Google makes the world go round – the Internet world, anyway. It’s hard to dispute that.

Know what else makes the world go round? Reviews on Google.

Why do Google Reviews Matter?

You might want to sit down before we give you the stats on what customer reviews can mean for a business. (Maybe you’re already sitting or maybe the stats won’t shock you.)

  • 90% of consumers read online reviews before visiting a business
  • 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as they do personal recommendations
  • 92% of buyers are more likely to purchase after reading a review

These are powerful stats. If you’re running a local business (or any business, really), this data should make you sit up and take notice. It should also leave you asking how to get more reviews on Google.

More Google Reviews = Higher Search Ranking + More Leads and Sales + Revenue Increase

The bottom line: Google Reviews matter to the success of your business.

12 Ideas for How to Get More Reviews on Google

Today is your lucky day because we’re giving you 12 ideas for how to get more reviews on Google because Google Reviews matter to your business.

1. Provide Great Customer Service

It’s not brain surgery, right? The best way to get more reviews on Google is to provide such superior customer service, such an excellent product/service, and such an amazing experience with your business that customers cannot help but sing your praises Google style.

2. Ask Customers Face-to-Face or By Phone

Customers who had a positive or stellar experience may not think to leave a review. Unfortunately, it’s typically the opposite – unhappy customers flock to leave Google Reviews to blast your business and to try to deter new business from coming your way.

The best way to increase positive Google Reviews is to ask! When customers are paying an invoice or picking up a product from you, straight up ask them if they are willing to write a review for your business on Google. Before you hang up with a customer on the phone, ask them to leave a review about the positive experience they had.

Just ask!

3. Show ‘Em How to Do It

Of course, you’ll have customers that know how to leave a Google review like there’s no tomorrow. Then, there’s the rest. The easier you make it for these customers, the more likely you are to get reviews from them. Give them step-by-step instructions on how they can leave a Google review.

It can be as simple as printing 1-2-3 steps on a business card that you hand out with each order. You can also send these instructions as a follow-up email after they receive their order or post an instruction video on your social media platforms.

4. Include QR Codes

You can add QR codes to just about any of your marketing material (on your website, on a business card/comment card, receipt/invoice, etc.). It doesn’t get any easier to leave a review if all a customer has to do is scan a QR code to get started. Customers scan the QR code.

Voila! The Google review website pops right up for your business and the customer works through the steps of leaving a review 1-2-3.

5. Add it to Your Website

If a customer wants to leave a review on Google, one of the first places they’re likely to look is your website. Include a Google Reviews section on the homepage of your website, where it’s easy to find. Link it to your Google Business Profile so customers can quickly leave a review.

6. Put on Invoices/Receipts

Include a line on every invoice or receipt you give to a client that asks them to leave a Google review for your business. If it is a paper invoice or receipt, include a shortened link to your Google Business Profile or use your domain if you have a Google Reviews section on your website. Point out the link and ask them to review your business.

If it’s an electronic invoice or receipt, you can link the request to your Google Business Profile.

7. Send a Follow-up Email

Send a follow-up email to customers a few days after they receive their order. You can automate this email so you don’t have to manually send emails. If you do send it manually, use an email template to make it faster and easier for you.

Thank them for their order and ask them if they had a good experience, to leave a review on Google. Make sure you include the link for Google Reviews so it’s fast and easy for them to leave the review.

8. Include it in Your Email Signature Block

You send and receive emails all day every day. Include a line in your email signature or a picture of the “logo” for Google Reviews. When customers click on the link, it takes them to your Google Reviews so they can read reviews other customers have left and leave their own.

This is a two-birds-one-stone strategy. Prospects can read reviews about you before buying and happy customers can leave reviews after buying.

9. Add it to Your Website Footer

Including the link for Google Reviews in the footer of your website adds it to all the website pages instead of just the home page. No matter which page a prospect or customer lands on your website, they’ll be able to read and leave reviews.

10. Respond to Reviews

Respond to the Google Reviews you receive – good or bad. This shows that you are responsive to your customers and prospective customers. For good reviews, it can be as simple as a thank you for leaving a review.

If you receive a bad review, stay calm. Craft a well-thought-out and professional response.

11. Send Handwritten Thank You Notes

Ahhhh…the art of a handwritten note. It’s a small touch that is a lost art in our electronic world. It can go a long way with your customers, though. Use a simple thank you card or a notecard that is printed with your business info.

Either way, hand-write a thank you note to your customers. Ask them to review your business on Google. Send them to the “Google Reviews” link on your website so it’s an easy link to share.

12. Add it to Your Social Media

Include a link to your Google Reviews on all of your social media platforms. You can also post Google Reviews you receive on social media.

Remember, 90% of consumers read online reviews before visiting a business, 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as they do personal recommendations and 92% of buyers are more likely to purchase after reading a review.