If you’re working on improving your local SEO, you may be wondering what the best way to get more reviews is. After all, managing your reviews is one of the best ways to increase your local SEO rankings, according to Google.
As a full-service digital marketing agency, our digital marketing specialists at Auxilium Technology have helped dozens of clients improve their local SEO rankings and collect more GBP reviews. Let us show you some of the most effective ways to gain more reviews.
Have Your Staff Ask Clients for Reviews After Their Purchase
You know what they say: ask and you shall receive. The easiest way to get more reviews is also the most straightforward way. You’d be surprised how many customers would be happy to leave a positive review if simply asked kindly. Train your staff to gently ask clients for a review after they’ve had a positive experience. You’ll be surprised how many will be willing to help!
Use Review Management Tools Like Birdeye
Review management tools can help you send automated emails to customers who you know have had a positive experience. BirdEye is a great tool that will let you send customized emails as well as automated reminders to your customers.
Have a Tablet or Computer On-Site for Reviews
Another great tactic to gain valuable reviews is to have a dedicated tablet or computer readily available for customers to leave reviews on. Although this may sound a little drastic, consider the possible benefits of getting your business in the local pack when weighing whether or not to invest a couple hundred dollars on a handy tablet.
Include a QR Code on Your Business Card
If you have a business where you’re handing out business cards to clients, you should definitely add a QR code in the back that links to your review page. Your clients will very likely see the QR code, which may give them a gentle nudge to leave a review.
Include a Review Link on Your Website
Many businesses fail to add a review link on their website. If your site is already getting traffic, why not prompt your users to review you? Again, you’d be surprised with how willing customers are to help out a business with a quick review, especially after they’ve had a great experience.
What Not to Do When Asking for Reviews
On the flip side, we’ve seen many catastrophic mistakes businesses make when asking for reviews. Here are a few things you should avoid doing at all costs:
- Avoid asking for a positive review. People are willing to give out positive reviews, but they hate feeling coerced into leaving a 5-star review. Let your product or service speak for itself and simply ask your customers for a genuine review.
- Asking clients for reviews on multiple sites. Unless you have a specific reason to do otherwise, you should only request reviews on your Google Business Profile. The payoff is the highest there, so you should try to refrain from asking for reviews on other sites.
- Do not argue with negative reviews. Although it can be tempting, you should never argue with someone in a public forum on the internet!
If you’d like help with managing your Google Business Profile reviews, give us a call at 301-519-9622. Our digital marketing specialists would be happy to discuss our digital marketing options with you.
