According to a survey, the top SEO experts have shared shocking information about the importance and value of Google reviews for local business owners. Google reviews are currently the second most significant element in the Local 3-Pack rankings! You might be wondering what Local 3-Pack actually is. What happens when you search for "coffee shops close to you"? Google gives you an overview of the top 3 results. These results are linked to Google Maps. The one you use the most often on a regular, or even daily basis. It's called Local 3-Pack. Having lots of positive reviews can help you rank higher in those results, which is incredibly valuable for your business! These leads are completely free and you do not have to pay Google per click.
Don't Let the Haters Go
The thing to remember about Google reviews: they can happen to great businesses. While you can mitigate the risk by providing excellent customer service, there's always one client you aren't able to satisfy. Luckily, having a steady stream of reviews can reduce the negative impact that bad reviews will have on your reputation online in two ways:
It's just an average. The better ones more powerful, the more impact of the bad ones!
The most recent reviews are listed first. With each review the poor ones are moved further down the list towards an ever-increasing oblivion.
Social evidence
If people are in search of local services or products, they go to Google. Google reviews are a great tool to help you make your company the most suitable decision. Take a look at it this way: you are more likely to believe a business if you have heard (or read!) positive things from other customers. Customers often rely on reviews to decide in relation to larger purchases. When a potential customer is looking for the service you provide, having a large number of positive reviews sets you apart from your competitors! According to Search Engine Land, a significant numeric Google rating (between 4 to five) is the number one factor for increasing conversions from Google My Business.
How to manage Google Reviews
Let's talk about the ways we can create Google reviews become a reality. It's really pretty simple, luckily. It's all it takes is a bit of patience and consistency. This post assumes that you've claimed your business listing within Google My Business (that's where the reviews are housed and controlled). We can assist you in this area.
Step One: Request Reviews
Ask for a review in your regular operating procedures. This can be done in order to follow up on a project or sale. Google lets you solicit reviews by offering an easy copy-and-paste URL you can forward to your clients to take them straight to your review section. There's a guide on the best way to find it. Be sure not to offer incentives to your customers for leaving a review; it violates Google's conditions of service (and we would not want to violate them! ).
Step Two: Respond to All Reviews
You can you can respond to every single one of them, both good and bad. This not only makes you seem more credible to prospective customers, but it can also signal to Google that your page is managed well and will improve your ranking in search results. This topic is covered in our blog post. (We are full of useful information, don't you think?)
In the end, having a large number of Google reviews on your website can be a fantastic way to ensure that new customers can be discovered. If your budget for marketing and time aren't enough, you can still do this in-house. It can yield amazing results for your small business.