That’s where Broadly can help your business. With Broadly, businesses can streamline the process, gather feedback, and respond promptly to reviews, ensuring they shine brightly in the vast sea of online opinions.

Are you curious about what review websites you should consider using to promote your local service business? Then keep reading as we take a look at some of the best review websites you should be using get your business seen.

The Power of Online Reviews

Online reviews wield incredible power over both consumer behavior and business reputations. They act as comments, digital stamps of approval, and warning signs to stay away.

Reviews are so important that a whopping 95% of consumers read online reviews before even thinking about making a purchase, and 49% trust them as much as personal recommendations! This shows just how important online reviews are in managing the success of your business—even a one-star difference in rating could sway your business’ revenue!

Positive reviews build trust and credibility, while negative ones can tarnish a reputation quicker than you can say “refund.” With opinions easily reachable with just a click, businesses need to stay on top of online reviews to truly thrive in the marketplace.

Top Review Websites Every Small Business Should Know

Trying to decide what review website your business will get the most reach on? Each has its own unique selling point, and depending on the service your business provides, some will work better than others. You don’t need a presence on every site, but here’s a list of some of the major players:

Google Business Profile (GBP)

As one of the most widely used search engines, Google can be a powerhouse for businesses. What’s great about Google is that it’s not just a search engine; Google Business Profile provides a platform for companies to manage their online presence, including reviews.

If you really want to succeed, you can use GBP to keep your business information up to date, increase your web traffic, and engage with customers online. GBP is a powerhouse review site, as it influences local search rankings and showcases information like hours, contact details, and photos that any potential customer would want to know.

If you own a restaurant, then having a GBP could be the difference between customers stopping in for a meal or going to a local fast food restaurant. Make sure you have your menu and photos of your food on your profile to show patrons exactly what they’ll get when they come in for dinner.

Facebook

With over two billion active users, Facebook is the #1 social networking site in the world. But it’s not just for social networking; its review feature allows businesses to build trust and engagement with their audience through posts, comments, recommendations, and ads.

Facebook’s review feature is a little different than, say, GBP. Reviews can only be left by registered users, and rather than giving a company a star rating of one to five, clients are asked, “Do you recommend this business?” After choosing yes or no, users can include comments and photos.

Yelp

Yelp is synonymous with online reviews and is great for local, organic search—it’s so great that Bing and Yahoo have gotten rid of their own review features and integrated Yelp into their platforms.

It’s an easy-to-use, go-to review website for consumers seeking opinions on restaurants, local services, and more. It has no character minimum but has a max of 5,000 characters. It also gives users 30 days to change their review.

Yelp’s review system, complete with ratings and detailed feedback, can be a great place for businesses in the hospitality and service industries to make themselves known. It also has strict policies in place to ensure the reviews are authentic and accurately reflect the customer’s experience.

It’s the perfect platform for businesses that require reservations or appointments because it has a booking feature that can be incorporated into your Yelp page. You can also set up an advertising campaign to help boost listings to the top of search results marked as “Sponsored Results.”

Trustpilot

Trustpilot is known for its focus on consumer trust and transparency—bonus: it’s free for users and businesses to use. When a customer completes a transaction with a business, they are invited to leave a review that comes with instructions on the review process.

Trustpilot’s emphasis on verified reviews and ratings makes it valuable for e-commerce businesses looking to build trust with potential customers.

Angi

Formerly known as Angie’s List, Angi is a trusted review website for home service providers. It’s a go-to resource for homeowners looking for reputable contractors, plumbers, and other service providers. Angi’s subscription-based model ensures that businesses listed on the platform are serious about maintaining quality and customer satisfaction. 

Better Business Bureau (BBB)

The BBB has been a symbol of trust and integrity for decades. It’s a non-profit organization that aims to advance marketplace trust by accrediting businesses and providing consumer education. BBB ratings and reviews help businesses establish credibility and demonstrate their commitment to ethical practices. 

Business owners who want to have a listing on the BBB need to apply for it. Once the listing is created, owners can claim it and add more information to it. BBB accredits businesses that meet their standard practices and gives them a rating on a scale from A to F.

On a BBB page, anyone can post a review and rate a business from one to five stars. The page also displays a complete record of past complaints and their resolution status, which can impact the business’s accreditation status. 

Foursquare

Foursquare combines social networking with location-based services, making it a unique review website for businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors. While any user can create a listing, only business owners can claim these listings to become authorized page managers. Chain establishments also have the option to manage their locations individually or as one brand.

Users can leave tips, recommendations, and reviews, providing valuable insights for businesses aiming to attract local customers.

Merchant Circle

Merchant Circle is a platform specifically designed for small businesses looking to connect with their local communities, with the option to privately message a business instead of posting a public review. Potential customers can also use it to find the best local option based on price. It offers features like business listings, reviews, and marketing tools tailored to help small businesses thrive in their neighborhoods.

MerchantCircle provides paid marketing features, analytics, and the ability to claim listings across other web listings for uniform search results.

Superpages

Superpages is an online directory that helps users find local businesses and services by organizing search results by relevance, ratings, or distance and then categorizing them by specialty. With its review feature, businesses can showcase their online reputation and reliability to potential customers searching for products or services in their area.

Manta

Manta is a platform that focuses on promoting small businesses and helping them grow—its slogan is even “The Place for Small Businesses.” Businesses can create and personalize their listings for free. Manta also offers paid marketing features, including running ads on Manta, website design services, and claiming listings across the web.

PlanetRate

PlanetRate is a global review platform that covers a wide range of businesses and services—if you can’t find your industry, they’ll even create a category to get your business listed. Its diverse user base and comprehensive review system make it valuable for businesses looking to reach a global audience and receive feedback from customers worldwide.

PlanetRate has set up specific filters to help consumers find exactly what they are looking for. The customer reviews also assist the consumers in their search as they provide specific criteria ratings such as affordability and the cleanliness of facilities.

DealerRater

DealerRater is a specialized review website for the automotive industry and has coined itself the “gold standard.” It allows customers to share their experiences with car dealerships, helping other car buyers make informed decisions.

Their review feature lets anyone leave a review as long as they’re not employed or affiliated with the business currently or in the last 5 years. Consumers can leave a star rating, select an employee, and indicate what department their feedback is for.

It also lets dealers auto-filter monitor content and eliminate spam, and even report reviews that go against guidelines. It will also notify you if you’ve received a negative review so you can take action right away.

Thumbtack

Thumbtack is a review site that connects customers with local professionals for various services, from home improvement to event planning. Its review system helps businesses showcase their expertise and reliability, making it easier for customers to find and hire them.

HomeAdvisor

HomeAdvisor is a great platform for home service professionals, connecting homeowners with contractors, plumbers, and other service providers. Its review feature allows homeowners to share their experiences and help others find trustworthy professionals for their projects.

Healthgrades

Healthgrades is a trusted resource for finding healthcare providers and facilities. Its review system allows patients to share feedback about their experiences with doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare professionals, helping others make informed decisions about their care.

Avvo

Avvo is a review website specifically designed for the legal industry. It provides listings of lawyers and legal professionals, along with reviews and ratings from clients. Avvo’s comprehensive profiles and peer endorsements help individuals find the right legal representation for their needs.

Houzz

Houzz is a popular platform for home design and remodeling enthusiasts. Its review feature allows homeowners to share feedback about architects, interior designers, and contractors, helping others find professionals for their home improvement projects.

RateMDs

RateMDs is a review website focused on healthcare providers, including doctors, dentists, and specialists. Patients can leave ratings and reviews based on their experiences, helping others find high-quality medical care.

Zocdoc

Zocdoc is a platform that simplifies the process of finding and booking appointments with healthcare providers. Its review feature allows patients to share feedback about their experiences, making it easier for others to find and choose the right provider for their needs.

Care.com

Care.com is a platform for finding caregivers for children, seniors, pets, and more. Its review system allows families to share their experiences with caregivers, helping others find trustworthy and reliable help for their loved ones.

Vitals

Vitals is a comprehensive platform for finding and researching healthcare providers. Its review feature allows patients to share feedback about their experiences with doctors, dentists, and other healthcare professionals, helping others make informed decisions about their care.

HomeStars

HomeStars is a platform that connects homeowners with home service professionals, including contractors, plumbers, and electricians. Its review system helps homeowners find trusted professionals for their home improvement projects based on real customer experiences.

Porch

Porch is a platform that helps homeowners find and connect with home service professionals. Its review feature allows homeowners to share feedback about their experiences with contractors, making it easier for others to find reliable help for their projects.

The Challenges of Managing Multiple Review Sites

Monitoring and responding to reviews across different review websites can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive task for small business owners. With the multitude of review sites available, from Google Business Profile to Yelp to Facebook, keeping track of feedback requires constant attention.

Not only do you have to read the reviews, but you also need to craft thoughtful responses that show appreciation for positive feedback and address concerns raised in negative reviews. This means spending a lot of time and effort just to maintain a positive online reputation.

Simplifying Your Online Reputation Management with Broadly

Broadly offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed to streamline the review management process for businesses of all sizes. With its intuitive platform, businesses can effortlessly gather and manage customer feedback across various review platforms.

One of Broadly’s standout features is its ability to automate review responses, saving businesses valuable time and ensuring prompt engagement with customers. Through customizable response templates, businesses can maintain a consistent voice while addressing feedback, whether it’s a glowing review or constructive criticism.

Additionally, Broadly simplifies the task of collecting feedback from multiple review sites into a single dashboard, giving businesses a centralized hub for monitoring their online reputation. This collecting process not only saves time but also provides a holistic view of customer sentiment, which allows businesses to identify trends and areas for improvement more effectively.

Broadly’s tools go beyond review management to enhance businesses’ overall online visibility. By collecting and showcasing positive reviews, businesses can build trust and credibility with potential customers. Add to that how Broadly helps businesses optimize their online presence, ensuring that they rank higher in search engine results and stand out among competitors, and you’re sure to find something to help your business with Broadly.

Best Practices for Generating Positive Reviews

When it comes to generating positive review on review websites, small businesses can employ several actionable strategies to encourage happy customers to share their experiences:

• Provide Exceptional Customer Services: By exceeding expectations and creating memorable interactions, businesses can increase the likelihood of receiving positive feedback. 
• Proactively Request Reviews from Satisfied Customers: Whether through follow-up emails, in-store signage, or personalized requests, prompting customers to leave a review can significantly boost engagement.
• Make It Easy for Customers to Leave Reviews: Provide clear instructions and direct links to review sites. Simplifying the process removes barriers and encourages more customers to share their feedback. 
• Offer Incentives for Leaving a Review: Discounts or exclusive offers can be the carrot that can get customers talking. Use such incentives to motivate customers to take action and leave positive feedback.

Businesses need to make certain that they’re responding to both positive and negative reviews promptly. Acknowledging positive feedback shows appreciation for customers’ support and reinforces positive experiences. Conversely, addressing negative feedback demonstrates accountability and a commitment to resolving issues.

Broadly’s platform simplifies this process by automating review responses and collecting feedback from multiple review sites. By providing businesses with a centralized hub for managing reviews, Broadly enables them to maintain a positive online presence and build stronger relationships with customers. With these best practices and Broadly’s assistance, small businesses can cultivate a thriving online reputation and drive long-term success.

Conclusion

Review websites wield immense influence over consumer behavior and business reputations. Positive reviews can build trust, attract new customers, and boost revenue, while negative reviews can tarnish a business’s reputation and drive potential customers away. That’s where a comprehensive tool like Broadly can help.

Broadly offers a range of solutions designed to simplify the process of managing online reviews and maintaining a positive reputation. By leveraging Broadly’s platform, businesses can save valuable time and resources that would otherwise be spent manually monitoring and responding to reviews across various sites. Additionally, Broadly helps businesses improve their online presence by collecting feedback from multiple platforms into a centralized dashboard, making it easier to track and manage customer feedback.

Now is the time for you, as a business owner, to take control of your online reputation, and you can do it with Broadly! Take the first step toward better reputation management by signing up for a free demo today!

The post The Best Review Websites for Local Service Businesses appeared first on Broadly.

In addition, a business owner can collect feedback from customer reviews and star ratings after setting up a Google Business Profile. Any entrepreneur, whether they operate a service business or retail store, can benefit from having a Google Places listing.

What’s a Service Area Business?

While traditional businesses may provide services or retail products at a physical location or storefront, a service area business directly provides deliveries or services for the customers. Some examples of service area businesses include HVAC contractors, locksmiths, plumbers, and landscapers who must go on-site to serve their clientele. 

Before deciding to do business with a company, potential customers should be aware of the company’s service area, which is the geographic location—often a zone or metropolitan area—where the business sells its products or services.

When creating a Google Places listing, a service area business can set up only one profile for the metro in which they operate or provide services.

How to Set up Google My Business for a Service Area Business

A service area business may not sell its products or services from a physical address, but it can still benefit from managing a profile on Google Business Profile. A GBP account improves search engine optimization (SEO), specifically local SEO, so potential customers can find relevant companies through a Google search.

Plus, owners can update business hours and key company details like their phone number or business category. The process of creating a Google Business Profile listing involves three simple steps:

Step 1: Claim Your Business on Google

Navigate to Google Business Profile, then click on “Manage Now.” A search box should appear, prompting you to enter your business name. If your company does not already have a Google Business Profile account, you should see an option to add a listing.

Step 2: Verify Your Business

Google aims to confirm the rightful business owner of a GBP listing to prevent fraudulent updates to a business profile. Though the verification process may sometimes take place through email, a phone call, or SMS, Google requires many local businesses to verify their listing via traditional snail mail.

In the latter case, Google mails you a postcard with a unique verification code, usually within 14 days. After you enter the code onto your Google Business Profile setup page, then verification is complete.

Step 3: Review Your Business Information

After verifying your listing, review your company details and contact information for accuracy. This includes your business address and phone number. These updates can take a few weeks to show up in Google’s search engine and Google Maps. 

How to Manage a Google Places Service Area Listing

Google Business Profile features an easy-to-use dashboard so a business owner can easily change or update information relative to their company, such as a business location or physical address. There is even a dedicated section on Google Business Profile for service area information.

How Do I Add, Remove, or Edit a Service Area in Google My Business?

Step 1: Open your Google Business Profile

Click on your profile Account Circle, located in the top right, then open “Your Business Profile.”

Step 2: Navigate to “Location and areas”

Choose “Edit Profile,” then go to “Business Information” to find “Location and areas.”

Step 3: Select “Edit”

Under “Location and areas,” next to “Service area,” click on Edit, which should look like a pencil icon.

Step 4: Choose or remove service areas

From here, you can either delete service areas outside the scope of your business, choose from suggested service areas, or input a new service area.

Step 5: Click on “Save”

Save your changes to update your Google Business Profile listing. It may take a few days for your edits to publish to Google Maps and other Google products, including its search engine.

How Many Service Areas Can You Add to Google Business Profile?

A service area business may serve more than one particular metro or zone. On your GBP listing, you can add up to 20 service areas determined by the zip codes, cities, or other areas in which you do business. 

A Guide to Optimizing Google Business Profile for a Service Area Business

Small business owners providing a local service will want to optimize their listing on Google Business Profile to increase their chances of appearing in a Google search. From collecting positive reviews from customers to choosing relevant categories containing keywords, a service area business can improve its digital marketing strategy and local SEO to reach new clientele. 

Step 1: Choose the Best Primary and Secondary Categories

Let potential customers know exactly what your service area business offers by choosing descriptive categories. A primary category is specific, describing your business in its entirety. 

For example, if you are a landscaper, your primary category should describe precisely what you do, so you may choose from “Landscape Lighting Designer,” “Rock Landscaping Contractor” or another option. 

If your niche isn’t available as a primary category, it may help to default to a general option like “Landscape Designer.” Your secondary category or categories can be broader than your primary, such as “Landscaper.” At this time, it is not possible to add new categories. 

Step 2: Add Services to Your Business Profile

To add services to your Business Profile, simply click “Edit services” when viewing your Business Profile in Google Search (click “Edit profile” and then “services” when viewing in Google Maps). From there, you can select the service you want to edit, or add a new service simply by selecting “Add more services.” Don’t forget to click “Save” once you have done so.

Step 3: Add Images or Videos to Your Listing

Pictures or videos can serve as a portfolio or simply show the types of services and products you are selling or have sold. These visuals give prospective clients an idea of what you offer as a service area business. 

A landscaping business owner, for example, may upload images of landscaping designs they have created for past customers.

Step 4: Use Local Customer Reviews to Gain More Online Visibility

Not only can Google reviews help customers find your business when they conduct a local search, but the feedback allows you to provide an exceptional customer experience. 

One of the perks of managing your Google Business Profile is the ability to respond to customer reviews. You can thank happy customers for their patronage and respond to negative reviews to resolve any issues. In addition, online reviews help with local SEO so your business can rank higher in a Google search.

Tip: 

• How to respond to positive reviews
• How to respond to negative reviews

Step 5: Create Posts for Google Business Profile

Use your GBP to publish offers, events, products, and services directly to Google Search and Maps. This can be done through the Business Profile Manager with ease. Be careful to refrain from posting a phone number in the posting, as it will likely be rejected.

Step 6: Create Local Business Links to Simplify the Conversion Process

On a Google Business Profile listing, add a link to your company’s website so searchers can seamlessly browse your services and products or schedule an appointment.

Use Social Media Marketing to Cultivate a Community

Engage with your customer base and expand your online presence by creating and managing accounts on different social media platforms. 

Small businesses and larger enterprises take advantage of popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Yelp, LinkedIn, and Twitter to build their community, spread brand awareness, and post about new products and services, as well as promotions and special sales.

Market Your Business with Broadly

Streamline how you manage your company’s customer experience and online reputation with Broadly’s review management software. Monitor and respond to online reviews from different listings and platforms, including your Google Business Profile, using a single intuitive tool.

This article was updated on March 7, 2024.

The post How to Manage a Google Places Listing for a Service Area Business appeared first on Broadly.

Nextdoor is a neighborhood social network that requires a physical address and confirmation for you to be accepted. Once you’re in, you receive updates about anything you’d ever want to know about what’s happening in and around your neighborhood.

Why Your Business Should Care about Nextdoor

As a small business, your local customers are your lifeblood. Getting on Nextdoor is a savvy way to get neighborhood sponsorship and get your next-door neighbors to trust you—especially considering today’s consumerism trend of buying local.

Even compared to a review service like Yelp, Nextdoor believes there is more power in a recommendation from someone in your local community than from a stranger on the internet.

This is where Nextdoor’s potential lies.

Steps to Promote Your Business on Nextdoor

1. Determine if your business will benefit from NextDoor
2. Claim your business page on Nextdoor
3. Optimize your Nextdoor business page
4. Use your Business Posts
5. Get Nextdoor recommendations
6. Manage your Nextdoor recommendations

Step 1: Determine Your Business Goals for Nextdoor

Like any social media platform, not everything makes sense for everyone.

The truth is that certain types of platforms work better for certain industries. The same goes for the Nextdoor platform. Before listing your business on Nextdoor, think about whether people would turn to this hyper-local platform to search for your business.

An online marketing business, for example, probably wouldn’t fare as well as an auto shop down the street with great tire prices.

Evaluate the audience and determine whether your business would fit into the types of businesses people are recommending. Generally, home service companies such as roofers and cleaning companies’ lawn services will be popular search queries on this local community-focused website.

We’ve also seen great success with car services, medical offices, child-care recommendations, and restaurants, to name a few.

These types of professional business pages can benefit a lot from exposure to only Nextdoor members, compared to a wider audience, especially in marketing initiatives such as Nextdoor Local Deals.

Under the “Recommendations” tab, you can see the types of top categories Nextdoor suggests for people to leave recommendations for.

Below, you also see that Nextdoor lists the top three local businesses with the most recommendations in their categories. Imagine how much more business you could get if you made it to the top three in your industry just by receiving personal recommendations!

It’s safe to say that if you have a locally focused small business, you will do great on Nextdoor. Veterinarians, daycares, etc., will all have a place on Nextdoor recommendations.

Step 2: How to Claim Your Business Page on Nextdoor

If you’ve decided your business belongs on Nextdoor, your next step to getting visibility is to make sure your business is on there to be seen! Nextdoor Local Pages are for any individual or business that sells something or provides a service (that’s you).

To claim your Local Page on Nextdoor, you must be the owner, an employee, or an authorized company member.

1. Search for your company name in the Nextdoor directory here.

2. When options pop up, click “Claim” next to your company.

3. Claim your free business page as either a business or an individual (depending on what name you operate under).

You can also create a new business page through Nextdoor. Creating a new business page provides advantages compared to claiming an existing one, such as running local ads without any influence from your current reviews. However, you might not have much choice but to claim it if there’s already a well-established page about you.

4. Enter the name, email, and password you would like to use for the business account. You can also sign in from your Nextdoor account (if you have one) and claim your business through that.

However, we don’t recommend claiming your business through your personal account if you need help managing the Local Page because you will need to share your email and password with your employees. Thus, it is best to create a Nextdoor business account.

5. Once you claim your Nextdoor business page, Nextdoor will call the phone number you provided to verify your account. You will be asked to enter a verification code then boom—you’re in!

Step 3: Optimize Your Nextdoor Business Page

Now you’re ready to start converting Nextdoor members into potential customers.

If people click on your Nextdoor business page from a recommendation or via search results, you want them to be able to retrieve any type of information they are looking for.

Imagine if your professional business page had no contact information! You would lose every potential customer that comes across it simply because they don’t know how to get in touch with you.

The key info you’ll want to include on your Nextdoor business page is your address, contact information (preferably a couple of options), the services/products you offer, and your business hours.

Tell people exactly what they need to know to hire you or buy from you. Your local business page is an extension of what you would have on your website, so don’t be shy about making it robust with helpful information.

In addition, be sure to add a clear and approachable profile photo! People are much more likely to trust a company they can visualize than just a gray square of mystery. This gives you a good chance of standing out from the crowd.

Step 4: Use your Business Posts

Two Business Posts are available for free every month once your account is verified. As such, use this to your advantage: utilize Business Posts to engage with neighbors and gather recommendations. You can also use Business Posts to share your business story and highlight the products and services you offer.

Spotlighting existing recommendations in your own Business Posts also helps boost the credibility of your business, so give it a try. Encourage engagement from your neighbors by asking them to like, recommend, or even both. Finally, leverage recommendations in your Business Posts to boost your visibility and trustworthiness. Those who left the recommendations will appreciate the attention, and it also serves as free advertising, making it a win-win situation.

Step 5: Network to Get Recommendations

Even though you listed your business page, it won’t show up to people who search until you have recommendations.

One way your business can get recommendations is when people ask for recommendations on a post. Then, friendly neighbors can comment on their recommendations of a business that fits the bill—if they type in your business name, Nextdoor will help them link to your business’s Local Page.

The other way to get recommendations is for people to leave them directly on your business page. This is where you can be proactive and ask for recommendations from your trusty loyal customers.

How can you ask for recommendations, you might wonder? Fortunately, it’s quite simple: you just have to reach out.

Like collecting reviews on any other review platform, the same tip applies to Nextdoor: if you want more reviews or recommendations, you need to ask for them.

Luckily, though, there are quite a few ways to do this. Here are some of our favorites:

Send Email Requests

Send a well-crafted email to your past customers and politely ask for a recommendation. We’ve created a few email templates to help you get started; you’ll just have to customize them to fit your business and the language that makes sense for Nextdoor (for instance, using the word “recommendation” instead of “review”).

Ask Them in Person

Ask for customer feedback in-person after the customer has paid for the service or product. It can be as simple as, “Thanks again for choosing us for _____ today. If you have a minute when you get home, we would appreciate your recommendation on Nextdoor!”

Let Customers Know about Upcoming Events

Put company sales and events in the Events Calendar to stay on your community radar and market your business without being pushy. Keep in mind that the community guidelines dictate you cannot post about events in the regular newsfeed, so keep them in the Calendar to avoid getting your account locked.

Putting your events on the calendar lets local customers plan ahead. Plus, it gives potential new customers a good chance to try out your services.

Be Active in the Community

Another way you can get people to give more reviews is by contributing to your local community pages. For this, you can post your recommendations or reply when community members ask for help.

Reply to people’s posts asking for recommendations and tagging your business, but be sure to disclose your relationship with the business. You can make it personal by saying, “Hi ____, I’m the owner of _____, and we would be happy to help you with your _____. Please call or email me at _____ whenever you’re ready so we can get you taken care of!”

Inform Customers about Local Deals

Customers love local deals, which means these are great opportunities for a local business to ask for reviews.

There are multiple ways that you can do this.

First, you can advertise local deals through Nextdoor Local Deals on your Nextdoor business profile. The Nextdoor Local Deals feature allows you to advertise local deal ads to your local customers, which makes it easier for you to market to your neighborhood.

You can also promote your business through local deal ads on various social media platforms.

Whether you decide on local deal ads or social media advertisements, when regulars and new local customers flock to your doors, ask them for a review. Take advantage of Nextdoor Local Deals to get regulars and potential customers to gather at your local business, and then try to persuade them to write their first impressions.

Always Remember to Be Polite

As with any review service, being polite is the key to asking for Nextdoor recommendations. Whether you’re making Nextdoor Local Deals ads, responding to comments, or answering a question from nearby neighbors, effective communication is the key.

As long as you keep the customer’s needs at the forefront of your Nextdoor strategy, you will learn how to reach your neighbors effectively.And once your neighbors fully trust you, there’s no limit to the number of positive recommendations you can receive. Maybe you’ll even make it on Nextdoor’s “Favorites” list this year!

Step 6: Manage Your Recommendations

Make sure you respond to good and not-so-good recommendations in a timely manner. Online review management shows customers you are listening and appreciate their feedback. Responding quickly to negative reviews gives you the opportunity to resolve the customer’s concern or complaint.

Nextdoor: Your Best Friend in Hyper-Local Reputation Management

Nextdoor is a dominating star when it comes to hyper-local marketing.

Regular people are using it to share neighborhood news and recommend businesses specifically in your area for other neighbors who might be looking for those services.

This means that Nextdoor holds plenty of potential for local businesses. You can use Nextdoor’s trusted word-of-mouth referrals platform to get a neighborhood sponsor and advertise your business through well-positioned marketing strategies.

How Broadly Can Help You Manage Your Local Reputation

As a business owner, you are busy running your business and it’s hard to stay on top of checking your online reviews on all the platforms like Google, Yelp, Facebook, and now Nextdoor for your local community.

Broadly is a reputation management platform that can help you unlock your local business’s full potential by helping you maintain a spotless online presence. 

Broadly’s Reviews supercharge your review management processes so that you can keep a finger on everything you need to, not just Nextdoor.

Here is a snapshot of what Broadly has to offer.

• Centralizes Your Management: The platform allows you to check and respond to all these review platforms in one place.
• Automates Crucial Tasks: You can automatically request reviews from customers via email or SMS text.
• Mobile Payments: The Payments tool enables you to get paid faster with mobile invoices and payments.

These features will be critical in ensuring you have a spotless, customer-friendly online presence that people can recommend on Nextdoor.

This might sound too good to be true—but fortunately for you, it isn’t.

This article was updated on February 29, 2024.

The post Nextdoor Reviews: How They Can Help Your Small Business appeared first on Broadly.

Online reviews serve as modern-day word-of-mouth, influencing potential customers and shaping perceptions of your business. A well-crafted online presence, especially on platforms like Facebook, can build credibility and attract new clientele, but a spammy review can cast a negative shadow on your business. So how do you remove spam reviews from a Facebook page?

A potential customer landing on your Facebook page only to be met with a string of suspicious and generic reviews is going to have a bad first impression of your business, so getting rid of spam reviews is something all business owners should know how to do. Spam reviews can drive away customers and erode the trust painstakingly built with your audience, which makes managing online reviews, identifying spam reviews, and taking decisive action to protect your business’s online reputation that much more important.

But that’s where we come in! Read on to learn how to handle these digital nuisances with ease.

Identifying Spam Reviews

Now that we’ve covered the why, let’s move on to the how. Here are some things to look for to help you spot those pesky spam reviews:

Generic or Irrelevant Content

Authentic reviews are usually specific about the product or service they are reviewing. Be wary of comments that appear generic, providing no clear details about the customer’s experience with your business. Genuine reviews often mention the particulars, expressing satisfaction or concerns related to the unique offerings of your business.

Similar Wording or Phrases

Pay close attention to the language used in reviews. If you notice a pattern where multiple reviews share strikingly similar wording or phrases, it could indicate a coordinated effort to manipulate your business’s online reputation. Authentic reviews reflect the diverse perspectives of different customers, each expressing their own unique experiences. Similar language across multiple reviews may be a sign something is fishy.

Lack of Specific Details

Authentic reviews provide details about the customer’s interactions with your business. Look out for reviews that lack specific information, such as the product or service purchased, the date of the experience, or any standout features. Genuine customers typically share specific anecdotes, helping future customers understand the context of their feedback. Vague or generic reviews may be an attempt to camouflage spam.

Sudden Influx from New or Inactive Accounts

Keep an eye on the activity of accounts leaving reviews. If you notice a sudden surge of reviews from new or previously inactive accounts, it’s time to be suspicious. Spam tactics often involve creating multiple accounts to flood review sections with fake feedback. A rapid influx of reviews from unfamiliar profiles could be a sign that your business is being targeted.

Profiles with Limited Information or No Pictures

Genuine customers are more likely to have complete profiles with pictures and detailed information. If you come across reviews from profiles with limited or no information, it’s worth investigating further. Mysterious profiles lacking personal details or pictures may be a front for spammy activities. A legitimate customer is usually more transparent about their identity when sharing their experiences.

Reviews with Links or Promotional Content

Authentic reviews focus on sharing personal experiences rather than promoting external content. If you encounter reviews that include links or promotional content, that’s a big red flag. This behavior is a common tactic employed by spammers attempting to redirect traffic or engage in promotional activities. Legitimate reviews center around the customer’s experience, not external links or unrelated content.

Steps to Remove Spam Reviews on Facebook

So you’ve spotted a spam review. Now what? Luckily, the steps to declutter your Facebook page are quite easy. Follow these simple steps:

1. Go to your Facebook page and find the Reviews section.

2. Locate the spam review you want to remove.

3. Click on the three dots next to the review for the menu.

4. Select “Find support or report recommendation.”

5. Choose the “False information” category and follow the prompts.

6. Repeat for any other spam reviews.

Regularly monitor your Reviews section to tackle spam promptly. Considering how easy it is to remove reviews, it’s best to be on top of it; the longer spam reviews stay on your page, the worse of an effect they create.

Preventing Future Spam Reviews

Stay one step ahead with these proactive measures:

Engage with Legitimate Reviews Regularly

Interacting with your customers through review responses is a powerful way to showcase your commitment to customer satisfaction. Responding to positive reviews and negative reviews demonstrates that you value customer feedback. Engaging in a genuine and constructive manner not only fosters a positive online community but also reassures potential customers that their opinions are being heard.

Encourage Satisfied Customers to Leave Positive Reviews

Your satisfied customers can be your biggest advocates. Actively encourage them to share their positive experiences by leaving reviews. This boosts your overall rating and also helps drown out any potential spam. Satisfied customers often have authentic and heartfelt testimonials, making their reviews a valuable asset in maintaining a positive online reputation.

Tip: How to Get the Best Facebook Page Reviews with Examples

Set up Strong Privacy and Security Settings

Protecting your Facebook page prevents unwanted spam and maintains a secure online environment. Ensure that your privacy and security settings are configured to the highest standards. This includes managing who can post on your page, controlling visibility settings, and implementing additional security features provided by Facebook. A well-secured page is less susceptible to malicious activity.

Educate Your Audience on Proper Review Use

Transparency is key to fostering a genuine review environment. Communicate the intended purpose of reviews on your Facebook page and encourage customers to share honest feedback. Educate your audience on the proper use of reviews and how they can report any issues they encounter. When customers are well-informed, they are more likely to report spam and contribute to the authenticity of your review section.

Tip: How to Request a Review on Facebook

Implement Filters or Moderation Tools

Many platforms, including Facebook, offer tools to filter and moderate reviews. Take advantage of these features to automatically screen for potential spam. Set up filters based on specific criteria, such as language patterns or suspicious account behavior. This proactive approach can save you a lot of time skimming, all while maintaining the quality of your review section by preventing spam from being published in the first place.

Clearly Communicate Your Brand’s Review Policies

Clearly outlining your brand’s review policies can serve as a deterrent to potential spammers. Communicate what is considered acceptable behavior in your review section, and make it clear that any form of manipulation or spam will not be tolerated. Creating a transparent environment with well-defined guidelines sets the tone for authentic interactions and discourages individuals from engaging in deceptive practices.

Stay Vigilant and Report Suspicious Activity

The key to a healthy online environment is vigilance. Regularly monitor your reviews to detect any irregular patterns or suspicious activities. If you come across reviews that raise concerns, don’t hesitate to report them to Facebook for further investigation. Proactively addressing potential issues makes sure that your online reputation remains credible and trustworthy.

In Conclusion

The impact of spam reviews on your business is not to be underestimated. But fear not! By staying vigilant, identifying and removing spam, and implementing preventive measures, you can navigate the online review landscape with confidence. And for those looking for extra help, Broadly has solutions to help manage reviews and encourage positive customer engagement. Contact us today for a free demo!

The post How to Remove Spam Reviews from a Facebook Page appeared first on Broadly.

Reviews act as testimonials from customers and can attract new customers while also lending credibility to a business. Nothing says customer-centric than a business that takes the time to respond to reviews! But how do you get the best Facebook page reviews, and what constitutes a good review?

Before we give you some ways to get better Facebook reviews, let’s take a look at some real-world success stories.

Real-World Success Stories

While 5-star reviews can be nice, a review with detailed comments can be even better to draw in new customers. If you want an example, take these two Facebook Page reviews from a local plumber and auto repair shop:

Both of these reviews not only showcase the staff members of each business but also shine a light on the specific work that was done for them. This encourages other customers to reach out if they want similar services and also builds trust in the businesses and their employees.

Effective Facebook Page Review Examples

To be termed an effective review, certain criteria must be met. Let’s look at a few examples to see these criteria in action:

Details, Details, Details!

“[Business Name] is a great place to buy instruments from! Their selection of all kinds of instruments is extensive, and their showroom allows you to see and even try out the different models they have in stock. The staff was very friendly and professional and made my find really easy. I was looking for an electric piano with at least a 4-octave range and plug-ins for headphones so my kids could play without distractions, and I found the perfect model that checked all the boxes. The next time I need an instrument, I’ll be back!”

Reviews that contain lots of details, such as the services provided and the benefits they received from the business, help highlight what potential customers can also receive from the business in question. It also lends a more genuine feel to the review, making it that much more special.

Hearing that this reviewer had a goal in mind that was met lets other potential customers know that if they too have a specific model they want to buy, they can find knowledgeable staff to help them—and can even try it out in the showroom before making their purchase.

Who Helped You?

“The restaurant was amazing, and it was made all the more so by our waitress Bonnie. She took great care of us and checked in often, and even though we came at rush time she was very attentive to our needs and apologized for taking so long to get back to us (it wasn’t that long!). If she’s working I definitely recommend trying out [Restaurant Name], she’ll make it worth the trip!”

Reviews that feature the name of the employee who provided such stellar service not only help potential customers know who to ask for but also let businesses know who is doing well at their job. This can lead to stronger customer loyalty as well as act as a pick-me-up for the employee!

The Service You Want

“I know next to nothing about buying beds, and [Business Name] helped me find exactly what I needed. Paul was very informative and patient, and let us try out lots of mattresses based on our feedback. He even took our price range into the equation and found us the perfect mattress for the both of us. Thanks for your help Paul!”

Effective reviews highlight the customer service aspect of any business with flair. Work that goes “above and beyond” or against the norm (such as trying to upsell) lends a human element to the business that can be endearing to potential and current customers. Everyone just wants great customer service, so reviews that shine a spotlight on that aspect of past service are highly effective in drawing in a larger customer base.

We See You!

“I got my hair cut and colored by Tracy the other day and she did such a great job! She took what I wanted and seemed to read my mind perfectly and gave me exactly what I wanted, and she was great to chat with throughout the process. She was worth having to get off work a little early to come see, 10/10! – Jamie

Hi Jamie, we’re so glad Tracy could give you the haircut of your dreams! She’s thinking about opening up evening hours on weekdays, so we’ll make sure she knows to contact you when she does so you don’t have to take off any more work to come see her again!”

Nothing says effective customer service and a customer-centric mentality more than reviews that have replies from the business. Even if the reviews are negative, they can be responded to professionally and with concern, turning a negative into a positive. Positive reviews that are acknowledged also show customers that a business really cares about receiving feedback of all sorts, which encourages them to leave their own reviews.

Here are some further tips on responding to reviews:

• How to Respond to a Negative Review on Facebook
• Responding to Bad Reviews: The Dos and Don’ts
• Tips for Responding to Positive Reviews With Examples

Encouraging Meaningful Customer Feedback

Want raving reviews for your business? Don’t just sit there hoping for the best—take charge! Try the following tips:

• Deliver Amazing Service: Happy customers are your best advertisers. The better your service is, the more positive feedback you’ll receive. Even if you get negative feedback, take it as a learning moment—and make certain you respond! Let your customer service extend to your reviews, and customers will appreciate you going the extra mile.
• Make the Process Easy: Customers are more encouraged to sing your praises when it isn’t hard for them to do so. Streamline the review process by sending direct links or QR codes.
• Have Good Timing: Ask for reviews when the positive vibes are fresh. Post-purchase or after a successful service, strike while the iron is hot!
• Incentivize Feedback: Offer discounts, exclusive access, or loyalty points, and be careful not to be pushy in the offering. If customers get something beyond just being acknowledged for leaving a review, such as a discount, they’re much more likely to come back to your business for more.
• Be Honest: Honesty is the best policy, so don’t beg for 5 stars. Instead, ask for genuine feedback. Engage with your customers by showing appreciation for their time and opinions. Respond to reviews, positive or negative. It’s not just about the good stuff—it’s about building trust and credibility.
• Utilize Social Media: Encourage reviews on platforms your customers frequent, such as Facebook or Instagram. Create a buzz, and watch those stars align. Make your business a review-worthy sensation! Tip: How to Request a Review on Facebook.

There’s no better way to build customer loyalty and credibility for your business than by having positive Facebook reviews. Responding to them can take you one step further, and asking for reviews by offering incentives and making the process easy to complete can get you that many more.

Improve Facebook Page Reviews with Broadly

If you want to make it that much easier to keep a strong online presence and reputation, consider partnering with our team at Broadly. Our review management software lets you see all of your reviews in one place, making it much easier to respond to them all. Generate a strong online presence by letting your customers see that you value their feedback, and get an enhanced online reputation by staying on top of responses with ease.

Ready to give it a go? Reach out to us for a free demo today!

The post How to Get the Best Facebook Page Reviews with Examples appeared first on Broadly.

If you are in the middle of a rebrand or you’re making a page name change to help with your digital marketing strategy, updating your Facebook page name is critical.

If you don’t already have a profile, you can create a Facebook business page easily.

Is It Possible to Change Your Facebook Page Name?

Changing your business name on Facebook is easy to do. However, don’t make unnecessary changes to your Facebook business name. Facebook limits your ability to change your name to only once every 60 days.

When making a change, you want to make sure it does not jeopardize how you’re currently driving leads. For instance, changing your business name could also affect the unique URL for your Facebook profile. When updating your Facebook name, double-check if other platforms need to be updated to maintain consistency across your online presence.

To submit a name change request to Facebook, you must have the proper page role to edit the page information. In most small business contexts, that role will be with the business owner or whoever set up the account. You can access the settings of your Facebook page from the Meta Business Manager or directly from your profile.

Steps for Changing Your Business Name on Facebook

Here’s how to change your Facebook page name:

• Navigate to your business page or Meta Business Manager
• Click on “Settings” on the left sidebar
• Under “General Page Settings,” click on the “Edit” link next to your page name
• Input the new name
• Select “Review Change”
• Input your password and press “Confirm” to save the changes

After Facebook verifies your change request, your name will be changed. The verification process doesn’t usually take more than a few minutes. Remember, Facebook only allows you to edit your name once every 60 days, so double-check that you’ve input the correct name before submitting.

Under the “About” section on your page, you can also add “Other names” which is a good place to enter in former brand names, or alternate names and abbreviations for your business. 

If you don’t see the option to edit your Page’s name, the following might be true:

• You don’t have a high enough Page role to access the modification of your Page’s name. 
• The Page name might have been recently altered by you or another individual with Facebook access within the last 60 days.
• Your Page may be subject to certain limitations affecting the name-changing process.
• It is not possible to modify the name of a regional Page if it is associated with a global Page.

It may take up to three days for Facebook to approve your name change request. 

What Are Facebook’s Guidelines for Page Names?

Facebook’s guidelines want to ensure an accurate reflection of the page in page names. Only authorized representatives can therefore manage pages for brands, places, organizations, or public figures.

Elements that are forbidden for Facebook Business Page names include:

• Terms or phrases that may be abusive or violate someone’s rights.
• Usage of the word “official” if the Page isn’t the official Page of a brand, place, organization, or public figure.
• Improper capitalization. Use correct grammar and don’t include all capital letters, except for acronyms.
• Symbols (e.g., ®) or unnecessary punctuation.
• Descriptions or slogans (e.g., Page Name—Your best local service provider on Facebook). This type of slogan is better left on a Page’s About section.
• Any variation of the word “Facebook.”

The Pros and Cons of Changing Your Business Name on Facebook

Many factors can play a role in changing your Facebook business page’s name. It is essential to understand why you’re changing the name and how it will affect your business in the short and long term.

Some reasons for considering a name change include:

• Rebrand
• Unnecessary punctuation
• Change capitalization
• Add additional information to the name

Pros

You’re likely changing the name of your Facebook page because you’ve changed the name of your business. Consistency is vital to your business, and updating your Facebook business page name will help make sure your business appears the same across all platforms.

Improved searchability is also critical, and a name change can help potential customers find you more easily. Maybe you’re not changing your name, but you are adding an identifier like a location or type of business to help people find you easier. Your SEO strategy should be a part of the name change decision to help boost your organic traffic.

As your business progresses, it’s beneficial to update your page info to help customers find you more easily.

Cons

A name change can make it more difficult for current customers to find you. It may take time for them to adjust to the new page name, which can slow down your sales or change the effectiveness of your social media efforts.

If you’re changing your name drastically, inform your customers and stakeholders of the change so they can expect it and not get confused.

When changing your name on Facebook, you also need to look at Google and other social media platforms, such as LinkedIn. It’s critical to ensure your name is consistent throughout your online presence.

Track Your Facebook Presence and Reviews with Broadly

Convert leads into customers when you boost your online presence with Broadly. From one place, you can develop a social media strategy, create email campaigns, monitor customer reviews, and respond to customer questions. Schedule a demo with us today to get started!

The post How to Change a Facebook Page Name for Your Business appeared first on Broadly.

If you want to get 5-star ratings on your Facebook business page, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn more about getting 5-star ratings from the experts at Broadly.

Providing Excellent Service

Happy customers are like your business’s biggest cheerleaders. Because of that, the best place to start is by providing excellent service to every customer. Nail that, and you’re on your way to a review-packed wonderland.

Train your team to be customer satisfaction pros. Anticipate needs and solve problems with flair, and you’ve just earned yourself a round of applause in the form of stellar reviews. Equip your employees with the right tools, such as conflict resolution training and marketing materials so that they can confidently sell the business and its products, and watch as they create customer service fireworks.

Why settle for good when you can be downright awesome? Little gestures like handwritten notes, small discounts, or a sprinkle of personalized magic on the delivery side of things also show your customers that you’re not just in it for the business—you’re in it for the customers!

Encouraging Happy Customers to Leave Reviews

Reviewing should be easy to do, as this makes it that much more rewarding for customers. Make it a seamless, integrated part of your customer journey.

Start by being where your customers are. Whether it’s email, phone, or the world of social media, let them talk to you. It’s not just good service; it’s a direct route to those precious reviews.

Time is also of the essence. Respond fast to concerns, solve problems, and turn potential negatives into shining positives. When dealing with concerns, try to take them offline so that multiple messages can be given, which allows for a more nuanced and thorough approach.

Finally, don’t be shy—ask for those reviews! Make it part of your after-service dance. Get the timing and frequency right, and you’ll have a parade of positive reviews marching your way. Try various channels as well, be it email, in-person, or social media, and you’ll see those reviews roll in.

Also See: How to Ask for Recommendations on Facebook

Optimizing Your Facebook Business Page

Your Facebook page is in a lot of ways your digital storefront, so to showcase your business best, take the time to make certain it is optimized. Update everything, including contact details, business hours, and everything else your customers need to know to get in touch with you. This helps customers find you, which makes you that much easier to give reviews to.

Showcase your best work through visuals on your page. Upload photos and videos that can grab the attention of your customers and also promote your business and its services. Share projects, happy faces, and the good vibes your business creates as well to draw even more attention to what your business can do for its customers.

Just getting started? See: How to Create a Facebook Business Page

Engaging with Reviews

Now that your page is ready to go, it’s time to cover handling reviews. Responding to reviews is a great way to show customers just how important customer feedback is to your business model.

Whether it’s a positive or negative review, make certain you respond quickly to all reviews. The response lets both positive and negative reviewers feel seen and allows you to receive feedback that you can then apply to your business to help it grow.

When it comes to the responses themselves, aim for thoughtful and appreciative responses. Respond with gratitude, even if it’s just a virtual high-five. For the not-so-happy campers, address concerns with a sprinkle of professionalism and a dash of confidence that you can fix the problem the reviewer encountered. Remember: negative feedback should always be dealt with professionally, to resolve the issue that the customer faced.

Here are some tips for responding to reviews:

• Responding to Positive Reviews
• Responding to Bad Reviews

Leveraging Facebook Tools for Businesses

Think of the Facebook Business Manager as your personal assistant. Explore its features, from ads to insights, and let it do the heavy lifting. The reviews section is the perfect example of this. Get to know how the reviews section functions so it can shine and encourage your customers to share their experiences with you.

Dive into your page’s performance analytics to get the most for your business. Learn about your audience, fine-tune your strategies, and watch as your Facebook game reaches rockstar status.

Incentivizing Reviews

Alright, let’s talk about some friendly nudges to get those reviews flowing. Ethical incentives can help turn satisfied customers into your biggest advocates. They include the following:

• Loyalty Programs or Discounts for Reviewers: Who doesn’t love a good discount? Reward reviewers with loyalty points or exclusive discounts. 
• Hosting Contests or Giveaways Tied to Reviews: Make leaving reviews a party. Host contests or giveaways that involve sharing their experiences. 

Monitoring and Improving

Regularly monitor review trends and sentiments to become a review management guru. Act on your promises, improve your services, and show your customers that you’re not only listening; you’re also getting better every day.

There you have it—the ultimate guide to turning your business into a 5-star sensation on Facebook! Keep the positive vibes rolling, adapt to the times, and remember, the journey to 5-star glory can be thrilling but also full of surprises. Keep being consistent in maintaining your positive online reputation to truly craft an experience your customers will be happy to leave positive reviews about.

The Broadly Difference: Elevating Your Review Management

If you’re looking for help managing your reviews, Broadly is here to help. With our review management software, we’ll cover everything you need, so you don’t have to spend days focusing on your reviews and can get back to business. Schedule a demo today and see how easy it is to use for yourself!

The post How to Get 5-Star Ratings On Your Facebook Page appeared first on Broadly.

Your online reputation is like a virtual storefront, and Facebook reviews are the testimonials that potential customers browse before deciding whether to give your business a shot. Lots of customers nowadays look for reviews before even considering doing business with someone—95%, in fact—and Facebook reviews are easily accessible for that purpose. Because of this, positive reviews can be a goldmine.

Ready to learn more about Facebook reviews and how long they might take (and how to speed them up)? Then read on, dear business owners, as we’re going to get right into it!

The Factors Influencing Facebook Review Approval Time

Facebook has its own unique review process, and understanding the steps involved can shed light on why it takes a bit of time. The social media giant has a thorough system in place to ensure that reviews meet community standards. This involves a mix of automated and manual processes to maintain quality and authenticity. 

One step involves content guidelines and moderation. Ever wondered why your reviews seem to disappear into the Facebook void? It’s likely due to the content guidelines. Like any media site, Facebook has content policies in place to make certain the information being shared on their site does not fall into regulated categories, such as bullying and harassment or content containing known hate terms or inappropriate language. 

While the review process is not something known to those outside of Facebook itself, content that gets flagged due to their content policies takes a little more time to get approved as it needs to be checked over first.

Also See: How to Leave a Review on Facebook

Average Timeframes for Facebook Reviews

Another thing to take into account when asking how long a Facebook review takes to show up is what the review contains. The first thing to know is there’s no set timeframe and that what is put in the review will affect how long it takes to have it published. 

Let’s break it down by the most common types of reviews to understand the system a bit better:

Reviews with Positive Content

Ah yes, the golden ticket to a stellar online reputation—positive reviews! Fortunately, these gems often have a smoother journey through the approval pipeline. Facebook tends to prioritize good vibes, and as a result, positive reviews typically make their grand entrance within 1-3 days. After all, who wouldn’t want to showcase happy customer experiences promptly?

Reviews Containing Media (Photos or Videos):

Reviews adorned with photos or videos might take a tad longer to hit the review page, so around 3-5 days. This is because Facebook’s algorithms and manual reviewers may need a bit more time to ensure that the multimedia content aligns with community standards. So, if your customers are sharing snapshots of their delightful experiences, be prepared for a short but worthwhile wait. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words!

Reviews with Potential Policy Violations

Here’s where things can get a bit tricky. If a review raises eyebrows by potentially violating Facebook’s content policies, you might be in for a more extended wait, such as 5-7 days. The content could be flagged for a thorough manual review, and the decision-making process may take a bit more time. It’s a delicate dance between maintaining a positive environment and adhering to community standards.

Also See: How Many Recommendations Are Needed for a Facebook Rating?

Tips for Faster Review Approval

So, do you want to fast-track those Facebook reviews and bask in the glory of positive feedback? Here’s your cheat sheet for getting the green light in record time:

Make it Personal

Encourage your customers to share their specific experiences. A detailed review not only helps potential customers but also tends to pass through the approval process more swiftly.

Language Matters

Remind your customers to keep it friendly and avoid language that could be flagged by Facebook’s content filters. A sprinkle of positivity goes a long way!

Incentivize Positivity

Consider running promotions or giveaways for customers who leave positive reviews. A little incentive can boost positive engagement and prompt customers to share their experiences.

Provide Guidance

If you have particularly satisfied customers, guide them on how to express their joy in a review. Sometimes, a gentle nudge is all they might need to turn a happy experience into a glowing testimonial.

Preemptive Communication

When asking for reviews, give customers a heads up on the do’s and don’ts, including mentioning Facebook’s community standards. This way, they are more likely to craft a review that sails smoothly through the approval process.

Another great way to get faster review approval for your business is to utilize the settings of your Facebook Business page. Go to your settings and double-check that you’re open for business in the review department. 

Once you’ve done that, try the following:

Reviewing Section

Navigate to your Facebook Business page and explore the Reviewing section under Page and tagging. Here, you can view reviews before they go live on your page. This allows you to address any concerns or thank customers for positive feedback promptly.

Respond Promptly

Engage with your customers by responding promptly to reviews. Positive or negative, your responsiveness can reflect positively on your business.

Here are two guides to help you respond to both types of reviews:

• Responding to Bad Reviews: The Dos and Don’ts
• Responding to Positive Reviews: Tips & Examples

Flag Inappropriate Content

If you notice any inappropriate or misleading reviews, use the tools available to flag them for review by Facebook. This ensures that your review ecosystem remains fair and authentic.

The Broadly Difference: Elevating Your Review Management

In the grand scheme of things, managing Facebook reviews is an art form in and of itself. By encouraging positive feedback, guiding your customers, and utilizing the tools at your disposal, you’ll not only boost your online reputation but also expedite the approval process. After all, who doesn’t love a business that’s on top of its review game?

Before you start feeling overwhelmed though, we want to talk about something that can make your life—and running your business—a whole lot easier: Broadly’s review management software.

If you want a tool that not only simplifies your review management but transforms it into a strategic asset for your business, look no further than Broadly’s review management software. Get all of your reviews in one place so that they’re easy to manage, and see how your business can stand out from the crowd. Schedule a demo with us today!

The post How Long Does a Facebook Review Take To Show Up? appeared first on Broadly.

If you’re a business owner or manager, maybe you’ve noticed negative reviews on your Facebook page and want to manage your social media reputation. You’ve come to the right place. We’ll explain why online reviews matter and your options for removing bad reviews on Facebook. Let’s dive into how to handle negative Facebook reviews and your broader online reputation.

Can I Remove Facebook Reviews?

Yes, you can remove Facebook reviews from your page by eliminating the reviews section from your Facebook page. See the guidelines below on how to do this in the “How to remove the review section from Facebook.”

That said, you cannot remove individual Facebook reviews. According to Facebook, you can report reviews with comments that don’t adhere to Facebook’s Community Standards. However, you can’t report reviews that only include a star rating without customer feedback.

Individuals who write business reviews on Facebook can delete their own Facebook reviews at any time. Businesses themselves, however, cannot edit reviews.

If you don’t want bad reviews with profanity showing up on your business page on Facebook, you can block comments that include swear words by turning on the profanity filter. 

Ask the Reviewer to Remove or Edit the Review

When it comes to legitimate reviews, only the reviewers themselves can remove the reviews. However, if you address the complaint and resolve the issue with professionalism, you can then diplomatically ask the reviewer to delete or modify the review to reflect such. 

To make it easier for them (because who doesn’t like a helping hand now and then?) give them the following instructions so they can remove their review:

1. Once you’ve logged into your Facebook account, find your review and click on the three dots (…) located in the top right corner of the review.
2. Select the “Edit or Delete” option from the dropdown menu.
3. Choose “Delete” to remove your review, or “Edit” to modify your review.

Should I Remove Facebook Reviews?

To remove all negative reviews from your Facebook page, you have to remove the entire reviews section from your Facebook page. A business with multiple negative reviews might think it’s best to remove the reviews section, but remember that removing your Facebook business reviews will also remove all positive ones. It’s better to have some good reviews to show potential customers than no reviews at all.

Having both positive and negative online reviews still increases your chances of landing new customers. Positive reviews shine a spotlight on the strengths of your business, but negative reviews can also be something that helps your business. How? Negative reviews are sore points that your customers have noted; when you respond to them professionally and with class, you showcase your customer-forwardness and how important feedback from your customers is, while also addressing the concerns and fixing the issues so that your business can grow. If you still want to take it down, here are the steps to remove the reviews section from your Facebook business page.

How to Remove the Review Section from Facebook

To disable Facebook page reviews, follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Visit your Facebook News Feed and click on “Pages” in the left-hand menu.
2. Go to your Facebook business page.
3. Click the “Page Settings” button on the bottom left of your Facebook page.
4. Click “Templates and Tabs” from the left-hand menu options.
5. Click to the right of “Reviews” to turn the reviews tab off, removing this section from your page.

Remember that disabling your reviews does not delete Facebook reviews; it just hides them. The same Facebook reviews will appear if you decide to enable your reviews again.

How to Delete Negative or Fake Facebook Reviews

You may have some great reviews and wonder how to delete only the bad or fake ones. Unfortunately, you cannot delete individual reviews from Facebook, even false reviews. You can report reviews that don’t meet Facebook’s Community Standards, including those containing objectionable content like profanity or hate speech.

How to Report a Facebook Review

1. Go to the Facebook review you’d like to report and click the three dots (…) in the top right corner.
2. Click “Find support or report recommendation.”
3. Follow the step-by-step instructions that appear on the screen.

Why Are Facebook Reviews Important for Small Businesses?

Public sentiment can impact your company’s success. About 90% of customers read customer feedback from online reviews before they trust a business. Plus, customers spend around 31% more if a company has positive reviews, showing that online reviews can strongly influence purchase decisions. 

How to Manage Facebook Reviews

So, you can’t just remove bad reviews, and reporting Facebook reviews might not solve your problem. What to do? Your best bet for managing your online reputation on the social media platform is to learn how to respond appropriately to Facebook reviews. Keep track of reviews and follow these steps:

• Engage with positive feedback. At the very least, you should “like” your positive Facebook reviews.
• Take things a step further by thanking reviewers for their positive feedback. Doing so will encourage them to continue speaking highly of you. 
• Use positive review response templates if you’re unsure how to engage with positive customer feedback.

Should I Respond to Negative Reviews on Facebook?

It’s best to respond to negative reviews to show customers that you care about their experiences. Handle negative Facebook reviews with class and honesty. Apologize to customers who share bad reviews and offer to resolve the issue offline via email or over a phone call. Even though you can’t remove negative Facebook reviews, you can still influence the narrative with a thoughtful response.

If you want to use negative review response templates to navigate negative comments quickly and gracefully, that works great; just remember to personalize each response to the customer to whom you’re responding.

How to Get More Reviews on Facebook

The best way to manage your online reputation is to continually ask for reviews from happy customers. Eventually, you’ll have so many great reviews that the bad ones won’t even matter!

Sponsor your positive Facebook reviews. Broadly has a unique service that helps turn positive reviews into clickable Facebook ads, amplifying those stellar results you are promising. Let your best reviews outshine the few bad eggs, and encourage more customers to leave great reviews.

Let Broadly Handle Your Business Reputation Management

Looking to grow your business using positive Yelp, Facebook, or Google Reviews? Broadly teams up with business owners to help both small and local businesses improve their social media presence, attract new potential customers, and enhance their online customer experience.

Want to see how Broadly’s digital marketing and review management tools can help you manage your online reviews on Facebook and across social media channels?

Schedule a demo with us!

This article was updated on February 1, 2024.

The post How to Remove Facebook Reviews appeared first on Broadly.

Don’t worry, local business owners, because we have a guide for you! Keep reading, because we’re about to dive head-first into the world of Facebook reviews, and we’ll help put all of your worries about who’s seeing your business’s reviews at rest. Let’s go!

The Facebook Review System

First things first, reviews on Facebook are now called Recommendations. It’s not just the name that’s changed, though, as now people can share experiences and businesses can build credibility through Recommendations. No more simple star rating, because now you get free feedback and a new way for customers to voice their likes and dislikes about your business!

But you might be wondering, are these reviews public or private? The simple answer is that it’s a bit of both! Your business’s visibility and credibility hinge on how these recommendations are seen, so let’s take a closer look at how to manage those privacy controls so you can make sure new and returning customers are only seeing what you want them to see.

Also See: Our Guide to Facebook Reviews and Recommendations

Privacy Controls for Pages

Let’s tweak those privacy settings! You might be surprised to learn that your Facebook business page is treated a lot like its own Facebook user, with its own privacy settings and everything. 

To control who sees your posts and tags, navigate to the page you want to change the controls on and take these steps:

1.Select Settings on the left

2. Select Privacy

3. Select Page and Tagging

An important thing to note is that these privacy settings don’t affect the visibility of your reviews or recommendations (remember how we mentioned it was a bit of both public and private before?), so make certain you’re always balancing transparency with control over your online reputation.

Effects of User Privacy Settings

Hold up, what about your customers’ privacy settings? Users leaving reviews can set their own privacy preferences, limiting who sees their recommendations. Some keep it within friends or a custom list. If you want an extra boost to your visibility, when a customer expresses interest in leaving feedback for you online, encourage them to leave them publicly. And highlight how much their feedback means to you and your business. 

The New Face of Reviews

In a nutshell, Facebook reviews are becoming a big deal for business owners! Take control of your reputation with privacy settings, but don’t forget to balance it with transparency. Let your customers know that you’re proud of your reviews! And if you’re ready to elevate your game, check out Broadly’s comprehensive review management services.

The Broadly Difference: Elevating Your Review Management

We’ve got the perfect tool to manage your reviews with finesse. Our review management software offers features that you and your business are bound to love. Ready to take charge of your online reputation? Make it happen with Broadly! Schedule a demo with us today.

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