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.

The Power of Online Reviews

Before we jump into crafting your “Review us on Google” templates, let’s take a look at why online reviews matter:

• Nearly all customers, a whopping 98%, scroll through online reviews when checking out local businesses (BrightLocal).
• Those user-generated reviews pack a punch—8.7 times more than influencer content and 6.6 times more than branded material (Stackla)
• 69% of consumers feel good about choosing a business when they see reviews detailing a positive experience (BrightLocal)

The numbers don’t lie—positive reviews can make your business the go-to place to be. They’re not just compliments; they’re trust builders that make potential customers say, “Yep, this is the place for me!”

What To Include in Your “Review Us on Google” Template

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of what makes a stellar review template.

1. Your Brand’s Personality

First things first—dive right in and inject your brand’s personality into it. Whether you want to come across as laid-back and personable, a business professional, or a combo of both, let it shine through. Your template is your brand’s voice, so let it sing!

2. A Clear Call-to-Action

Next up is your call-to-action (CTA). Make it crystal clear. Tell your customers, “Hey, we’d love to hear what you think!” People can feel overwhelmed when faced with too many options or information, so boil your CTA down to one main message and keep it inviting and straightforward.

3. Keep the Process Simple

Now, highlight the simplicity of the process. Nobody has the time for a complicated review journey. Let them know it’s quick and easy, and hit home that their thoughts matter.

4. Express Gratitude

We can’t emphasize this enough. A simple “thank you” can go a long way. In your template, use wording that shows appreciation for their business, their time, and the feedback they’re about to share with you.

5. (Optional) Include Simple Instructions

If you’re feeling fancy, throw in some simple instructions on how to leave a review on Google. Laying out the steps makes it foolproof for your customers. And we’re sure they’ll appreciate the guidance.

What You’ll Need for Editing an Existing Template

Before you dive into crafting, first gather your tools:

• Your Business Branding: Grab that logo, your color palette, and preferred font styles.
• A QR Code: Create a QR code for your Google Review Link. Need help? Here’s a guide.
• Google’s Brand Resources: For the finishing touches, check out Google’s Brand Resource Center for business guidelines and resources like booking and review stickers. 

Review Us on Google Business Card Template

Keep it simple, throw in a tailored thank you, and make sure the QR code is big enough to scan. 

Here’s a template for your review us on Google business card:

[Business Logo]

Header: Thank you!

Body: Please review us on Google.

[QR Code] [Google Logo]

And here are some examples of that template in action:

Looking to download these business cards to customize yourself?

We built all three templates in Google Slides so you can make them your own –> access them here.

To make the business cards your own: click File > Make a copy

To edit the background color: click View > Theme Builder

Here are the templates you’ll receive:

Review Us on Google Flyer Template

Got more space? Fantastic! Focus on the CTA but don’t be afraid to throw in a bit of marketing magic.

Here’s a template for your review us on Google flyers:

Header: How Did We Do Today?

Body: Please let us know what you think; your feedback will help us provide better services in the future. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us!

CTA: How was your last visit? Let us know by leaving us a review on Google.

Link to Google Listing: [BUTTON/QR CODE]

Now here’s that template in action:

Looking to download these flyers for your business?

All three templates are in Google Slides ready for you to customize –> access them here.

To make the flyers your own: click File > Make a copy

To edit the background color: click View > Theme Builder

Here are the templates you’ll receive:

Review Us on Google Email Template

Want to send some love to your happy customers through email? We got you covered:

Subject line: Thank you for stopping by!

Dear [CUSTOMER’S NAME]

From all of us at [BUSINESS NAME], we want to thank you for your business and are committed to delivering the highest quality to our customers. Today, more than ever, online reviews are important to companies like ours.

Would you be able to spare a moment of your time to leave some feedback on our Google Business Page <insert direct URL>? It’s a quick and easy way for you to make a difference!

Please feel free to give us a call should you have immediate feedback or concerns about your [product or service purchased]. We want to hear from you and are happy to answer your questions.

Thank you for your time and business!

[YOUR FIRST NAME]

[BUSINESS NAME]

[PHONE NUMBER]

Check out this ask for reviews template and others on our blog about outreach strategies that get results.

Review Us on Google SMS Message Template

If you are looking for a review strategy that is sure to get noticed, SMS is your secret weapon. 

Hi [customer’s name], Would you consider writing a Google review [add Business Profile URL] to share your experience with us and potential customers? Thank you!

And that’s just the start—get even more SMS templates here for quick and effective review requests.

Elevate Your Review Management with Broadly

Ready to make your online debut? Introducing Broadly’s Review Management—your all-in-one tool for turning your customers into your biggest fans.

Our software comes with key features that’ll double your monthly Google reviews including automated review requests, review monitoring, and custom reporting. 

Schedule a demo with us today and let the reviews roll in!

The post Review Us on Google Business Templates appeared first on Broadly.

But who’s writing bad reviews on Google? And what can you do about them? Well, if you keep reading, that’s exactly what we’re going to do as we explain who they are and what you can do to maintain your online reputation.

How Bad Reviews Affect Small Businesses

Before we explore who’s behind those bad reviews, let’s understand how these reviews impact your business. According to BrightLocal’s Local Consumer Review Survey, 98% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses before ever purchasing any product or service. That’s a significant number—especially when it comes to small businesses—if you consider that 46% of consumers treat online reviews as personal recommendations from family and friends.

Negative reviews can drive potential customers away, as people are less likely to trust a business with a poor online reputation. These reviews can deter customers who might have otherwise chosen your services, leading to missed opportunities for growth.

Consistently negative reviews can hurt your business’s visibility on search engines as well, making it harder for potential customers to find you. Google considers reviews as a ranking factor, so a negative reputation can impact your search ranking, further reducing visibility.

Most importantly, negative reviews can have a direct impact on your bottom line. If negative reviews drive potential customers away, then fewer customers equals less revenue. Negative reviews can lead to financial losses and hinder the growth of your business. It’s not just about reputation; it’s about your business’s survival.

Also see: How to Respond to Negative Reviews

Bad Reviews From Dissatisfied Customers

One of the most common sources of negative Google reviews is dissatisfied customers. No business is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes. Unfortunately, some customers, when unhappy with their experience, might choose to express their frustration online.

Here’s what to do about bad reviews from actual customers:

• Respond: The first step you can take is to engage with the customer’s concerns by responding to any bad reviews right away. Acknowledge the issue and express your commitment to making it right. A thoughtful response shows potential customers that you care about their satisfaction and are willing to address issues.
• Follow Up Offline: Offer to discuss the problem privately, offline, or through direct messaging. This shows your willingness to address their concerns and resolve the issue in a more personalized manner. It also allows you to maintain privacy and professionalism.
• Try to Make It Right: If possible, resolve the issue to the customer’s satisfaction. Afterward, kindly ask if they would consider revising their review. A happy customer may be willing to update their review to reflect the positive resolution, helping restore your reputation. It’s one thing for a business to say that the customer was helped; future customers want to hear from the customer in question themselves to learn what was done with their concerns.

Bad Reviews From Former Employees

Sometimes, bad reviews can come from former employees who might hold a grudge or want to tarnish your business’s reputation. These reviews often contain off-topic content and may not be an accurate reflection of your business.

If you have a former employee who is writing bad reviews on Google, take to doing the following:

• Report to Google: Google has guidelines against off-topic reviews. You can report these reviews through Google’s platform, explaining the situation and requesting their removal. Taking action against such reviews can help maintain the integrity of your online reputation and protect your business from disgruntled former employees.

Also see: How to Delete a Google Review

Bad Reviews From Competitors

Believe it or not, some of the negative reviews you receive may come from competitors who want to gain an edge by tarnishing your business. Competitors’ reviews can be just as harmful as those from customers, and they are typically considered a conflict of interest according to Google guidelines.

When faced with competitors who are writing bad reviews on Google, try this:

• Report to Google: Notify Google when you get a review from a suspected competitor by providing evidence that they are coming from competitors. Google takes these reports seriously and may even remove these reviews. Protect your business from unethical competition and maintain your online reputation in one go to ensure a level playing field.

Maintain Your Online Reputation with Broadly

In the battle against negative reviews, Broadly can be your ally. Our platform provides tools and services to help you manage your online reputation effectively. With Broadly, you can:

• Monitor Reviews: Stay on top of customer feedback from various platforms, including Google, and respond promptly. By staying vigilant, you can address issues before they escalate, showing that you are proactive about customer satisfaction.
• Boost SEO: Enhance your online visibility and search engine rankings to attract more potential customers. Strong SEO practices can help ensure that your business is easily discoverable, increasing your reach.
• Improve Customer Satisfaction: Identify areas for improvement based on feedback and enhance your services. By continually improving, you can reduce the likelihood of negative reviews in the first place, ensuring long-term success.

Don’t let negative reviews control your online reputation. Take control and start managing your business’s image effectively with Broadly, ensuring your business’s continued growth and success.

Ready to boost your online reputation? Schedule a demo today and discover how Broadly can help you strengthen your online presence and attract more customers.

More guides on responding to negative reviews:

• How to Remove Negative Reviews From Google Search Results
• 5 Negative Google Reviews of Auto Shops and Ways to Respond
• 5 Negative Google Reviews of Home Service Companies and Ways to Respond

The post Who Is Writing Bad Reviews on Google and What to Do About It appeared first on Broadly.

In this handy article, we will take a look at why Google’s review posting can sometimes be delayed to shed some light on the reason behind these waiting periods and what you can do about it—so keep reading!

Reasons Your Google Reviews Publishing May Be Delayed

Let’s take a look at four reasons your Google review may be delayed. Understanding these common factors can help you navigate the process more effectively.

Also see: How do google reviews work

Reason 1: The Review Doesn’t Meet Google Guidelines

Google has specific guidelines that reviews must follow to maintain the authenticity and fairness of its review ecosystem. Here are some common reasons why your review might not make the cut:

• Fake Account: If Google suspects that the account leaving the review is fake or was created solely to spam or post false reviews, they will delay (to investigate the review more thoroughly) or remove the review. A way to avoid this is to make sure your Google account looks legitimate and is used for more than just reviewing businesses.

• Conflict of Interest: If you have a personal or financial relationship with the business you’re reviewing, your review might not get published. Google wants reviews to be unbiased and honest.

• Restricted Content: Google doesn’t allow reviews that contain restricted content, such as hate speech, harassment, or sexually explicit material. So, if your review falls into one of these categories, it won’t see the light of day.

• Illegal Content: Any review that promotes illegal activities or content goes against Google’s guidelines. Make certain to keep your reviews within the boundaries of the law if you ever want your review to get posted.

• Off-Topic: Reviews should focus on the specific business or service being reviewed. If your review veers off-topic, it might be delayed or removed. This includes anything that contains general, political, or social commentary or personal rants.
• Reviews that Include Links: Including links in your reviews, especially suspicious or unrelated ones, can lead to delays—this is because this is considered advertising and solicitation. Think of it this way: you wouldn’t want someone promoting their product and drowning out any support for a product you’re trying to sell. Stick to text-based reviews without external links to be safe.

Remember, Google takes these rules seriously. Any on- or off-platform behavior could result in account termination. To make sure your reviews see the light of day, it’s best to stick to the basics and honestly review the company you’re trying to leave a review for.

Also see: How to flag and fix an inappropriate Google review

Reason 2: Sudden Influx of More Reviews Than Normal for the Business

If a business suddenly receives an unusually high number of reviews, Google might delay some of them for closer scrutiny. The reason they do this is to ensure no review manipulation or spamming is happening—especially if these reviews have the potential to significantly lower or boost a business’s rating in a short amount of time.

While there’s no easy way to prevent this, there are a few proactive steps a business can take, such as:

1. Regularly monitor your business page and flag any suspicious activity.
2. Respond to negative reviews right away to ensure customer satisfaction.
3. Motivate satisfied customers to leave positive reviews.

Also see: How to get 5 star google reviews

Reason 3: Delayed for Manual Review

In some instances, Google will manually review any reviews that are flagged as suspicious to check their authenticity, which is great; however, this process can take time, which may explain any delays in review publishing. These measures are all part of Google’s efforts to maintain the integrity of its review system.

Reason 4: Google Review Bugs

The good news? Sometimes, it’s not your fault at all. The bad news? Sometimes there are instances of bugs in Google’s review system that have caused reviews to disappear or not show up. These issues are generally on Google’s end, and you can’t do much about them. Google is usually quick to resolve these bugs once they are aware of them.

How to Resolve Missing or Delayed Reviews

If you’ve waited patiently but your review is still missing, the best step you can take to resolve the issue is to get help straight from Google.

Submit a Help Request to Google: You can contact Google to inquire about the status of your review. Go to Google’s support page, and you’ll find a topic related to reviews. Click on the link at the bottom of the page where it says “Contact us” to submit a support ticket. Google’s support team will then review your request and get back to you with more information.

Also see: How long do Google reviews last

Automate Google Reviews with Broadly

If you’re a business owner looking to streamline your review management, Broadly can help you automate the process. Broadly can assist in collecting, monitoring, and responding to reviews, making the entire process much smoother.

Ready to take control of your reviews? See what Broadly can do for your business by scheduling a demo with us today. Don’t let delayed reviews hold your business back!

The post How Long Does It Take for Google Reviews to Post? appeared first on Broadly.

What can you do about these bad Google reviews if they’re affecting your online reputation? While business owners can’t delete every negative review, there is a process to delete reviews that violate Google content guidelines. Keep reading to learn what reviews qualify for deletion and how to delete them.

Can I Delete My Google Review as a Business Owner?

Yes, it is possible to delete some Google reviews. Business owners can ask Google to delete or remove inappropriate or explicit content from their Business Profiles, specifically online reviews that violate Google’s policies, as explained in the guide “How to remove Google reviews.”

According to Google’s review policy, these include fake reviews, reviews that have a conflict of interest, personal rants, and dangerous, illegal, or adult content.

How Can I Delete Google Reviews?

First, be sure to report only reviews that violate Google’s review policy. Don’t flag customer reviews containing legitimate negative feedback about a bad experience just because you don’t like or agree with it. Google won’t get involved in disputes between business owners and unhappy customers.

If you determine that you have illegitimate reviews, use Google Maps, Google Search, or your Business Profile account to flag the inappropriate reviews and initiate the review removal process.

Flag a Review to Be Deleted Using Google Maps

Step 1: Open Google Maps on your computer or mobile device and sign into your business account.

Step 2: Search for your Google Business Profile in the search bar to locate your listing.

Step 3: Tap or click “Reviews” and find the customer feedback you want to report.

Step 4: Tap or click the three dots beside the review then select “Flag as inappropriate.” From there, fill out the form to explain your reasoning.

Flag a Review to Be Deleted Using Google Search

Step 1: Open Google on your computer or mobile device.

Step 2: Make sure you are signed into your business account, and search for your listing by typing the name of your business. Once located, tap or click “Google reviews.”

Step 3: Find the customer reviews you want to report and click the three dots next to the feedback. Select “Report review.” Follow the instructions that appear on the form to submit your reasoning for deletion.

Flag a Review in Your Business Profile Account (2 Ways)

From Your Google Business Profile Panel

Step 1: Sign in to your Business Profile account from your computer and search for your business in the search results. If you see this list of options on the left side of your listing, you can confirm that you are signed in.

From here, you can follow the same steps we covered for reporting a review on Google Search.

From the Review Removal Form

Step 1: Visit the Remove reviews from your Business Profile on Google support article and click “Request review removal.” You may need to confirm your email address before you proceed.

Step 2: If you have multiple businesses, select the one associated with the review you want to remove.

Step 3: Once you have selected your business, click “confirm” at the bottom.

Step 4: Locate the review you would like to remove and hit “Report.”

Step 5: Fill out the reason for requesting the removal and click “Submit.”

Are There Consequences for Having Bad Reviews on Google?

While positive reviews about positive experiences can strengthen your online reputation, bad reviews about negative experiences can lower your Business Profile’s overall star ratings and harm your brand reputation. If potential customers see a poor customer experience reflected in your reviews, you may start to lose business.

There’s no reason, however, for fraudulent reviews or reviews that violate Google’s policies to hurt your Google presence. These should be flagged as inappropriate or illegal activity using the removal request steps described above.

Are Reviews on Google Permanent?

Not all reviews on Google are permanent. Google has a review removal process for small businesses to request the deletion of fake Google reviews. In addition, Google also has automated spam detection filters in place to remove some fake reviews automatically.

Learn more about how long Google reviews last.

What to Do When You Can’t Delete a Google Review

In an ideal world, local businesses would have complete control over their online reputation, allowing them to remove any negative reviews with just a few clicks. However, the real world doesn’t work that way, and there are situations where Google will refuse to remove a poor review. 

These instances may take the wind out of your sail, but there are alternative strategies you can use to address the challenges posed by the reviews that overstay their welcome. Let’s explore what to do when deletion isn’t an option and how to manage these reviews proactively.

Understanding Negative Reviews

Negative online reviews are an inescapable aspect of the digital age for businesses. That’s why it is important to recognize that the majority of these negative reviews are valid expressions of customers’ experiences, opinions, or concerns. What that means is that they should be acknowledged as genuine feedback that reflects the diverse perspectives of your clientele. 

While these reviews may not always be flattering, it’s important to remember that they contribute to the authenticity and transparency of your online reputation.

Responding to Negative Reviews

When confronted with negative reviews, it’s key for local businesses to respond appropriately. This process involves addressing customer feedback, mitigating concerns, and showcasing your commitment to customer satisfaction. 

Responding means that you have the opportunity to transform a negative experience into a positive one. For a more comprehensive guide on crafting effective responses to negative reviews, consider referring to our article “How to Respond to Negative Reviews.”

Requesting Deletion

One common temptation local businesses face when dealing with negative reviews is asking customers to remove their unfavorable feedback. However, it’s important to exercise caution when considering this approach. 

Requesting a review be deleted is generally discouraged for several reasons. The most important reason is that it can backfire, potentially leading to further negative feedback or damaging your reputation even more. That’s why, first and foremost, the focus should be on addressing the issue, demonstrating your commitment to customer service, and finding ways to resolve their concerns.

Crafting Effective Responses

When responding to negative reviews, it’s a good idea to employ a thoughtful and professional approach. Here are some tips to consider:

• Take Time to Cool Down: Before crafting a response, give yourself some time to cool down, ensuring your reply is objective and devoid of emotional reactions.
• Avoid Defensiveness and Personalization: Maintain a non-defensive tone and refrain from making responses personal, focusing on addressing the issues raised rather than personalizing the exchange.
• Offer Apologies When Necessary: If the situation warrants it, don’t hesitate to offer a sincere apology. It can go a long way toward resolving conflicts and demonstrating your commitment to excellent customer service.
• Take Sensitive Conversations Offline: In cases where it’s suitable, consider moving the conversation offline to address concerns privately and effectively. This can be done via email or over the phone.

Why Do I Need to Monitor My Small Business’s Online Reviews as Part of My Company’s Brand Reputation?

Google reviews on Google Maps and in Google search engine results are vital for local businesses. Online reviews drive online reputation, overall brand reputation, and business growth.

Taking the time to track your reviews—both negative reviews and positive reviews—is an essential online reputation management strategy that can even help small businesses improve their search engine optimization (SEO) rankings and uncover new ways to improve the customer experience.

Though staying on top of new reviews takes time, it will be well worth the effort, especially since organic search engines like Google Search account for over 50 percent of all website traffic. Plus, 93 percent of consumers say online reviews influence their purchase decisions.

How Broadly Helps with Online Reputation Management

Broadly is the go-to digital marketing platform for partnering with small business owners like you. A wide range of review management tools will help your company stand out on Google, Yelp, social media, and other review sites.

This article was updated on October 25th, 2023.

The post How to Delete a Google Review appeared first on Broadly.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to post a review on Google, answer common questions about anonymity, and provide tips for writing more useful and actionable reviews.

Key Takeaways

• How to Post a Google Review: We’ll talk about how to post a Google review from a browser, Google Maps, or on a mobile device.
• Anonymity in Google Reviews: While reviewers can’t be entirely anonymous, we’ll discuss how you can use usernames or initials instead.
• Tips for Impactful Reviews: We’ll cover practical tips for writing reviews, such as including specific details, avoiding exaggeration, and why it’s better to write reviews sooner rather than later.

Write a Review on Your Browser

From Google Search

Step 1: Start by performing a Google search for the business you want to review.

Step 2: In the list of search results, locate the business you’re interested in and click on it.

Step 3: On the business’s listing, you’ll find a link labeled “Google Reviews” and click on it.

Step 4: From there, click on the “Write a review” button to share your thoughts and experiences with the world.

From Google Maps

Step 1: Open your web browser and visit Google Maps.

Step 2: In the search bar, enter the name of the business you want to review and hit enter.

Step 3: Click on the “Reviews” tab within the business listing.

Step 4: Finally, click on the “Write a review” button to start crafting your review.

From Google Maps App

For mobile users, posting a Google review is just as straightforward:

Step 1: Open the Google Maps app on your Android or iPhone

Step 2: Search for the place you want to review or tap its location on the map.

Step 3: If multiple locations appear in your search, select the one you want to review.

Step 4: Scroll down, and you’ll see an option labeled “Reviews” and tap it.

Step 5: Next, tap the empty stars to assign a rating and proceed to create your review.

Editing or Deleting Your Own Reviews

It’s natural to want to make changes to your reviews or remove them entirely if circumstances change. For example, if the business responded to your review and made things right, here’s how you can edit or delete your own Google reviews:

On Your Browser:

Step 1: Go to Google Maps Contributions.

Step 2: Here, you’ll find all the reviews you’ve written.

Step 3: Next to the review you want to edit or delete, click on the three dots next to the review.

Step 4: Select “Edit review” or “Delete review,” and follow the on-screen steps to make the desired changes.

On Your Mobile Device:

Step 1: Open the Google Maps app.

Step 2: Tap “Contribute” and then “View your profile.”

Step 3: Scroll down and tap “See all reviews.”

Step 4: Locate the review you want to modify or delete.

Step 5: Tap the three little dots on the far right, and from there, choose “Edit review” or “Delete review.”

Are Google Reviews Anonymous?

One common question many people ask is whether Google reviews are anonymous. The answer is generally “kind of.” A few years ago, Google removed the ability for users to leave completely anonymous reviews; however, reviewers can still maintain their anonymity by using a username or initials rather than their real name.

All reviews posted on Google are entirely public, so if you have reservations about leaving a review with your full name, one of the easiest ways you can omit it from your feedback is by adjusting or shortening your name in your Google Profile beforehand. 

Important Note: 

Google prefers promoting reviews that are left by users with real full names over fake usernames. While anonymity can protect users who want to give honest feedback about a business, this feature can also be exploited to spread false information or directly hurt a business’s reputation. 

Google, businesses, and users alike are not shy about flagging and removing reviews they find dubious.

Related topics:

• Can You Disable Google Business Reviews?
• How to Write a Google Review Without a Gmail Account

How to Write a Great Google Review

Impactful Google reviews can make a significant difference for your local business. Here are some tips that you can share with your happy customers when asking them to leave feedback on your listing:

Include Specifics

When you write a review, mention the specific things that made your experience special. Tell people about the particular products, services, or moments that stood out for you. For instance, instead of saying, “The food was great,” you could say, “I really liked how they seasoned the chicken, and the chocolate cake for dessert was a pleasant surprise.”

Don’t Exaggerate

Be truthful in your review and avoid making things sound better than they really were. It’s okay to be excited about a good experience, but try not to exaggerate because it can create unrealistic expectations for others.

Be Helpful

Reviews are most useful when they provide both compliments and suggestions for improvement (if needed). If you had a great experience, share what you liked the most. If there were things that could have been better, helpfully offer your thoughts. For example, instead of just saying, “The service was bad,” you could say, “While the food was delicious, I had some issues with the service. It took a while to get our drinks, and the server seemed really busy.”

Write Reviews Sooner Rather than Later

Try to write your review shortly after your experience. If you wait too long, you might forget important details, and your review might not be as accurate. Writing while it’s still fresh in your memory helps your review reflect your true feelings and experiences.

Posting a review on Google is a simple yet impactful way to support your favorite local businesses. Whether you’re a business owner looking to guide customers or a satisfied customer wanting to share your experience, these steps and tips should help you navigate the process with ease.

How Broadly Can Help

Broadly offers solutions to streamline the review management process for businesses. With Broadly, you can:

• Receive real-time notifications of new reviews.
• Easily respond to reviews from a centralized dashboard.
• Gain insights into customer feedback trends.
• Improve your online reputation and drive more business.

Curious about what Broadly can do for your business? Schedule a demo with us today!

The post How to Post a Review on Google appeared first on Broadly.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to find your Google reviews, making it easier for you to engage with your customers.

Key Takeaways

• Keeping an eye on Google reviews is super important for your local business. It helps you learn from customers, build trust, and show you care about their satisfaction.
• Creating a Google Business Profile lets you see and manage your reviews. You can also talk to your customers through posts, reviews, and messages.
• Google Alerts and tools like Broadly make it easier to handle reviews. They give you updates, let you respond to reviews in one place, and help you improve your online reputation.

The Importance of Monitoring Google Reviews for Businesses

Before we dive into the “how-to” part, let’s briefly discuss why monitoring Google reviews is important.

Customer feedback can be hard, unapologetic, and often the most authentic insight you could hope to receive. It helps you understand what you’re hitting out of the park and where things have been a swing and a miss. Not only are Google reviews valuable for what you can learn from them, but positive reviews help to build trust, while addressing negative ones demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction.

All in all, what people are saying about you online is important, and you should be taking what you hear seriously to best meet the needs of your local community.

Now that we got that out of the way, let’s take a look at how you can find, view, and engage with the feedback left for you on Google. 

Getting Started with Google Business Profile (GBP)

Your Google Business Profile is like your digital storefront, visible to potential customers on Google Search and Maps. It’s an essential tool for any business, big or small, looking to connect with local customers. Here’s a straightforward step-by-step guide to help you set up your Google Business Profile, get verified, and access all those valuable reviews.

Step 1: Create a Google Account

Start by signing in to your Google Account on your computer. If you don’t have one, you can create a new account. If you’re making a new account, make sure to use your business email address.

Step 2: Go to the Profile Creation Page

Type in your business’s name. You might see suggestions as you type. If it says someone else has already verified the business—don’t panic—you can request ownership of the Business Profile.

From there, pick a category that best describes your business and click “Next.”

Step 3: Add Your Location and Contact Information

Just because you have a physical location does not mean that it should necessarily be visible on your business listing. Consider if customers will be visiting your location to purchase goods or services.

If yes, click “Yes.” You may need to provide your business address or point to it on a map. Once you’re done, click “Next.”

If not, click “No.” Instead, tell Google the areas your business serves. You can add up to 20 areas where you offer your services (Google). We suggest not making the service area too large; Google recommends you stick within a 2-hour drive from your business location.

Add your phone number and website link.

Click “Next.”

Once you have completed adding your contact information, click “Finish.”

Step 4: Getting Verified

When it comes to your Business Profile on Google, the first step is to either add it for the first time or claim it if it already exists. Here’s how you can go about it:

Add or Claim Your Profile

Start by adding your business to Google or claiming your existing profile if it’s already there. If you’re unsure how to claim your profile, you can find detailed instructions on how to do so here.

Verification Methods

To make sure your profile is legitimate, Google allows you to verify it through various methods, including phone, text, email, or video. Depending on factors like your business category, publicly available information, location, support hours, and volumes, different verification methods may be available to you.

Choosing a Verification Method

You’ll have the flexibility to choose the verification method that suits you best. The process varies depending on your chosen method, and you can find step-by-step instructions for each.

Notification of Verification

Once your verification is successful, you’ll receive a notification confirming it. 

If the first verification method doesn’t work, don’t worry. The “Get verified” option will reappear, allowing you to try a different verification method.

After You’re Verified

Information Update: After verification, it might take a few weeks for any changes or additions to your business information to appear across Google. However, keep in mind that you can update and refine your profile details whenever you need to.

Engage with Customers: Your verified profile opens up opportunities to connect with your customers. You can make posts, respond to reviews, and use messaging to engage with your audience.

How to View Your Google Business Profile (GBP) Reviews

“Your Business on Google” in Google Search

• While signed in to your Google account, perform a Google search for your business name.
• On your business’s knowledge panel (normally found on the far left), click on the “Read Reviews” button to access and read customer feedback.

From Google Maps

• Open the Google Maps app on your mobile device.
• Search for your business.
• Tap on the “Reviews” tab within your business listing to see what customers are saying about your services.

Resources for Managing Google Reviews Like a Pro

• How to Respond to Google Reviews
• How to Respond to Negative Reviews
• Google Business Profiles for Beginners 
• Our Guide to Google Business Reviews

Google Business Profile (GBP) API

For those with development capabilities, Google provides APIs to access and manage your reviews programmatically. Detailed instructions can be found here.

Setting Up Google Alerts for Review Monitoring

(Source, Google Alerts)

Stay in the loop with Google Alerts, a handy feature that keeps you informed whenever new information on a specific topic appears in Google Search. Whether you’re interested in news updates, product releases, or even mentions of your business name, Google Alerts has you covered. Here’s how to set it up:

Creating an Alert

Step 1: Go to the Google Alerts page.

Step 2: In the provided box at the top, enter the topic you want to stay updated on.

Step 3: If you’d like to customize your alert settings, click on “Show options.” 

(Source, Google Alerts)

Here, you can adjust things like:

• The frequency of email notifications.
• The types of websites you’d like to see in your alerts.
• Your preferred language.
• The geographic region for the information.

Step 4: Specify the email accounts that should receive the alerts.

Step 5: After configuring your settings, simply click “Create Alert.” You’ll start receiving emails whenever relevant search results are found.

Editing an Alert

Step 1: Visit the Google Alerts page.

Step 2: Find the alert you’d like to modify and click on “Edit.”

Step 3: If you don’t see any editing options, click “Show options.”

Step 4: Make the desired changes to your alert settings.

Step 5: Click “Update Alert” to save your modifications.

Customizing Alert Delivery

Step 1: To fine-tune how you receive alerts, click the gear icon on the far right.

Step 2: Select your preferred options.

(Source, Google Alerts)

Step 3: Save your settings by clicking “Save.”

Deleting an Alert

Step 1: Head over to Google Alerts.

Step 2: Locate the alert you wish to remove and click “Delete.”

Optional: If you receive an alert email and want to unsubscribe, you can do so by clicking “Unsubscribe” at the bottom of the email.

Google Alerts is a valuable tool to keep you informed about topics that matter to you. By setting up alerts, you’ll receive timely updates straight to your inbox, helping you stay on top of the latest about what people are saying about your business across the internet.

How Broadly Can Help

Finding and managing your Google reviews is a critical aspect of running a successful local business, but keeping on top of them can be time-consuming, especially as your business grows. This is where a service like Broadly can be a game changer. Broadly streamlines the process, helping you efficiently manage and respond to reviews all from one easy-to-use app.

With Broadly, you can:

• Receive instant notifications of new reviews.
• Easily respond to reviews from one central interface.
• Gain valuable insights into customer feedback trends.
• Improve your online reputation and drive more business.

Ready to simplify your review management process? Schedule a demo with us today!

The post How to Find Your Google Reviews: A Quick Guide appeared first on Broadly.

To get started, put your company on the map—Google Maps, that is—and create a listing on Google Business Profile (GBP), formerly called Google My Business (GMB), to begin receiving customer reviews and ratings. After all, Google reviews are critical for your business because they help grow your company’s online presence and attract new customers.

5 Reasons Why Google Reviews Are Important for Your Business

With positive reviews and star ratings on Google, local businesses are more likely to rank higher on a search engine results page. Here are some other ways your company can benefit from Google reviews.

1. Reach and Convert New Customers

A Google Business Profile listing makes it easy for any company, from a small business to a larger enterprise, to improve its digital marketing strategy in terms of search engine optimization (SEO).

Local SEO influences search results by increasing a company’s online visibility on search engines like Google or Bing. Thanks to local SEO, new customers can quickly find relevant businesses in their local area when they conduct a Google search.

2. Build Trust and Credibility with Potential Customers

Whether you’re an auto shop owner or a pet groomer, maintaining a reputable online presence and a high star rating can bring in new clientele and encourage them to spend money on your product or service.

For example, if your company has a 4.5-star rating and dozens of great online reviews, this could convince someone to choose you over a competitor. Google reviews help potential customers determine if they want to do business with you.

3. Provide an Unmatched Customer Experience

Even highly rated companies get negative reviews on occasion, and responding to them can show openness and help build trust with customers. Business owners can reply directly to customer reviews to clarify any misunderstandings or concerns related to hours of operation, staffing issues, or the service received.

Respond to positive reviews by thanking the customer for taking the time to leave feedback. By showing genuine care for the customer experience, you can connect with your community and encourage repeat business.

4. Manage Your Company’s Online Reputation

Google reviews act as testimonials that impact how potential customers view your business or brand. Online reviews from happy customers help you understand what your company is doing right, while negative reviews potentially highlight areas for improvement.

In addition, Google Business Profile allows owners to respond to unsatisfied customers and offer a resolution, such as by providing a complimentary service or further discussing the issue by phone, direct message, or email.

5. Stand Out in a Google Search and on Google Maps

When your business listing appears at the top of a Google search, potential customers can easily see star ratings and Google reviews on your profile. Plus, when someone uses Google Maps, your business may appear as a pin on the map, which includes your company’s name, hours of operation, phone number, and other business contact information.

Why Authentic Google Reviews Matter

Customer feedback serves as social proof for a small business, influencing consumers’ buying habits. According to a survey, the main reason why people leave feedback on review sites is to inform others about their customer experience.

Arguably worse than negative reviews, fake reviews could hurt a company’s online reputation by inspiring mistrust from potential customers. It’s a disappointing experience when you read dozens of positive reviews and then find out after spending your hard-earned money that false advertising was at play.

Authentic customer feedback provides the undecided customer with what they need to know before investing in a product or service. A business with both positive and negative reviews appears more trustworthy than one with only the former.

Plus, when you handle bad reviews with grace and professionalism, new customers will see evidence of your company values and understand that their experience matters.

16 Ways to Get Google Reviews for Your Business

1. Create a Shareable Google Reviews Link

Streamline the online review writing process by creating a Google review link to send to your customers. The link is a short URL that leads them directly to your Google Business Profile so customers can leave feedback through a review or star rating. Include the shareable link in your email newsletters, on your business website, or through text messages.

2. Ask Customers to Write a Review

A simple request can go a long way. Many customers don’t realize how valuable reviews are for small businesses, so it’s effective to directly ask for a Google review. Some consumers may not even realize they have the option to write a public review about your products or services.

3. Add a Call to Action on Your Website

Include a button or link on your website homepage that says, “Leave us a Google review.” The call-to-action (CTA) can also exist on other parts of your website, such as the contact page, the footer, or a separate section altogether. Adding a straightforward CTA is a hot tip in any digital marketing guide.

4. Offer Online Review Prompts

Sometimes a customer may want to leave a review, but they’re unsure what to write or how to start. List questions to inspire the customer to share their feedback, such as:

• What was the reason for your visit?
• How would you describe your buying experience?
• Why did you choose our product or service?

5. Explain the Benefits of Customer Reviews

An excellent experience is one key to acquiring repeat customers. Encourage people to leave your business profile a Google review by telling them that you use this information to improve customer support and satisfaction.

6. Use an Automation Tool or Service

Automating the process of collecting customer feedback can save you time and money. For example, Broadly’s online review management services are among the simplest ways to get Google reviews. Broadly’s tools automatically send follow-up emails to customers after a customer transaction. These emails will:

• Encourage the customer to share their experience
• Prompt the customer to write a review for your business, including a direct link to the Google business listing
• Thank them for their patronage

Additionally, Broadly can route negative reviews to your customer service department, so you can immediately address and resolve them.

7. Respond to Existing Google Reviews

Acknowledging all your customers, whether they leave good or bad reviews, builds loyalty in your community. You can also reply to the latter by asking them to give your company another chance to impress them.

8. Highlight Positive Reviews on Social Media

Create social media posts of snippets or screenshots of positive reviews and share your gratitude for the kind words. These posts may remind other customers to leave feedback.

9. Provide a Friendly Reminder in Your Emails

In your weekly or monthly email newsletter, include a Google reviews link and call-to-action so customers are prompted to write a review if they haven’t already. Promotional emails or updates about your business are additional opportunities to add a friendly reminder to leave feedback.

10. Leverage Printed Materials by Including a Call to Action

Believe it or not, printed materials still play a crucial role in gathering Google reviews. Here are some simple ways to incorporate a call to action (CTA) into your printed materials:

Receipts

Include a friendly message on your receipts, encouraging customers to share their experiences on Google. A short URL or QR code can make it easy for them to access your review page.

Business Cards

Add a brief note on your business cards, prompting recipients to leave a Google review. Make sure to include the URL or QR code for quick access.

Physical Thank-You Cards

Make special cards to say thanks to your customers for choosing your business. On these cards, politely ask them to leave their thoughts on Google. Make sure it’s super easy for them to find your review page.

In-Store Displays

Put up posters or signs near your cash register or in noticeable spots around your store, encouraging customers to leave reviews for your business on Google. Ensure the message is straightforward and friendly.

11. Run a Dedicated Email Campaign to Ask for Reviews

Email campaigns can be a powerful tool for collecting Google reviews from your existing customers. If you’ve been collecting customer emails, why not leverage your contact list? Send out a dedicated email requesting reviews. Be polite, but don’t beat around the bush. Make it short and sweet, and clearly state how much you value their feedback.

Also see: How to Ask for a Review: Best Practices and Templates

12. Conduct Customer Feedback Surveys

Surveys can help you gather valuable insights about how you are doing, but did you know they can also direct customers to leave reviews? Here’s how:

Direct Positive Feedback to Leave a Review

If a customer provides positive feedback in a survey, send them a follow-up email thanking them and kindly asking if they’d be willing to share their experience on Google.

Direct Negative Feedback to Contact You Directly

If a customer expresses dissatisfaction, reassure them that you’re committed to resolving the issue. Provide your contact information and encourage them to reach out directly, rather than leaving a negative public review.

13. Ask Vendors and Partners for Reviews

Your business isn’t just about the customers; it also involves the companies you work with—like suppliers or partners. Their reviews can have a big impact on how others (including other potential partners) see your business. Here’s how to go about it:

Building a Positive Network

In business, your network is your net worth. Establishing strong relationships with vendors and partners not only fosters collaboration but can also enhance your credibility in the eyes of potential customers. When you’ve had a positive working relationship with these entities, it’s entirely okay to ask for their feedback after some time working with them.

Avoid Posing as Customers

When seeking reviews from vendors and partners, it’s crucial to maintain transparency and integrity. Never ask them to pose as customers or fabricate their experiences. Instead, request that they share their genuine impressions of your partnership. Authenticity is key to building trust with your audience.

Highlighting Professionalism

Encourage vendors and partners to focus on the professionalism of your collaboration. Ask them to mention specific aspects that set your business apart, such as timely communication, reliability, or the quality of products or services received. These insights can be invaluable for potential customers or business partners looking to assess your capabilities.

Sharing Mutual Benefits

Make it clear that their feedback matters not only to your business but also to theirs. Positive reviews from your partners can reflect positively on their own reputation. By sharing their experiences, they contribute to a stronger local business ecosystem in your community.

Providing Guidance

As a local business owner, you know how hectic things can be for others in the same boat. To simplify the process, offer guidance on where and how your partners can leave reviews. Share links or instructions for posting reviews on platforms that matter most to your industry or audience. The easier you make it for them, the more likely they’ll take the time to provide their feedback.

Expressing Gratitude

Always express your appreciation for their time and effort in leaving a review. A simple thank-you note can go a long way toward maintaining positive relationships with your fellow business owners.

Monitoring and Responding:

Once you start receiving reviews from partners and vendors, monitor them regularly. Respond to their feedback with professionalism and gratitude, just as you would with customer reviews.

14. Create Clear Instructions

If you don’t know how to leave a review, how are you going to effectively guide your customers? Make sure your customers can easily figure out how to leave a review on Google by offering clear and straightforward instructions. You might also want to create simple guides for your employees to assist customers when they want to leave a review while shopping in-store:

• Browser-Based Reviews: Provide step-by-step instructions for leaving reviews via a web browser.
• Google Maps App: Offer guidance on writing reviews using the Google Maps app, especially for customers who prefer mobile devices.

One extra step you could take is to motivate your staff to request reviews from satisfied customers. Equip your employees with shareable resources like business cards, pamphlets, or stickers featuring the link to your Google Listing. Additionally, consider providing incentives such as bonuses or discounts to encourage your team to engage customers for their valuable feedback.

3 Helpful Resources for Improving Your Google Reviews Right Now

• How to Increase Your Google Reviews
• How to Get 5-Star Google Reviews
• How to Improve Google Reviews

15. Maintain Your Google Business Profile

Would you enter a business that looks neglected? Of course not! Your Google Business Profile is a virtual representation of your storefront, so it’s important to keep it looking just as good as the real thing.

• Consistent Branding: Ensure that the information on your profile aligns with your current branding, including business hours, contact details, logos, and photos.
• Regular Posts: Share updates, promotions, and other important content on your Google Business Profile. These posts can attract attention from the Google algorithm and bump you higher in the rankings. 

Important to note: Leaving a business listing idle does not only look bad, but it can have repercussions on your SEO too! According to a recently published update to Google’s Inactive Accounts policy, it can disable accounts that have shown a lack of activity for as little as two years.

16. Provide Excellent Customer Service

Satisfied customers can become your most enthusiastic supporters. When customers enjoy a great experience, they’re more inclined to share their feedback. Therefore, prioritize delivering exceptional service.

On the flip side, however, it’s important to acknowledge that not all customers will be content, regardless of your efforts. Train your staff in effective problem-solving techniques to handle these challenging situations. This enables them to de-escalate issues and potentially repair customer relationships.

Improving a challenging customer service interaction can help you minimize receiving excessively negative reviews.

Lean into Social Media Marketing

While Google reviews are a powerful tool to reach potential customers and increase your company’s online visibility, social media marketing is also essential.

Stand out by creating a business account on social media, such as Facebook, Yelp, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. These platforms allow you to engage with your customer base through comments and direct messages, as well as promote special offers and seasonal sales.

Market Your Business with Broadly

Broadly empowers local businesses to grow by promoting brand awareness and improving the customer experience. With online reputation and customer review management solutions, you save time by automating the process of collecting business reviews and valuable feedback. You can effortlessly send out review requests to customers with only a few clicks of a button.

Broadly’s all-in-one software boasts plenty of features to streamline operations and boost your marketing efforts. Want to see how Broadly can help your business flourish?

This article was updated on October 9th, 2023.

The post How to Get Google Reviews: 16 Best Tactics appeared first on Broadly.

But here’s the catch: Are there really ways to get free Google reviews? We’re about to reveal three simple and cost-free tactics to increase your Google reviews.

Key Takeaways

• Importance of Google Reviews: Google reviews are critical for local businesses as they can significantly impact growth by enhancing online visibility and credibility.
• Avoid Buying Reviews: Purchasing Google reviews is discouraged because Google removes paid reviews; instead, local businesses should focus on legitimate methods to acquire free reviews.
• Stick with tried and true strategies for success: Focus on providing excellent service, asking your customers for feedback, and utilizing tools like Google Customer Reviews for authentic reviews that will bring in more patrons.

Don’t Even Think About Buying Google Reviews

We get it—you might be tempted to buy some Google reviews to jumpstart your online reputation. But here’s the thing: Google isn’t a fan of paid reviews, and they’ll swiftly remove paid reviews as quickly as they appear. So, instead of wasting your money and putting your Google Business profile at risk, let’s explore some legitimate ways to get free Google reviews.

Tactic 1: Provide Excellent Customer Service

Delivering exceptional customer service is the bedrock of attracting positive Google reviews. Here’s why it’s essential and how you can excel at it:

Why Excellent Customer Service Matters

Customers who have had a really great experience with your business are more inclined to share their positive impressions with others. Their reviews act as glowing endorsements that can influence potential customers who would otherwise be on the fence. These endorsements are not only free but also incredibly valuable in building trust and credibility for your local business.

How to make customers remember you and give free Google reviews:

Go the Extra Mile

Strive to exceed customer expectations. Whether it’s going out of your way to solve a problem, offering personalized recommendations, or providing little surprises like discounts or handwritten thank-you notes, these small gestures of kindness create memorable experiences that set you apart.

Active Listening

Listen attentively to customer feedback, concerns, and suggestions. Show empathy and take prompt action to address any issues that come your way. When customers feel heard and valued, they’re more likely to reciprocate with positive reviews or reverse a not-so-positive one.

Consistency

Consistency in service is key. Ensure that every interaction with your customers, from the first contact to the final purchase or service, reflects your commitment to excellence.

Check out this review a customer wrote for a well-loved brunch restaurant. The customer, who had visited the restaurant many times, shared their consistently excellent experiences with both the food and service. Although it took a few visits before they posted this review, it’s immensely valuable for the business because it’s genuinely positive feedback that potential brunch-goers will find highly valuable when searching for their next brunch spot.

Here’s another example from a small mom-and-pop restaurant that specializes in diner fare. The user mentions how they’ve been a regular customer for years and laments how kind and attentive the owners always are. 

In summary, being consistent is super important. It helps people trust your business and keeps them coming back. Plus, it ensures you keep getting new reviews regularly. So, by always being reliable and doing a great job, you’ll have customers who will be happily singing your praises

Tactic 2: Ask for Reviews

While some customers may leave reviews on their own, many won’t unless prompted. By politely requesting reviews, you’re not only reminding satisfied customers to share their experiences but also giving them an easy and direct way to do so. Here’s how:

In-Person

Train your staff to ask for reviews when customers are at your place of business. For example, a friendly request during the checkout process or at the end of a successful interaction can be very effective.

Email

After a purchase or service, send a follow-up email thanking the customer for their business and kindly requesting a review. Provide a Google review link for convenience.

Signage

Place signs in your physical location encouraging customers to leave their feedback. Make sure these signs are noticeable but not intrusive. Some great spots to place this signage include in your front window, on menus, or on a sticker found at the cash register.

For more tips on asking for reviews, check out our guide on the best tactics for asking for reviews on Google.

Also see: 

• How to Add Google Reviews to a Website
• Auto Body Repair Marketing Plan Example + Free Template

Tactic 3: Collect Reviews via Google Customer Reviews

Did you know that Google offers a tool called “Google Customer Reviews” that allows customers to leave feedback on your website? It’s a great way to collect more reviews and boost your online reputation. 

By collecting reviews through Google Customer Reviews, you’ll make it incredibly convenient for customers to share their thoughts. It integrates seamlessly with Google, and the reviews can be displayed as seller ratings in Google Ads, further enhancing your online visibility. Here’s how it works:

How to Set Up Google Customer Reviews:

Step 1: Create a Google Merchant Center Account

If you don’t already have one, sign up for a Google Merchant Center account.

Next, double-check to make sure your Merchant Center account is verified. You can verify your account in several ways, including:

Pro-Tip: 

If one of your account users has already shown that your website is genuine for other Google tools, like Search Console, you don’t need to do it again for Merchant Center. If anyone in your group is already recognized as the owner of the website in the Search Console, then you can go ahead and claim your website without the need for extra verification.

Step 2: Enable Google Customer Reviews

Once you have created your Google Merchant account and verified your website, head to the menu on the left side of the main page and click “Growth.” Select “Manage Programs” and then go to the “Customer Reviews” card. From there, click “Enable” to sign up and obtain your survey code.

Step 3: Add the Survey Code to Your Website

Google provides a survey code that you need to add to your website’s order confirmation page. This code triggers the review request after a customer completes a purchase. Integrating the survey code might require the help of your website administrator. Once ready to begin, follow the steps outlined in Google’s Onboarding and Integration Guide.

Step 4: Collect Reviews

Once set up, Google Customer Reviews will automatically prompt customers to leave feedback on your website, and these reviews will be associated with your Google Business Profile listing.

When used correctly, these strategies can help you gather more quality Google reviews—and the best part is that they’re FREE!

In summary, you don’t need to break the bank to get Google reviews. Avoid buying them and focus on providing excellent service, asking your customers for feedback, and utilizing tools like Google Customer Reviews. And if you’re looking for a convenient way to manage your reviews, Broadly is here to lend a hand.

Start boosting your Google reviews today and watch your business soar to new heights.

How Broadly Can Help

At this point, you might be wondering, “How can I manage all these reviews efficiently?” That’s where Broadly comes to the rescue. Our services are designed to make online review management a breeze for local businesses just like yours. With Broadly, you can effortlessly streamline the process of gathering, monitoring, and responding to reviews.

Don’t take our word for it—try it out for yourself. See how Broadly can help you harness the power of reviews to grow your business.

The post Free Google Reviews? 3 Simple Ways to Get More Reviews appeared first on Broadly.

Google reviews help you connect with customers and bring in more folks to your establishment—among a whole host of other great benefits. Everyone wants the best reviews to stick around forever, and they want the bad ones gone ASAP.

But here’s the twist: sometimes great reviews that we lean on just up and disappear, no matter how much we want them to stay. And we can’t help but wonder why.

Is there a time limit on them? If so, how long do Google reviews last? Let’s dig into the world of Google reviews to figure this conundrum out.

Key Takeaways

• Google reviews are permanent, but older reviews may become less visible over time, making it important to consistently gather new reviews that reflect your current business status.
• Reviews can disappear if they violate Google’s rules, such as being fake, spammy, off-topic, or offensive. Understanding these rules and actively monitoring reviews is essential to improving your Google ranking.
• Deleting your Google Business Profile doesn’t remove reviews. It’s best to proactively manage your online reputation by engaging with customers, addressing concerns, and using tools like Broadly to streamline review management.

Google Reviews Don’t Expire

Here’s the good news: Google reviews don’t come with a “best before” date.

Once a customer leaves a review, it’s going to be there online forever. But hold on, there’s a caveat we forgot to mention. As you get new reviews, the older ones might get pushed down the list, so they won’t be as prominent. You see, just like trendy hairstyles, businesses can change over time. As you come into your own, your services might improve, or perhaps you move to a more suitable location that offers a better ambiance. Google tends to favor newer reviews, as they most likely best represent what your business is like in the present. 

Why Do Some Google Reviews Vanish?

Even though Google reviews are meant to stick around, there are situations when they can simply disappear (Google). Google has rules about what’s allowed in reviews, and if a review breaks these rules, it can get the boot. Here are some common reasons why Google might say goodbye to a review:

1. Fake Reviews

Google doesn’t like fake reviews. These are paid reviews written by people who want to either boost a business unfairly or hurt its reputation.

2. Spam Reviews

If a review seems weird, doesn’t make sense, or looks like it’s trying to trick the system, it might be considered spam and swiftly removed.

3. Off-Topic Reviews

Google reviews should talk about the experience someone had with a business. If a review goes off-topic or talks about stuff unrelated to the business, it might not make the cut.

4. Illegal Stuff

Reviews with illegal content, like copyrighted material or links to shady websites, are a big red flag and will not be tolerated by the platform in the slightest.

5. Rude or Threatening Language

Google wants to keep things friendly and respectful. Reviews with rude, racist, or threatening language will be shown the door.

6. Conflicts of Interest

Reviews from people who have a clear conflict of interest, like employees or competitors, might be taken down, as these comments can carry bias and be ungenuine reflections of the business.

7. Too Many Reviews, Too Fast

Large quantities of positive reviews could be a signal that the business purchased fake feedback. If the reviews are negative, this is commonly known as “review bombing” and is a tactic by competitors to tarnish the name of a business. So, if a business suddenly gets loads of reviews in a short time, Google might wonder what’s going on and could remove some of them if it suspects they are part of one of these tactics. 

It’s worth noting that both the users writing reviews and business owners have a role in managing public feedback. People can delete their own reviews if they want to, while business owners can flag and fix an inappropriate Google review that breaks the platform’s rules.

Related Topics:

• How to Remove Google Reviews 
• How to Remove Negative Reviews from Google Search Results

Can You Get Rid of Reviews by Deleting Your Google Business Profile?

Some folks think that if they delete their Google Business Profile, all the reviews will disappear too. Well, that’s not quite how it works. Deleting your profile means you’re giving up control of it, but the reviews will still be there on Google unless they break the rules or for some other valid reason.

If your intention is to try to boost your rating, there are a few strategies you can try:

• Drown out negative reviews by requesting feedback from happy customers.
• Respond to negative reviews and try to address the user’s concerns. If you can fix the issue, they may opt to remove the review or update it to a positive one. 
• Skim your reviews and see if all of them are, in fact, genuine. You would be surprised how many people leave a review for the wrong business by mistake due to a similar naming convention.

In a nutshell, Google Reviews don’t disappear on their own, but they can be removed if they break Google’s review rules. If you’re a business owner, it’s important to understand these rules and take steps to protect your reputation. And if you’re looking for help managing your online reviews, Broadly is here to make it easy and effective.

How Broadly Can Help

Handling Google reviews and keeping your online reputation shining bright can be tough for local businesses. That’s where Broadly comes in to lend a helping hand. Our services are here to make your online presence work for you. With Broadly, you can make sure those fantastic reviews get the attention they deserve while dealing with any not-so-great ones effectively.

Don’t let negative Google reviews overshadow your hard work. See how Broadly can make a real difference for your business. Schedule a demo with us today!

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