In the vast landscape of online businesses, positive Google reviews act as beacons, guiding potential customers toward trustworthy and reputable services. However, the art of soliciting these reviews requires finesse and strategy. At MARA, we understand the importance of mastering this craft to enhance your online presence and, subsequently, boost sales revenue and SEO performance.
Why are good reviews important?
Positive reviews are crucial for businesses as they influence purchasing decisions and build trust with potential customers. According to Oberlo, 89% of global consumers consult reviews before making a purchase. Positive Google reviews not only enhance brand credibility and trustworthiness but also have a significant impact on SEO, search rankings, and customer loyalty.
a. Positive reviews are powerful.
As consumers ourselves, we often rely on reviews to inform our purchasing decisions. Harnessing the potential of positive reviews is not just about boosting your ego; it's a strategic move to grow your brand visibility and conversion rates.
b. Reviews build trust.
In the online realm, trust is the currency that matters most. Positive reviews help shape customer perception, driving brand credibility and trustworthiness. Responding to both positive and negative reviews is crucial, as evidenced by BrightLocal's findings that 89% of consumers are likely to engage with a business that actively responds to Google reviews.
c. Reviews generate ratings and loyalty.
Brand and product ratings play a pivotal role in customer acquisition. BazaarVoice's Shopper Experience Index discovered that customers interacting with positive reviews spend 157% more money, with 52% exhibiting greater brand loyalty. Positive Google reviews are not just words; they are powerful catalysts for influencing purchase decisions.
d. Reviews influence SEO.
Google's algorithm, with its 200 ranking factors, places significant emphasis on Expertise, Authority, and Trust (E.A.T.). Positive Google reviews contribute substantially to consumer trust, potentially impacting your business's search rankings by up to 15%. Better search rankings translate to increased visibility, traffic, and an expanding customer base. To learn more about how reviews boost your search rankings, read our article How Google Reviews Impact Your Local SEO Ranking.
When is the best time to ask customers for a review?
Knowing when to ask for Google reviews is an art. There are several effective strategies to consider when it comes to timing your review requests. One approach is to send immediate post-purchase review requests, allowing customers to provide feedback while their purchase is still fresh in their minds. Another strategy is to take advantage of support or sales team interactions. When a customer reaches out to your team for assistance, it presents a perfect opportunity to askfor a Google review.
Additionally, consider reaching out to customers in the morning or mid-week. This timing can catch them in a more receptive state, increasing the chances of them leaving a review.
Milestone achievements can also trigger Google review requests. When customers achieve a significant milestone with your product or service, it signifies a positive experience and can prompt them to share their thoughts. Also, don’t forget the power of user-generated content. Encouraging customers to share photos and videos related to their experience with your brand adds authenticity and fosters trust and engagement.
How do I request a review on Google?
The biggest hurdle for business owners is figuring out how to ask for reviews. The good news? Happy customers expect it and are often eager to share positive experiences. Let’s explore clever ways to ask for Google reviews across various mediums.
1. Sending automated emails.
Utilize automated emails for seamless and scalable review management. Personalization is key. Be clear and sincere when you ask for reviews by including a direct Google review link. Here’s an effective email template to get you started:
“Dear [Customer Name], we hope you enjoyed your experience! We would appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave a review on Google. Your feedback helps us improve and grow. [Insert Google Review Link]”
This not only makes it easy for customers to leave reviews, but it also shows that you value their feedback.
2. Include in purchase confirmation.
A subtle but effective way to ask for reviews is by embedding a request in receipts, delivery forms, or confirmation messages. You can incorporate a Google review link into these touchpoints. Use polite email templates like:
- "Help others like you find us by sharing your thoughts and leaving a review on Google. [Google Review Link]"
- "How was your visit? We’d love to hear about it! Leave a review and share your feedback [Google Review Link]."
- "Support small businesses like ours! Help us by leaving a review and helping others discover us [Google Review Link]."
- "Enjoyed our services? Leave a review on Google and share your experience with others. [Google Review Link]"
3. Monitor social media mentions.
Keep an eye on social media mentions of your brand and engage with customers who are already talking about you. They’re likely to be happy customers and will respond well when you ask them to leave reviews. Respond promptly and use direct text messages or Facebook interactions to ask for reviews and share your Google review link. Engaging with your loyal customers on social platforms builds rapport and encourages them to leave testimonials.
4. Don't forget to include a review link on your website.
A prominent Google review link on your website can help you collect more reviews from customers. Display the link on key pages, such as the homepage, checkout, or thank-you pages. This will make it easier for visitors to leave reviews and share their experiences.
For detailed instructions on generating a Google review link, check out our guide: “Learn How to Generate and Share a Google Review Link."
In addition to using these methods, make sure your Google business profile is fully optimized and updated to make it easier for customers to find your business listing and leave reviews. By actively managing your profile, you can also address fake reviews promptly and maintain a positive online reputation.
How to ask for a 5-star review?
When you ask for reviews, timing is everything. Make your request during peak moments of customer satisfaction, such as right after a successful transaction or a particularly fantastic service interaction. The goal is to ask when happy customers are most likely to share their positive experiences, maximizing the chance of receiving 5-star reviews.
To boost your chances, consider offering incentives like small perks or discounts to show appreciation. It's important to make it clear that you’re not "buying" reviews, but rather thanking your loyal customers for their time and feedback.
a. Simplify the review process.
Make it easy for customers to leave reviews by reducing any barriers. Send them a direct Google review link through text messages, emails, or even include the link in a follow-up message. You can also provide a simple template to guide them through the process, ensuring that it’s quick and effortless.
For example: "Dear [Customer Name], we hope you had a great experience with [Business Name]! If you enjoyed your service, we’d appreciate it if you could leave a review on our Google business profile. Your feedback helps us grow! [Google Review Link]"
This kind of personalized message helps encourage more reviews from customers and reinforces their satisfaction with your local business.
b. Ask thoughtfully.
When you ask for Google reviews, it’s important to be tactful. A gentle reminder works best—don’t overwhelm your loyal customers with too many requests. For instance, after sending one initial message, a follow-up reminder can be sent a week later to nudge them again. Remember, the goal is to ask in a way that makes customers feel valued, not pressured.
c. Monitor and manage reviews.
Good review management is key. Regularly check your Google business profile for new customer reviews and ensure you respond to both positive and negative feedback. Handling fake reviews is also critical; respond politely and report any false claims to Google.
Incorporate social media channels like Facebook to further encourage customers to leave 5-star reviews. Engaging with customer feedback on these platforms will strengthen relationships and reinforce your business profile across multiple touch points.
How to ask for a Google Review via email?
Asking for reviews via email is one of the most effective and scalable methods to gather customer reviews. Crafting the perfect email to ask for reviews can significantly improve your local business's online presence. Here’s how you can structure your email to ensure it resonates with customers and encourages them to leave reviews.
1. Craft a compelling subject line.
The subject line is the first thing your customers see, so it should be clear, engaging, and customer-focused. When you ask for a Google review, try something like "Help us improve with your feedback!" or "We’d love your input on [Business Name]." This encourages them to open the email and leave reviews by appealing to their willingness to help.
2. Personalize the message.
Personalization is crucial when sending review requests. Address the customer by their name, mention your business name, and thank them for their support. A personalized message strengthens the connection, making customers more inclined to help your business by sharing their experiences. Example email introduction:
"Hi [Customer Name], we hope you enjoyed your experience with [Business Name]! Your feedback is invaluable in helping us grow."
3. Include a direct link to your Google Business profile.
Make it as easy as possible for your customers to leave a review by providing a direct link to your Google My Businessprofile. The simpler the process, the more likely they are to complete it. Here’s an example of how you can include it in the email:
"If you have a moment, we’d really appreciate it if you could leave a review on our Google Business Profile by clicking the link below: [Google Review Link]"
4. Express appreciation and encourage feedback.
Show your appreciation for their time and ask for their feedback in a respectful and encouraging manner. Let them know that their satisfaction matters and that their review helps others discover your business:
"Your opinion is important to us! By leaving a review, you’re helping others find [Business Name], and we value your honest feedback."
5. Monitor and manage reviews.
Don’t forget to engage in review management after sending out requests. Check for customer reviews regularly and respond to both positive and negative feedback. Also, watch for fake reviews and report them if necessary.
6. Utilize social media channels.
Aside from emails, leverage social media like Facebook to further encourage customers to share their experiences. Include a direct Google review link in your social media posts to make it easy for them to leave reviews.
By thoughtfully crafting your email, providing a direct link to your Google My Business profile, and consistently managing your reviews, you'll effectively encourage customer reviews and boost your online presence.
How do you politely ask for a Google Review example?
When you ask for reviews, it's important to be polite and respectful. Below are three examples you can use as templateswhen asking for feedback through email, each designed to fit different contexts. These examples will help you encourage customers to leave a review on your Google Business Profile while maintaining a professional tone.
Example 1: Service Review Request
Hi [Customer Name],
Thank you for choosing [Your Business Name] for your recent service. We truly value your business and would love to hear your thoughts. If you could take a moment to provide feedback by leaving a review on our Google My Business profile, it would help us improve and assist other customers in making informed decisions.
Please click the link to leave a review: [Insert Google Business Profile link].
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to us at [Insert Contact Info].
Thank you for your time and support!
Best regards,
[Your Name or Sales Representative’s Name]
Example 2: Product Review Request
Hi [Customer's First Name],
Thank you for your recent purchase of [Product Name] from [Your Business Name]. We would greatly appreciate it if you could leave a review about your experience with our product. Your feedback helps us improve and allows other customers to find the perfect product for their needs.
Please click here to leave a review on our Google Business Profile: [Insert Google Business Profile link].
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Best regards,
[Your Name or Sales Representative’s Name]
Example 3: General Business Review Request
Hello [Customer's First Name],
We sincerely appreciate your business with [Your Business Name]. To help us improve and share your experience with other potential customers, we would love for you to leave a review on our Google My Business page.
Click here to share your thoughts: [Insert Google Business Profile link].
Your feedback is invaluable in helping us grow and continue providing excellent service. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us at [Insert Contact Info].
Thank you for your time and support!
Best regards,
[Your Name or Customer Care Representative’s Name]
These examples can be easily customized to fit your business profile and review needs. It's also a good idea to monitor your review management process closely to identify and handle any fake reviews or negative feedback appropriately. Engaging with customers across different channels, such as social media platforms like Facebook, can further enhance your local business's online presence.
By creating email templates that are optimized for requesting customer reviews, personalizing them for each recipient, and making it easy for them to leave a review on your Google Business Profile, you increase the likelihood of receiving positive, authentic, and valuable feedback.
How to ask for a review via SMS
Requesting customer reviews via text message (SMS) is a highly effective way to gather feedback, especially if your messages are short, personalized, and engaging. Customizing each ask for reviews text helps create a personal connection that increases the likelihood of customers responding positively. Below are some sms templates for asking for Google reviews that can be tailored to your business.
Text Message Template Examples:
1. General Review Request:
"Hi [Customer's First Name], we enjoyed your visit today! Could you spare a moment to share your experience and leaveus a review on Google? Click here: [Insert Google My Business Link]. Thank you for your time and business, we truly appreciate you!"
2. Post-Purchase Review Request:
"Hello [Customer's First Name], thank you for shopping with us! Would you like to help others find us by sharing your experience? Please click here to leave a review: [Insert Google My Business Link]. Thanks for choosing [Business Name]!"
3, Service Feedback Request:
"Hi [Customer's First Name], we're thrilled to have served you today. Could you please take a moment to leave a review? Your feedback helps us provide better service! Here’s the link: [Insert Google My Business Link]. Thank you for choosing [Business Name]!"
By providing a direct link to your Google My Business listing, you're making it easy for customers to leave reviews and share their experiences. When asking for reviews through sms, be concise and to the point while ensuring the message is sincere and friendly.
How to ask for an online review over the phone?
Building personal connections with your customers significantly increases their likelihood to leave reviews on platforms like Google My Business. If you or your employees frequently engage with clients over the phone or in person, these interactions present excellent opportunities to ask for Google reviews.
a. In-Person Requests
When you're interacting with a customer face-to-face, it may feel intimidating to ask for a review, but it's one of the most effective methods. You can assess their satisfaction in real-time and address any concerns immediately. One option is to provide them with a physical card featuring a QR code that links directly to your Google My Business review page. Alternatively, you can ask them to leave a review on the spot by offering a company smartphone or tablet for convenience.
b. Over-the-Phone Requests
If your business provides phone support or handles customer calls regularly, you have ample opportunities to ask for reviews. Train your staff to transition smoothly into a Google review request after assisting a customer. Using a script can ensure consistency across all interactions. Here's a sample template for asking for a review over the phone:
"I'm glad we could help you today! If you're happy with our service, we'd appreciate it if you could share your experience by leaving a Google review. Your feedback helps us improve and lets others know about our business. If it's okay with you, we can send you a text message or email with a direct link to our Google My Business page. Thank you for your time and support!"
By incorporating these strategies into your phone conversations, you can effectively ask for Google reviews, foster stronger relationships with customers, and improve your business's online presence.
Google Review Request Template
Google reviews are integral to the growth of your business and the enhancement of your online reputation. It is essential to remember that, while you may need to nudge your customers, it is of utmost importance to maintain a respectful and appreciative approach. Here's a customer-centric template you may consider for your Google review request:
Subject: Your Insight Can Help Others!
Dear [Customer's First Name],
We appreciate you choosing [Your Business Name] for your [product/service] needs. We trust we were able to meet or exceed your expectations.
We understand how busy you are, therefore we'll keep this brief. As you may be aware, sharing your experiences online helps others make informed decisions while looking for similar services/products. We would be grateful if you could spare a few minutes to write a review about your experience with us on our Google business page.
You can click here [Insert review link] to share your thoughts. We would highly appreciate a 5-star rating if you believe we deserve it. Please note that you would need to be logged into your Google account to write the review.
Thank you for taking time out of your day, we truly value your input.
Warm Regards,
[Your Business Name or Your Name]
The above template touches upon the key points of expressing gratitude, emphasizing the value of the customer's feedback, explaining how to leave a review, and maintaining a polite and respectful tone. Remember, the key to successful review solicitation is personalization and respect for your customer's time and experience.
Why responding to every review matters
Whether they are positive or negative, every online review presents a golden opportunity to engage with customers and demonstrate your commitment to customer experience. Responding to reviews paints your business in a positive light, showing that you value customer feedback and are proactive in addressing issues. Moreover, it plays a significant role in SEO. Google acknowledges businesses that frequently respond to reviews as it exhibits customer engagement, potentially leading to better rankings in search results.
Make the most out of your online reviews with MARA.
Collecting online reviews is easy, but responding to them is the real challenge, yet essential for online reputation management and customer relationship building.
MARA AI Review Assistant is an intuitive tool designed to ease your Online Reputation Management process, making it more efficient, personalized, and time-saving. It offers the best and most personalized AI for responding to and analyzing your guest reviews.
Streamlined Review Inbox
One key feature of this tool is the Review Inbox, which allows you to monitor and track all the online reviews you’ve collected. Your review inbox simplifies responding to reviews with features like "Generate reply" and "Send". It connects to multiple review sources, including Google, Booking.com, and Tripadvisor, giving you a panoramic view of all your reviews. You can even configure review response automation, ensuring you never miss a review. Daily notifications keep you updated and in control.
Advanced Review Analytics
To extract insights from your collected reviews is crucial. The Review Assistant incorporates Review Analytics, providing actionable insights tailored exclusively to your business. With MARA, you can quickly understand and analyze all your reviews without needing to read each one. The analysis is detailed, revealing specific issues to optimize guest experience without requiring you to be a data expert.
The most personal response AI
MARA's AI isn't just about efficiency; it's also about personalization. The Brand Voice feature allows the AI to adapt to your tone, ensuring your responses sound authentic. With Smart Snippets, you can "teach" the AI how to respond to recurring praises or complaints, providing more personalized, relevant replies. This review response assistant has quickly become a game-changer for over 2000 customers, thanks to its promising capacity to elevate overall ratings, amplify response rates, glean insights from customer feedback, and economize both time and money.
Final Thought
Mastering the art of soliciting positive Google reviews is crucial for businesses striving to excel online. Employing various mediums like emails, SMS, and in-person interactions, the guide enhances brand visibility and credibility. By leveraging customer testimonials, businesses influence purchasing decisions and fortify their online presence, fostering trust, loyalty, and success in the competitive digital realm. With the right software, managing online reviews becomes streamlined, personalized, and insightful. Our AI Review Assistant, MARA, offers a solution that is free for testing, doesn't require a credit card, and can be operational in minutes.
This article is part of our hero content series on “Mastering Google Reviews - A Complete Guide".
Frequently Asked Questions:
To ask for a Google review politely, be direct and concise, and choose a moment when the customer is most satisfied. Use a clear and respectful approach, whether via email, text message, or a phone call. Employ a template that expresses appreciation and makes the process easy for the customer.
To effectively ask for a review, write a brief and clear message. Thank the customer for their business, explicitly request a Google review, and provide a direct link for convenience. Using a well-crafted template can enhance your chances of receiving a positive response. Personalize your templates to align with the customer’s experience for a more engaging request.
Yes, you can offer incentives, but they should not be for the purpose of buying reviews. Google allows soliciting reviews with incentives like discounts or special offers. Be creative in your approach, but ensure the incentives do not lead to biased or fake reviews.
Yes, paying for reviews is against the policies of Google, Yelp, and other review platforms. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) considers this practice illegal. Focus on obtaining genuine customer reviews to build your reputation authentically.
A simple thank-you can serve as a sufficient reward. Recognize and appreciate the customer's effort by emphasizing the significance of their feedback. Offering small discounts or coupons is acceptable, as long as it’s done in a way that encourages honest and unbiased feedback.