How Do I Get More Google Reviews?
To write a Google review requires a Google+ account, but not everyone has or wants a Google+ account. This is where we can shine! It’s our chance to be creative in asking the right person at the right time to create a review for us.
Give clear instructions on how to leave a review
Anyone familiar with navigating around Google Plus pages will tell you it isn’t the most user-friendly experience, so you want to make this EASY. Most people just simply do not know HOW to leave a review.
A step-by-step instruction sheet made available on your website and/or via email in PDF can help make leaving a Google review very simple and reduce the frustration hurdle that hinders reviews.
Click image to see full size PDF of instructions
Incentivizing people to want to follow that instruction page will create Google reviews for you.
Examples:
You’ve rented a brand new listing in 3 days.
The person who listed the property personally tells the owner the good news! Then asks ‘it would mean a lot to me if you’d take a moment to write a google review for us. Can I send you some instructions, or take you out for coffee and we’ll get it done together?’
A tenant moves out and is waiting for their bond/deposit refund.
Their property manager calls them to say ‘thanks for leaving the property in such great shape! We loved having you as our resident. I wonder if we could help each other out. I’ve shot a video inspection of the property condition, and uploaded it to our company YouTube channel. You could share this link whenever you’re applying to rent elsewhere and use it to influence landlords to accept you, possibly even at a lower rent or deposit!? We normally take X days to refund your deposit, however if you’d be willing to bring your ipad to our office and let us help you write a google review while you’re here, I’d see about sending you off with your refund check early and a link to your video. How’s that sound?”
In the above examples, it’s crucial to note that only the person who personally knows the customer can ask for and expect a review. It’s a matter of social courtesy for the customer to then say ‘yes’. Also note that we’re asking them to write the review from their tablet or smart phone, or offering to drop by their home or work to assist them in writing the review from their computer. In this manner our reviews come from their computers – and that’s important.
Thank them for the review
Always reply to your reviews and don’t forget to thank them for taking the time to write it. Some companies even go so far as to send a $5 coffee gift certificate or similar as a token of appreciation. There are several ways to send things like this via an email with a coupon code.
Video Reviews are Great!
While you’re at it? This is a GREAT time to ask for a quick VIDEO REVIEW like this one, and use it to ‘decorate’ your website!
Folks the above video has over 400 views on our website. That’s a lot of influence.
Looking for fresh content to use at your next staff training meeting?
Use this article to kick off your “Google Review” contest
Explain the importance of Google reviews to your staff and how it brings in more business which is good for everyone. Announce a contest as an incentive for your staff. For example, the staff member who gets the most reviews in a 3 month period wins a day off at a local spa or golf course. Then watch YOUR reviews come in. 馃檪
Todd Breen
Founder VirtuallyinCredible
Broker/President HomePropertyManagement