As a small local business, it’s essential that you grow your online presence to reach new customers. That’s why local SEO is crucial. One of the key components to increasing your visibility is customer reviews on Google. By encouraging feedback from your customers, you are able to maximize your chances of showing up in more organic search results.
What are Google reviews and why it matters to your business
Google reviews influence how high your business ranks in search results Of course, they also help prospective customers form an opinion about your business. As a business owner/manager, it’s important to actively manage your Google reviews.
How customer feedback affects local search engine optimization (SEO)
Customer reviews help build trust with potential customers and boost your ranking in local search results. Reviews also give you valuable insights into understanding what makes customers want to visit your business. Recent (< than 3 months old), positive reviews are necessary for local SEO success – ensuring that potential customers find and choose your business above all others.
The importance of responding to reviews
Responding to reviews is an important part of online reputation management. Not only can it help potential customers form a positive opinion of you, but it also helps your business get noticed in local search results. Taking the time to show appreciation for positive reviews and address any negative feedback can make all the difference when it comes to showing potential customers that you care about their experience with your company.
Tips for getting more Google reviews
In order to increase the visibility of your business, it is essential to increase your number of Google reviews. To start, make sure that you encourage customers to leave reviews. Implement a review request system directly in your workflow so that requests become habitual rather than occasional—email reminders right after a customer has purchased from your business is a great place to start.
How you can use customer reviews to your advantage
Reviews help customers to form an opinion of your business before ever stepping foot through the door — and this is particularly important for those searching for local businesses. Having a substantial amount of positive reviews helps you stand out from the competition, and builds trust with potential customers. Responding quickly to customer feedback (positive, natural or negative) shows that you care about the customer experience. Proactively managing your online reputation will help you get more customers.
Generate more Google reviews for your business
Google reviews make it easier for customers to find and choose your business. Responding to reviews also adds an additional level of customer service to your brand, increasing loyalty and trust with customers.
Start by following these tips: ensuring all information is up-to-date on your Google Business Profile, ask your customers to review their experience, and train your staff on how to properly respond to customer feedback.
Using a review management service, like ReviewThread offers, can automate the process of generating/managing reviews. To get started, take advantage of ReviewThread’s free trial and begin generating more reviews in no time. Don’t miss out on this opportunity; get more Google reviews today!
