In today's digital age, online reviews hold immense power in shaping consumer decisions. Whether it's choosing a restaurant for dinner or selecting a service provider, potential customers often turn to platforms like Google to gauge others' experiences. In this article, we explore the significance of reviews for businesses and provide practical tactics for generating more feedback.
Who run the world? Customers!
Let's be honest with ourselves: when was the last time you decided whether or not to book a table at a restaurant based on its Google reviews? Was it last month, last week, or perhaps even today? Google reviews have become a vital component of Google My Business profiles. Thanks to them, customers can share their experiences with the world, and business owners sweat every time they receive a notification about a new review.
In the world of Google and search engines, reviews play a significant role in customers' decision-making processes. They can instantly reveal flaws or highlight great experiences, ultimately leading to either more bookings or none at all.
Customers who have had a great experience are usually more than happy to leave a review when prompted.
Viewing reviews from the perspective of business owners, they provide valuable customer feedback that might otherwise be missed. They also offer an opportunity to showcase excellent customer care, particularly in response to negative experiences and subsequent bad reviews.
5 Easy-to-Implement Tactics to Boost Your Google Reviews
But what if you don't have any reviews, or only a few? How can you generate more of them? Let's dive into five simple tactics, some of which you can implement right away. But before we delve in, see how to create your custom review link to share with your customers.
1. Email Them
Integrate the custom review link into your existing email campaigns. Include it in a post-purchase email sent to the customer.
For example, if you own a restaurant where customers can book tables online, once they opt-in (ensuring compliance with privacy policies and GDPR), you can trigger an email the day after their visit, asking about their experience and providing a link to your Google Business Profile.
2. Share via WhatsApp
Utilize WhatsApp Business to enhance automation and improve customer experience. Include the review link in a message thanking your customers for their visit.
3. QR Code at the Point of Purchase
Especially since the COVID-19 era, restaurants and bars in Cyprus have become accustomed to using QR codes to display their menus to customers. You can do the same with a "Leave Us a Review" QR code placed on each table.
4. NFC Card at the Point of Purchase
NFC cards can be programmed to display your custom review link. Imagine your staff simply swiping the card near a customer's phone after they settle their bill. Alternatively, you could leave the NFC card at the reception desk during checkout. Interested about NFC cards? Contact us to find out more and to get a quote!
5. Just simply ask
There's no shame in asking your customers after every positive interaction, encourage customers to share their experience online. Train your employees to ask, too. A polite request at the end of a transaction or interaction can often result in a positive review. Customers who have had a great experience are usually more than happy to leave a review when prompted.
Respond To All Reviews
Don't forget to react and respond to all of your reviews. Good ones and bad ones. No exceptions. Try to be personal, if possible, don't settle with just a plain "Thank you" or "Thank you for your feedback." Personalized responses show that you value and appreciate your customers' input. Acknowledge specific points mentioned in the review and express genuine gratitude for their feedback. For negative reviews, address the concerns raised and offer solutions or ways to rectify the situation. This proactive approach demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction and can turn a negative experience into a positive one.
Ready to boost your online reputation and attract more customers? Implement these proven tactics today and watch your Google reviews soar!