How to Get More Google Reviews: 5 Strategies for Success

September 17, 2024

You’ve built a solid home service business. Every day, you juggle schedules and manage crews. And you’re good. You hit home runs with the curveballs thrown at you when working in people’s personal spaces. Dogs. Kids. The visiting mother-in-law.

It’s not like working in a traditional office or commercial setting. Your local community respects your name.

But in today’s digital age, another element can make or break a home service business: online reputation.

Google reviews are the modern-day word-of-mouth. Positive Google reviews can mean the difference between a steady stream of customers and an empty calendar.

You know your clients are happy with your services. But how do you encourage satisfied customers to share their experiences on Google?

In this article, we’ll discuss why Google reviews matter in the first place. Do online reviews improve the reputation and success of your business?

We’ll examine why getting more Google reviews improves your online visibility, which leads to more jobs. We’ll also give you some strategies and tips on how to get more Google reviews and how to respond to them.

FROM ONE OF OUR PARTNERS: Get Reviews on Google: How More Google Reviews Will Get You More Jobs

Why Google Reviews Matter

In the competitive landscape of home services, standing out from the crowd is crucial. Technical expertise and quality workmanship are essential. Dependability and friendliness are fundamental. But they’re no longer enough to guarantee success.

When potential customers search for a home service provider in your area, they’re likely to check Google first. What they find can impact whether they choose you or a competitor. Positive reviews show that others have had a good experience with your business.

The Currency of Modern Commerce

Google reviews directly impact your bottom line. Potential customers rely on online reviews to decide who to trust with their home. Good reviews build credibility and confidence. They can convert searches into actions. An overwhelming majority (89%) of consumers report checking reviews before making purchases.

Google Is the Gold Standard

Google is the number one website  for online reviews. When using Google Maps and Search, 63.6% of consumers say they are likely to check Google reviews before visiting a business location. That’s more than any other review site.

Reach for the Stars

Clients also expect your business to have an above-average rating. 71% of consumers would not consider using a company with an average rating below three stars.

Negative Reviews Impact Customer Decisions

Negative reviews can damage your reputation and put off customers. 94% of consumers say they have avoided a business after reading a negative review.

The Power of Numbers

But it’s not only the reviews themselves. The  volume of reviews also matters. Businesses with more reviews tend to rank higher in Google search results.
That means more visibility and more potential customers.  One review alone can lift purchases by 10%.

So, how do you get more Google reviews?

5 Strategies for Getting More Google Reviews

The quality of your services is the cornerstone of your business. Your special touch is the bedrock upon which you have grown your loyal customer base.

Now, the digital age has introduced a new way to increase success. The candid testimonials on Google reviews shape consumer decisions. With a strong online presence, a local business has the power to reach a global audience.

To thrive in today’s competitive marketplace, your home service business must not only deliver exceptional services in the real world. You must also polish your online reputation.

Here are five strategies on how to get more Google reviews:

Make it easy.  Just ask. Provide clear and concise instructions on how to leave a review. Consider using QR codes or direct links. The simpler the process, the more likely customers will take part.
Time it right.  The best time to ask customers for a review is when you have completed a project that satisfies their expectations. Catch them right at the end of the job when the experience is fresh in their minds. The longer you wait, the less likely they will leave a review.
Consider thoughtful incentives. Think about creating genuine value for your customers for their feedback. Don’t bribe; reward.
Leverage your platform.  Use your social media accounts to create a sense of community. Encourage reviews. Make clear how valuable customer feedback is and how much you appreciate it.
Highlight exceptional experiences. Reach out and ask clients who had outstanding results for a review. Their enthusiasm is contagious and can influence others.

FROM ONE OF OUR PARTNERS: 5 Ways to Get More Customer Reviews

Responding to Google Reviews

Every star counts. Replying to Google reviews is an opportunity to showcase the character of your business. Both positive and negative reviews are useful when viewed through a learning lens. Positive feedback fuels growth. Negative comments can offer valuable insights. Respond to all reviews with care and authentic engagement.

Answering good reviews is a pleasure and should be part of your business routine. When a customer leaves a positive review, thank them for their kind words.

Add a personal touch by mentioning their name. Give your client a positive review in return. Tell the community what a pleasure it was to work for them.

Reacting to negative reviews is more than damage control. It’s an opportunity to build stronger customer relationships and spin straw into gold. Instead of responding with emotion, take a deep breath before putting your fingertips on the keyboard.

5 Tips for Responding to Negative Reviews

Respond promptly.  Time is of the essence when dealing with negative feedback. Address the issue right away. This shows customers you care about and are eager to resolve the situation.
Apologize and empathize.  Acknowledge the customer’s frustration. Offer sincere apologies. Show you are willing to make things right.
Focus on solutions.  Provide clear steps on how you plan to address the problem. Demonstrate your commitment to resolving the issue. Show how you appreciate the feedback to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
Stay professional.  Even in the face of criticism, it’s important to maintain a respectful tone. Avoid getting defensive. Don’t engage in arguments.
Take the conversation offline.  Encourage your client to contact your business directly to discuss the issue further. This way, you can reach a more private and personal resolution.

FROM ONE OF OUR PARTNERS: Best Practices for Managing Online Reviews

How You Can Start Getting More Google Reviews Right Now

By now you understand why Google reviews are important. More reviews can boost your visibility in local search rankings. Positive reviews reassure potential clients. And reviews offer valuable insights into customer satisfaction and areas for improvement.

Here are some tips on how you can start getting more Google reviews right now:

Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile. Your  Google Business Profile (GBP) is free. If you have not claimed your profile, do so immediately. Google provides step-by-step instructions on how to manage your business profile. The more details you provide, the better.
Update your images. If you’ve already created your GBP, now is a great time to sift through your best on-the-job photos and update your images. Make it part of your business routine. Google estimates that Business Profiles with images receive 35% more clicks. Google rewards local businesses that consistently publish fresh content by ranking them higher in search results. Photos also give your business credibility and inspire confidence.
Design a quick and simple  email template. Make it easy to ask for Google reviews. Your GBP provides a “Get More Reviews: Share review form” where you can copy a link to your reviews. Get in the habit of sending your review request form to your clients as soon as you finish a job so your service is fresh in their minds. Also, be sure to add the clickable link to your GBP reviews on your social media profiles.
Turn your team into review champions. Your technicians are the face of your business. Equip them with review request cards. Use any free  QR code generator that leads straight to your GBP reviews. Incentivize your employees to compete for the most Google reviews. Have a friendly contest and reward them with bonuses.
Consider investing in reputation management. Software like  pulseM was designed with home service providers in mind. Running a successful business and maintaining a favorable real-life reputation in the community is difficult enough. Managing your online reputation on top of all that can be tedious and stressful. Take advantage of the technological tools available so you have time to focus on what you do best.

Always remember the importance of genuine customer satisfaction. The bottom line is that the best way to get more great Google reviews is by delivering exceptional service.