It is estimated that 50% of small businesses fail within their first five years. Which is quite a worrying statistic if you’re a business owner.
However, there are plenty of things you can do to make sure your business stays ahead of the competition and becomes a success.
One of them is paying attention to online reviews.
Most online shoppers read reviews before they make a purchase, so if your Google reviews are not up to scratch you could be at a disadvantage.
Positive online reviews can drive more traffic to your website and enhance your reputation. So as a business owner, you should be striving to get as many positive online reviews as possible.
Read on to find out how to improve your Google reviews.
Make It Easy to Leave Reviews
Potential customers are 270% more likely to make a purchase if there are at least five online reviews. So the more reviews you have for your business the better.
The easier it is for a customer to leave a review, the more likely they are to do so. Therefore, you should make it as easy as possible for customers to fill out a Google review.
When you are updating or redesigning or your website, make sure you include a direct link to your Google review page.
The fewer clicks a person has to make, the more likely they are to leave a review.
Invite People to Leave Google Reviews
As well as making it easy for people to find your review page, you should be actively encouraging customers to leave reviews.
You can do this by asking them on your website. You can also ask in email signatures and via marketing mailouts.
If you operate a business such as a restaurant or a shop, you can give customers cards inviting people to visit your review page. Using QR codes to link to your Google review page is a good idea, as it will encourage people to access the site on their smartphone.
Respond to Negative Reviews
Unfortunately, most businesses have to face the problem of what to do when you get a negative review.
Leaving a negative review unanswered on a review site can be damaging for your reputation. It can send out the signal that you don’t care or don’t read reviews. Therefore, it’s very important that you respond to all negative reviews.
Sometimes when you have effectively dealt with a complaint, the customer can be persuaded to withdraw the review. However, even if they don’t, it will show that you’ve listened to the complaint and done all that you can to make things right.
Be the Best
The most important way to encourage positive reviews is to offer a service that people are enthusiastic about.
There is no better way to generate positive feedback than to be the very best that you can be. Go the extra mile with your customer service and leave customers feeling special and cared for.
We Can Help You to Create a Website to Be Proud Of
Those are some tips on improving your Google reviews. Make it easy for people to leave reviews and encourage them to do so.
Don’t be disheartened by negative reviews, but don’t hide from them either.
And finally, make all your customers feel special and the positivity will be returned.
Check out our services that can help you to create a website to be proud of and boost your online reputation.