Written by: Satpal Juttla
Google reviews should be playing a pivotal role in your marketing strategy. If you’re unsure why they hold such significance or are looking for advice on how to encourage customers to complete reviews, then you need this article.
Satpal Juttla, Co-founder and Technical Director from evokeu, London’s leading boutique digital marketing and branding agency, explores the world of Google reviews and how they can benefit businesses.
Google is by far the most used search engine, with more than 8.5 billion searches taking place every day. If used correctly, Google can be a goldmine for businesses and could be the solution you’ve been looking for to take your business one step further. Reviews are just one area of Google that can help businesses to increase reach and bolster success. Here’s how Google reviews could add value to your business.
Builds trust and credibility
Google reviews have replaced the conversations we used to have over the fence with our neighbours about whether the food from the local shop is good quality or if a pint from the pub round the corner is fairly priced. Instead, Google reviews expose us to hundreds of people’s opinions, stretching from the businesses in your area to websites that deliver directly to your door. Having more reviews at our disposal makes it more likely that the view that’s being shared is trustworthy – numerous five-star reviews are often a good indication that the product or service is worth our money and time. For businesses, racking up strong reviews on Google can pay dividends, and will add weight to the claims that you’re making about your product or service. People trust the judgement of others and although you can share testimonials on your website, encouraging your customers to post reviews on a third-party site like Google makes the statements that are being made even more believable.
Boosts word-of-mouth support
As Google reviews are posted in the public domain, you’re within your right to share the comments elsewhere, including on your marketing collateral, website, social channels, and with the media. Google reviews are a vital tool that can be used to promote your product and service beyond the Google platform. Let your customers do the talking and sell your business for you. It’s better for your customers to tell prospective customers that they should purchase your product or service, rather than you as the owner or manager. By all means, have your sales pitch ready, but also keep some Google reviews to hand to justify what you’re saying.
It’s free and easy to complete
Asking a customer to complete a Google review isn’t an onerous task. In just a few simple clicks, they will have submitted their review. It can be completed on a desktop or mobile device, whichever is easier, and although the individual will need a Google account, this is quick and straightforward to create. As a business owner, Google reviews are a free form of marketing that will complement your existing assets. All they require from you is a solid product or service that meets or even exceeds your customers’ expectations, exceptional customer relations and perhaps some encouragement once a purchase has been made to persuade your customer to post a review.
There are a few ways that you can nudge customers in the direction of writing a positive Google review for your business. Firstly, your website must be search engine optimised (SEO) with popular keywords related to your product or service. This will ensure that your business has the best chance of appearing near the top of searches on Google. Listing your business on Google is another way to strengthen your SEO and will make it easier for customers to find your business, especially if you have a fixed location. Creating a business profile is uncomplicated, just follow the steps on Google to fill out your relevant information. Lastly, adding a note to your receipts or invoices and even sending an email once a purchase has been made explaining how completing a Google review helps your business, might be enough to persuade your customers to share their thoughts in a post.
Google reviews are worth the investment, as is SEO implementation on your website. Evokeu has a team of experienced web designers, copywriters and project managers that can guide you through the process and offer bespoke suggestions about how to reach more customers with Google.
If you’d like to find out more about Satpal and evokeu, please visit https://www.evokeu.com/. You can also follow Satpal on LinkedIn, where you’ll find the latest agency updates and further content to motivate you and your business.
Satpal Juttla is the Co-founder and Technical Director of boutique digital marketing and branding agency, evokeu. Satpal is an expert at web building and supports the skilled team with crafting superior sites, every time. Evokeu works with big and small brands across many sectors to help clients capture customer attention and create growth. Evokeu also has a vertical brand called Graphic Kitchen, which specialises in the hospitality sector.
