Do you want to be more proactive with Google reviews?
Google reviews can be a point of frustration for brands, but in general people are quicker to leave a negative review than take the time to write a positive one. That’s why it’s important to encourage clients that have had great experiences with you to leave a review. The best way to do this is just to ask them.
Brands should always be encouraged to respond to reviews, whether negative or positive. Reaching out and making the process easier for clients that have had a positive experience can create a raft of good Google reviews for your business listing.
How do you leave a Google review?
It’s pretty simple, but requires a few steps on behalf of the reviewer.
Method 1
Step 1 – Search for the brand on Google. Just type the brand name, not the url. So say we were looking for the Great Bread Co. We would type ‘Great Bread Co’ in the search bar, not the url (which would be greatbreadco.com). This will bring up organic results on the left hand side, and on the right the pane that gives the brand details, and map listing.
Step 2 – Scroll down and click on the button that says “write a review”. You will have to be signed in to your Google account to leave a review.
Easy enough… but rather long-winded for a client to take the time to leave a positive review.
Method 2
Step 1 – Complete step 1 as above, and copy the URL in the address bar and send it to the client. Easy enough, but it is generally a very complicated address. Because of this, even though it’s just a click, it can look off-putting.
Method 3
We like this method, as it provides a short unique URL that the client can have more faith in.
Step 1 – Go to the Place ID Finder tool here.
Step 2 – Type in your brand or company name into the search bar. This will generate a Place ID that looks like this:
lcdc.co
Place ID: ChIJv-Q4wiGuEmsRXaT26WjD2Nk
Now simply add your Place ID to this address:
https://search.google.com/local/writereview?placeid=Add Place ID Here
Now you have a nice, neat link that will take clients directly to the review panel.
A few things to note
Firstly your brand or business has to be listed on Google Maps, otherwise you won’t have a Place ID.
Secondly, compose a short but unique email to your client, thanking them for their custom and letting them know how important these reviews are for your business.