What are Google My Business reviews – and why do they matter?
You’ve probably already heard of it, but for the avoidance of doubt, Google My Business is the free, user-friendly tool for managing your business’s online presence across Google, including search and maps. (There’s also a free app you can use on the move.) As marketing tools go, it’s a pretty powerful one.
Essentially, it makes it easy for customers to find you, and for you to tell your brand’s story. Use it to:
- Manage the way information related to you appears across Google, without spending a thing
- Interact with existing and potential customers
You can sign up and verify your business here – start with a listing of your business with a website link, a description and some basic contact details.
Customer reviews
Google My Business isn’t just an online version of Yellow Pages. Customers can also leave reviews giving an unbiased, honest view of the experience they’ve had of your brand.
They matter because they form a key part of every Google search, and are a component in the data Google’s algorithm uses to determine search engine results.
Positive reviews show up in the organic and Google Maps search rankings as star ratings. And you’re likely to get better rankings the more scores your business has.
Good reviews bring you to the attention of new customers. So think of great Google My Business reviews as online word-of-mouth recommendations from happy customers to prospective, undecided ones.
Equally, you have the chance to respond directly, and the opportunity to interact with customers, and potentially build stronger working relationships and get to know them better. It will also be invaluable for you to learn what it is about your brand that they appreciate the most.
If a review is positive…
Don’t forget to show that you appreciate this feedback.
If it’s not that great…
Don’t panic – negative feedback can happen to anyone – but don’t ignore it. Respond promptly and politely, sticking to the facts of the complaint.
What else can I do?
- If you’re not getting Google My Business reviews, ask for them, especially if you sense a particular customer is pleased with what you have done
- Once listed, check your reviews often
- Use the information to improve offers, attract new business, retain existing regular customers and help your business grow
If you have any queries on any aspects of Google My Business and customer reviews, one of the team at Front Page will gladly talk you through everything in more detail.