • Engagement: Visual content is more eye-catching and engaging.

  • Showcasing Products/Services: Customers can see your products in real-world use or the results of your services.

  • Building Trust: They help potential customers visualize their own positive experience.

How to Encourage Photo Reviews: When asking for a review, you can add a gentle suggestion:

  • "If you have a photo of your new [product] or our work, we'd love for you to share it with your review!"

  • "Feel free to add a picture to your review – it really helps others see what we do!"


Making it easy for customers is key. Here’s how to find your direct review link and QR code:

  1. Find your Google Business Profile. (If you need help getting there, check out our guide: Google Business Profile - Getting Started

  2. On your profile management page, look for a button or section labeled "Ask for reviews". Click on it.

  3. A pop-up window will appear. Here you can:

    • Copy your Review Link: This is a direct URL you can share.

    • Download your QR Code: Save the image to print on your signs or other materials.


Email Template for Recent Customers

Subject: How Was Your Experience with [Your Business Name]? We’d Love Your Feedback!

Body:

Hi [Customer’s Name],

Thank you for your recent visit/purchase at [Your Business Name]! We hope you’re enjoying your [Product/Service Name, e.g., "new shed," "new Utility Shed", "new Cabin"].

Your feedback is incredibly valuable and helps us continue to improve and serve customers like you better. Could you take a moment to share your experience by leaving us a quick review on Google? It only takes a minute, and we’d really appreciate it!

[YOUR REVIEW LINK HERE]

If you have a photo of your [product/our work] that you'd be willing to share with your review, that would be fantastic too!

Thank you for being a valued customer!

Best,

[DEALER NAME]

[BUSINESS NAME] 

[ADDRESS]

[CITY, STATE ZIP]

[PHONE]


Important Considerations & Best Practices

  • Respond to ALL Reviews: Take the time to reply to both positive and negative reviews. Thank reviewers for their feedback. For positive reviews, a simple "Thanks so much for your kind words!" works. For negative reviews, respond professionally, acknowledge their concerns, and offer to take the conversation offline to resolve the issue. This shows you care and are actively managing your reputation.

  • Don't Incentivize Reviews (with specific rewards for reviews): Google's policy prohibits offering money or products in exchange for reviews. Focus on asking for genuine feedback. You can run contests or giveaways where entry isn't tied to leaving a review.

  • Make it Easy: The fewer clicks it takes, the more likely customers are to leave a review. Always use the direct review link.

  • Consistency is Key: Make asking for reviews a regular part of your customer interaction process.

  • Never Buy Fake Reviews: This can lead to penalties from Google and damage your credibility.


By implementing these strategies, you can significantly increase the number of valuable reviews for your Google Business Profile, boosting your online presence and attracting more customers.