Let’s cut to the chase: reviews aren’t just nice to have anymore. They’re a massive piece of the Google rankings game, and potential customers expect to see reviews before committing to a purchase. Getting those reviews can be challenging, but don’t worry—we’ve got some tips to help.
Why Reviews Are Critical for Online Success
Google’s ranking algorithm is heavily influenced by reviews. High ratings combined with a solid number of reviews tell Google—and potential customers—that your business is legitimate, reliable, and relevant. So, what’s the “right” number of reviews? The answer is simple: “at least one more than your next-highest competitor.” Of course, this assumes a similar star rating. And as we all know, “simple” doesn’t always mean “easy.”
Whatever you do, don’t fake it. Buying reviews or posting fake ones might seem like a quick fix, but Google can spot this behavior from a mile away. The result? Your listing gets suspended. It’s just not worth the risk.
Why Reviews Matter to Your Customers
It’s not just about algorithms. Reviews are crucial for earning the trust of potential customers. Think about your own habits—when was the last time you booked a service or bought a product without checking the reviews first? In today’s world, where we trust strangers on the internet to guide us in choosing products and services, reviews are a lifeline.
Reviews provide customers with proof of your expertise, reliability, and customer service. They’re a critical part of the decision-making process. While no one is likely to read every single review, they will skim a few—and they’ll definitely consider your star rating. After all, would you eat at a restaurant with a 1-star rating? Would you hire someone to work on your home if they had a 2.3-star rating, and 6 out of their 10 most recent reviews were detailed, angry rants? Probably not.
The Biggest Mistake Business Owners Make
Too often, business owners only start focusing on reviews after receiving a 1-star review. This usually leads to a frantic scramble to gather a few good reviews to “fix” the problem. This reactive approach can tempt you to cut corners—like buying reviews—which, as mentioned, is a terrible idea.
Instead, make reviews part of your everyday process. By consistently gathering positive reviews, you’ll build a cushion of trust. This way, when you inevitably encounter a completely unreasonable customer trying to tank your star rating, it won’t have nearly as much impact.
How to Get Those Sweet, Sweet Reviews
Here are some proven ways to consistently collect reviews:
1. Ask Every Customer, Every Time
After finishing a job, casually ask the customer for a review. Something as simple as, “If you were happy with our work today, we’d really appreciate a quick review!” can work wonders.
Want to sweeten the deal? Offer a small discount if they leave a review on the spot. Customers are far more likely to leave a review while their experience is fresh than if you follow up days later.
2. Make It Easy with a Short Link
Follow up after every job with a direct link to your Google Business Profile review page. Simplify things even further by using a shortened link from a service like bitly.com or tiny.cc. When leaving a review is easy, people are more likely to follow through.
3. Automate with Tools
Services like ReviewStream make the process effortless. Simply upload your customer list, and the tool sends friendly, automated reminders to leave a review. Pro tip: If you sign up for ReviewStream in December 2024, you’ll save 50%! (Yes, that’s a shameless plug, but who doesn’t love a good deal?) Whether you use our service or a similar one, the key is automation—it works for you every day without any extra effort.
4. Don’t Forget Vendors
You don’t have to rely solely on customers for reviews. Vendors and partners you work with can also leave reviews. They may not have purchased your product or service, but they’ve interacted with your business and can validly share their experience. Since they also understand the importance of reviews, they’re often happy to return the favor.
Final Thoughts
Reviews are the backbone of your online reputation. They’re not just about pleasing Google—they’re about building trust with potential customers. By making review collection part of your daily operations, you’ll set your business up for long-term success.
And when that one-star review eventually shows up, you’ll be ready. A strong base of positive reviews will ensure that one unhappy customer doesn’t define your reputation. Keep building those reviews, and watch your business thrive!
