As someone in the remodeling industry, you know the importance of upholding a good reputation. If you do poor quality work or if you do high quality work, word gets around fast. This is true of your online presence as well, and probably even more so. One of the easiest, most convenient ways for someone to share their opinion of your company is through online reviews; especially Google reviews.
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You need to be proactive when it comes to the Google reviews for your business. And you need more of them (the good kind, that is).
Why does it matter?
According to HubSpot:
- 46% of all Google searches are looking for local information, and
- 97% of people learn more about a local company online than anywhere else
What does that tell us? Not only are your potential customers searching online to find your services, but they are relying on what they see online to make a decision on whether or not they will choose your company.
Almost guaranteed, the first thing they will look at is your Google reviews (especially if it is a direct search), and unless you have been generating good reviews, there might not be much there to convince them.
Not only are your reviews necessary for establishing credibility, but also for boosting ranking in Google and your overall SEO efforts. Generating Google reviews is just a good idea, trust us.
How to do it
In case you’re not sure where to start, we’ve put together this quick list of simple ways to generate more reviews:
Claim Your GMB
First thing’s first. If you haven’t already, you need to make sure you have claimed your GMB (Google My Business) to ensure you are reaping the benefits from any of the attention your business is getting through Google, and any Google reviews already there are not helping you like they could be.
If you need to claim your GMB and you haven’t yet, found out how here.
Use Word-of-Mouth
One of the simplest ways to get more Google reviews is using word-of-mouth. Sounds too simple, right? But the truth is, if you ask your friends, family, and acquaintances who know your business and its values well, they will most likely be more than willing to take three or four minutes to write you a good review on Google.
Similarly, if you go to your former or current clients, whether in person or via a message or email, and ask, they will usually be happy to put a good word in for you online.
In case it’s not obvious: Make sure they were happy with the job before you ask them!
Utilize Your Social Media
Don’t be afraid to put out a simple post every now and then asking those who are connected with you to make a trip over to your Google reviews and say something nice.
You might not want to do four or five times in a week, but putting that post out there once or twice a month is a good idea, and a great, easy way to generate fresh reviews.
Facebook will likely be the most effective tool for this. For tips on maximizing your benefits from Facebook as a business in the home services industry, check out this article.
Follow Up after Projects
As a remodeler, you (or your team) have the advantage of seeing your client consistently for an extended period of time, and you work with them through a process.
We would recommend, if you don’t already, closing your project process out with a chance for the client to give feedback. People love to be given a voice and a platform. As you wrap up projects, in addition to any questionnaires or surveys you might give them, ask them to leave you a review on Google.
Mention it in person, then also ask via a text or an email. People often need reminders, and when they are checking that text or email, it’s easy enough for them to swipe over to safari and leave a review right then.
Follow up, even after a text or email. Check in to ask how they are enjoying the remodel and if everything is up to par. If you happen to mention their leaving a review, great, but even if not, you are now back at the forefront of their mind and they know you care. That will, by default, encourage them to put some kind words out there on your behalf.
Respond to Comments
This one is so important! Respond to the reviews you get. This will show current and potential customers that you value what they have to say and interaction with them. It shows them that your business values being personal.
If they are good reviews, take the time to write up a “thank you” comment to whoever wrote it. Celebrate kindness and the victory of a job well done!
If, by chance, you get a bad review, it’s not the end of the world. Most often, those reviews are a result of a miscommunication or misunderstanding. Or perhaps it was a slip-up on your part. What is important is that you address the issue. Do not leave negative comments hanging.
Resolve those negative reviews as quickly as possible. Respond promptly with an apology (even if you don’t feel your company was in the wrong) and a short but sweet explanation, if you feel it is necessary. If circumstance calls for, maybe offer the individual a free service or a discount to encourage them to give your company a second chance (and hopefully take down their poor review).
Even if you can’t get the negative review removed, at least you have done all you can do to resolve the issue and prospects reading your Google reviews will be able to see that. They will be far less likely to judge your business based on that review if they see you have are proactive in resolving issues.
Add Your Google My Business Link to Your Website
Another great way to generate those reviews is to add your Google My Business link to your website, in a place where it is clearly visible and noticeable.
Anyone visiting your website–past, current, or future clients–should be able to conveniently follow that link to either read reviews or leave a review.
The trick is to make the process of writing a review as simple and convenient as possible, because, let’s be honest, that’s the only way some people are going to do it.
For more information on what features you should have on your website (as part of the home services industry), check out this recent blog post we wrote about it: “What Should Be Included on Your Website?”
We hope this has stirred up some ideas for you on how to generate Google reviews and reminded you just how vital they are to your business. If you have more questions about Google reviews, Google ranking, SEO, or just digital marketing in general, schedule a free consultation with us at Brown Creative Group, and we would love to find out how we can help!
