Google's online reviews can give businesses a huge boost in credibility without spending a fortune. The benefits of getting Google reviews are numerous: improved local SEO - higher Google rankings, boosting your online reputation and getting feedback from your customers.
What are online reviews and why are they so important?
So what exactly are Google's online reviews and what do they do? Google's online reviews allow any business to prove itself to potential customers. People can write their opinion about a business or their experience with that business online (specifically in Google search or Google maps). Other marketing (expensive campaigns, etc.) becomes less important compared to the impact that online reviews have.
Of course, these same campaigns have a big impact, but they become less relevant compared to Google's online ratings, which serve as social proof. Any searcher can type in a search query and come across companies with real customer reviews and make an informed decision whether or not to engage with that company - positive reviews encourage potential customers to convert.
Another advantage of online reviews is that they offer all businesses the opportunity to level the playing field when it comes to local SEO. Any business - large or small - that takes advantage of Google Ratings will rank higher in local search results. If Google thinks that a local shop selling running shoes provides a better experience than a nearby retail chain, that local shop may find itself higher up the local search rankings.
Google therefore also uses online reviews to form its opinion. Positive reviews on Google have incredible power to influence trust in a company or brand.
Here is a list and explanation of the 5 biggest benefits of online evaluations.
The 5 biggest benefits of getting Google online reviews
1. Google online reviews boost brand trust
Transparency is becoming increasingly important for the consumer. Today, consumers research a company before buying products or services. Much of this research is usually done by reviewing Google's online reviews. Almost 88 % consumer reads online reviews to find out the quality of a local business. Online reviews are just as trusted as personal recommendations.
2. Google Web Reviews boost online exposure and local SEO
To say that Google's search algorithms are complex is to underestimate them. But one thing is for sure: Google's online reviews, written by Google customers for various businesses, have a strong influence on local Google rankings, which can help place your local business at the top of Google's local search results.
This makes it much easier and quicker for a local business to be found, so it is crucial that it does not rely solely on SEO activities such as keyword optimisation and content publishing, but does not pay attention to managing Google's online rankings.
If managed correctly, online reviews on Google can be one of your most successful marketing tactics. This is partly because Google business reviews allow your business to appear in Google's local '3-pack', shown below, which displays the 3 most relevant businesses near where you are searching. Next to the business name, address, website link and phone number, the average Google rating is also shown.
3. Collecting feedback through Google's online reviews
One of the most valuable benefits of online reviews is getting feedback from your customers. Every rating and review you receive should serve as a customer satisfaction survey through which you can gain insight:
- whether or not your company has provided a positive experience for the customer,
- where your company has done well or badly,
- which of your company's products or services the customer is satisfied or dissatisfied with.
By reading negative reviews on Google, you can quickly see where you need to improve and what needs work in your company.
It is also very important that you respond to all online reviews and opinions. If there are positive reviews, say thank you, if there are negative reviews, always reply and do your best to resolve the issue. In general, it is wise to apologise and find a way to correct any mistake they think your company has made.
4. Improve your website's impressions-to-clicks ratio with Google Web Ratings
When a business appears in search results, it is crucial that customers take some action, such as clicking through to a page, making a call, getting directions... You may spend a lot of money on online marketing, but if people don't actually 'click' on your business, all that effort is wasted. Fortunately, Google reviews are a great way to increase your impressions-to-clicks ratio once you're in the search engine. Your Google rating will appear next to your business name, so a good set of positive reviews will increase the number of clicks to your website.
5. Google Online Ratings to reach more customers
When customers "click" on your website, you are almost there. Whichever channel customers come to your website through, the main goal is to encourage them to buy, to send an enquiry, to book an appointment or to make some other conversion. While a user-friendly website experience and a smartly designed website are extremely important, Google reviews have a tremendous power to help you do just that. For this reason, any business with high Google ratings should incorporate online reviews into the website. This will definitely increase customer trust, even if they have never read your reviews.
How to get more Google online reviews?
Do you want to get started as soon as possible with online assessments? You're probably wondering if there's a shortcut to get the results you want as quickly as possible.
The most tried and tested method is to simply ask customers to rate your business, sending them emails with this request after they have made a purchase. The best companies have real ratings - that is, ratings from real customers - which they have honestly earned.
Customers can quickly spot false or otherwise incentivized reviews, and so can search engines. This may encourage more customers to give their opinion or online review. In the long run, this will pay off.
Get reviews on other online platforms
While Google is the most popular when it comes to online reviews, there are other platforms that businesses can focus on. Facebook is one such site where businesses can send customers to leave reviews, whether they have an insurance service, a dental practice, a dry cleaner or any other service. For hotels, restaurants and tourism providers, Tripadvisor is a great place where businesses can focus to get ratings and reviews.
The first step is to monitor online ratings, which can be very time-consuming for companies. You can monitor the online ratings on these sites separately or use theknitted canvas for management opinions and assessments,like our solution, which can simplify the whole management process enormously. You can manage online reviews from one place and also access advanced analytics that give you even more insight into your customers' reviews.
The main advantage of using such a solution is transparency, as all your ratings are collected in one place. It also saves time, as you are notified every time a review is published and allows you to reply right from the platform.
Conclusion
Google's online business reviews can boost three main areas of your business: brand trust, local SEO and getting feedback. If you're not currently getting online reviews, you could be missing out on advantages that your competitors may be taking advantage of.
Google online reviews are free! For many businesses, this marketing channel can provide an incredible ROI (return on investment). If you spend just a little time on Google Web Reviews, you can see amazing results in a relatively short time.
If you haven't already, use Google's online business reviews to increase trust in your brand, products or services. You will quickly find that this is one of the most cost-effective ways to attract potential customers in your geographic area.
Need help managing online assessments?
If you prefer, we can take over the whole process for you. Contact us for more information. We are happy to help.
