Creating a Google Review Link

Businesses the world over have increasingly moved onto online platforms and the rise of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has only expedited this migration. Considering that approximately 4.5 billion people worldwide use the internet, it is more important than ever that companies maintain an online image that is positive and respected.

It has become commonplace for customers to check a business’s online reviews before deciding to utilize a service. In fact, a 2017 study showed that 85% of consumers are as likely to trust the opinion of an online review as they would the opinion of family and friends. More staggering than this is that 94% of respondents said a bad review would prevent them from visiting the business at all. This is why creating an online presence, including Google reviews, has become business-critical.

Benefits of online reviews

There are a number of reasons why you want to make sure your business has a way to collect reviews online. Some of them include:

Proof of services

Whether from a friend or a stranger, reviews provide public proof of a company’s goods or services. This, in turn, has a direct correlation to the bottom line for the company concerned.

Increased visibility

By appearing in search engine results, your company and brand are being seen more often. The higher you are ranked by positive reviews, the more exposure you will receive.

Reputation

Positive reviews increase the credibility and trustworthiness of your brand no matter what industry you’re in. The more reviews you receive, the more you can build your business’s profile and online presence.

Influence

A consumer study shows that 63% of consumers check online reviews before entering or buying from an establishment. Having positive reviews will ultimately lead more customers to utilize your services and buy from you.

Communication

Reviews offer an opportunity for companies and consumers to engage with each other. Considering that communication is a crucial part of any business’s success, reviews are a great medium through which to receive honest customer feedback.

How to create a link to your brand’s Google review

A consumer study shows that 70% of customers will leave a review if asked to. Follow the below steps to create a link for your business and start reaping the benefits of online reviews:

Step 1: Use PlaceID Tool in Google

Start by logging into your Google Business Account. Then, locate PlaceID, which is a tool to generate your unique location ID on Google Maps.

Step 2: Enter Company Details

Once you have your ID and have been secured on Google Maps, you will be prompted to enter your name and location. It is here that you type your company’s name. Since you have a Google Business Account, your name should automatically appear on a drop-down list once you start typing.

Step 3: Copy the PlaceID

Next, Google Maps should automatically pop up with your PlaceID beneath your location. Hold your cursor over and copy this PlaceID.

Step 4: Finalize your link

Once you have copied your PlaceID number, paste it at the end of this link:

Voila! You now have a direct link that can be sent to customers for feedback.

How to increase your Google reviews

Now that you have a link for reviews, you need to start getting some customers to tell you how you’re doing. Here are some tips to get more reviews created:

Send links immediately

It is proven that feedback is more likely to be given immediately after a transaction has occurred. This is because the experience is still fresh in the consumer’s mind, so try to send this link to your customers as soon as you can after you’ve made a sale or provided a service.

Availability

Companies that have the most online reviews make them easily accessible for their consumer base. Make sure to add your review link to your website, as well as any other associated sites or pages.

Ask for Feedback

Customers are more inclined to respond when being asked for “feedback” as opposed to a “review.” This makes them feel like they are a part of the process since it opens up two-way communication between them and you.

Add Customer Benefits

In the note that accompanies your link, be sure to explain to the customer how their feedback can assist you in improving your services and helping them have an even better experience.

Send an Email

Send the option to leave a review via email. This can be done either via a regular newsletter or by sending a personalized email immediately after the shopping experience. This adds a personal touch to your business and makes the customer feel important.

Share Positive Reviews

Once those positive reviews start rolling in, be sure to share them on all your online platforms, especially your social media pages. The more customers are seen to be engaging with your business, the more it encourages others to do the same.

Conclusion

Creating a Google review link is just the start to generating new reviews. A foolproof online review strategy will ensure you acquire the number of reviews you want and take your business to the next level.