Businesses Invest in Strategies to Strengthen Google Reviews Presence

In the race for visibility and trust, Google reviews act as important social proof for your business. Social proof (think case studies, opinions, reviews, and recommendations) is evidence that others have purchased your product or used your service. It enhances your business’ online reputation, improves search performance, and can directly impact sales by influencing potential customers’ decisions. In fact, a study by BrightLocal found that 98% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase decision.

Learning how to get and integrate Google reviews into your customer journey can be instrumental in your business’ growth. Here’s how to get more Google reviews and why new and small businesses should be prioritising them.

Get started with Google reviews

Before receiving reviews, ensure your Google Business Profile is set up and verified. This profile appears in Google Search and Maps, allowing customers to leave feedback. Without verification, you won’t be able to respond to reviews, and it will limit your company’s visibility.

Here are some important considerations:

• Customers don’t need a Gmail address but must sign into a Google Account to leave a review.
• All reviews add value, whether positive or negative. A mix of feedback makes your profile look more authentic and trustworthy.
• If a review violates Google’s posting guidelines, you can report it for removal.

Just registered your business with a company formation agent and want to build traction? Start by leaving thoughtful reviews for other vendors, contractors, or businesses you’ve worked with.

Be specific in your review by mentioning names, sharing details of your experiences, and even uploading photos. Then, take a screenshot of your review and send it to those companies with a polite request for them to leave one for you in return. This small exercise can spark engagement and help build momentum for your business’ review page.

How to get a QR code and link for Google reviews

The simpler it is for customers to leave a review, the more likely they will do it. Remove any barriers and make leaving a Google review a smooth experience.

Start by generating a direct link or QR code that takes people to your Google Business Profile review page. A helpful tool is the Whitespark Google Review Link Generator. Simply:

1. Head to whitespark.ca
2. Enter your business name. If you have set up your profile correctly, it will appear in the dropdown list.
3. Download your custom link and QR code for easy sharing.

Different ways to share your link or QR code:

• Include it in ‘thank you’ emails and follow-up text messages.
• Add it into your email signature or the footer of customer communications.
• Print it on business cards, signage, or customer receipts.
• Share the image of your QR code (right-click and save) and incorporate it wherever your customers interact with your brand.

You can also find your direct review link from your Business Profile in Google:

1. Open your profile via Google Search.
2. Click ‘Read Reviews’ and then click ‘Get more reviews’.
3. Copy and share the unique link or QR code using the available options.

Embedding your Google review link into key customer touchpoints (both online and offline) removes friction and prompts people to act quickly and easily.

Getting Google reviews by asking actively

The best way to get more reviews? Ask for them. Direct requests from a trusted source – especially when well-timed – are powerful. Here are five ways to get more Google reviews:

1. Give a reason: Back up your request with context. For example, “We’re a new business looking to grow, and your review could help others find us.”
2. Train your team: Whether it’s customer service staff or sales reps, give them the words and confidence to ask for reviews during or just after a customer has a positive experience.
3. Send personalised messages: Email or SMS requests sent shortly after a purchase are typically more successful. Keep it friendly and brief.
4. Include a call to action (CTA) in surveys or forms: Remind customers they don’t need to leave a written review if they’re short on time – a star rating alone is better than nothing.
5. Showcase reviews on social platforms: Sharing great reviews encourages others to join in and leave their own.

The key to asking is consistency and tone. Remember to be polite, respectful, and transparent.

Tips for encouraging more Google reviews

Once people start leaving reviews, your job isn’t done. Here are a few best practices to keep the momentum going:

• Respond to reviews: Whether glowing or critical, a thoughtful reply shows that you’re engaged and value customer feedback.
• Highlight positive reviews: Feature them on your website, product pages, or physical store to engender trust.
• Embrace transparency: Don’t hide negative reviews. Authentic profiles with constructive feedback are more trustworthy. They also give you a chance to show how you handle issues professionally.
• Follow Google’s guidelines: Familiarise yourself with the platform’s rules—manipulative or deceptive tactics can lead to penalties.
• Consider a review management tool: Automating reminders for reviews and tracking feedback can save time while keeping your review strategy consistent.

Adhering to Google’s guidelines

Keeping within Google’s guidelines when managing your Google reviews is crucial. Stepping outside the rules, even unintentionally, can undo your hard work and damage your business’ credibility.

Avoid these common pitfalls:

• Offering discounts or gifts for reviews – this is against Google’s policy and risks getting those reviews removed.
• Asking only happy clients to leave a review – this undermines your business’ authenticity. Instead, ask everyone for feedback.
• Creating fake reviews – Google detects and removes fraudulent reviews, so do not create fake ones. If you do, your business’ reputation will suffer.
• Copying and pasting a review – this goes against Google’s guidelines. Reviews need to be original and submitted directly by the reviewer.
• Responding only to negative comments – this creates the impression that your business doesn’t acknowledge positive feedback. Positive reviews deserve acknowledgement too, as engaging with them strengthens customer relationships.
• Getting defensive – this is counterproductive. Always aim for calm, constructive responses where concerns arise.
• Sending too many messages asking for reviews – this can become spammy. Be courteous and don’t overwhelm customers with requests for reviews.

Start gathering Google reviews – the right way

Understanding how to get Google reviews is essential in today’s customer journey. These endorsements help potential customers make a confident purchasing decision, boost your search rankings, and drive growth.

By setting up your Google Business Profile correctly, removing friction for customers, and proactively asking for feedback, you can grow your business by gathering social proof that boosts trust and credibility.

If you’re just setting up a new business, focus on the few customers you may already have. Treat them like gold by going above and beyond, and they’ll be far more likely to sing your praises online. Over time, those reviews will become one of your business’ most powerful marketing tools.