Claim Your Google Business Listing
Since approximately 70% of all searches occur through Google, claiming and verifying your business listing is foundational. The process involves:
- Creating a Google account for your business at google.com/business
- Completing your business information
- Receiving verification (typically via postcard with a verification code)
- Updating your listing with location, hours, contact info, and high-resolution photos
- Linking it to your website
With an active, verified listing, you can receive and respond to reviews.
The Value of Google Reviews
Key statistics:
- 91% of consumers aged 18-34 trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations
- As few as five reviews can increase sales chances by 270%
- A minimum goal of 40 reviews provides greater confidence than perfect 5-star ratings
- 77% of consumers consider reviews older than three months less relevant
Google Reviews Increase Your Google Ranking
Google's search results aren't alphabetical -- they're ranked partly by the number of positive reviews. Without reviews, businesses appear lower in search listings and are less discoverable.
Google Reviews Are Highly Trusted
Google protects its review system from fraud and tampering. The platform prohibits incentivizing positive reviews, and paying for reviews is illegal. Google encourages businesses to respond to all reviews -- positive and negative -- with even simple thank-yous being better than silence.
Feedback Offers Direction for Improvements
Customer feedback, especially specific comments mentioning employees or experiences, provides valuable business insights. While post-review gifts or small discounts are acceptable, offering incentives before customers write reviews violates platform policies.
3 Steps to Gain More Google Reviews
1. Ask Your Customer for Google Reviews
Over 68% of customers leave reviews after being asked. Effective requests should:
- Be friendly and non-intimidating
- Communicate the value placed on feedback
- Personalize with the customer's name and mention specific interactions
- Express genuine appreciation
Requesting reviews from all customers -- not just satisfied ones -- helps maintain authenticity.
2. Simplify the Review Process
Don't assume customers know how to leave reviews. Instead:
- Copy your Google My Business short link into text or email messages
- Search your business on Google or Google Maps, click Reviews, then "Write Review" and copy the URL
- Use bit.ly or similar tools to shorten lengthy URLs
- Provide specific prompts about what to review
- Send one reminder if there's no initial response
- Request reviews again after subsequent appointments or purchases
3. A Little Peer Pressure Never Hurts
Share your Google reviews on social media and encourage followers to add their own, boosting both visibility and review numbers.
How to Respond to Positive and Negative Reviews
Research demonstrates that customers are more likely to write reviews for businesses that respond to others' reviews. Best practices include:
- Responding promptly to all reviews (Google rewards responsiveness with improved rankings)
- Always beginning with gratitude
- Remaining courteous, not defensive, in negative review responses
- Noting if issues mentioned in poor reviews have been corrected
- Contacting reviewers directly when possible
- Asking negative reviewers to contact you privately to resolve issues discreetly
- Requesting customers update reviews if issues were resolved
Using Google Reviews in Your Marketing Strategy
Reviews increase conversion rates by 190% or more, with especially significant impact on higher-priced purchases. Screenshots of star ratings can be repurposed across social media, emails, and blog posts. When customers post reviews, they typically read existing reviews, reinforcing positive perceptions.