How to Ask for a Google Review: Elevate Your Business with Customer Testimonials

In the vast landscape of online businesses, positive Google reviews act as beacons, guiding potential customers towards trustworthy and reputable services. However, the art of soliciting these reviews requires finesse and strategy. At MARA, we understand the importance of mastering this craft to enhance your online presence and, subsequently, boost sales revenue.

Why are good reviews important?

Positive reviews are crucial for businesses as they influence purchasing decisions and build trust with potential customers. According to Oberlo, 89% of global consumers consult reviews before making a purchase. Positive reviews not only enhance brand credibility and trustworthiness but also have a significant impact on SEO, search rankings, and customer loyalty.

Positive reviews are powerful.

As consumers ourselves, we often rely on reviews to inform our purchasing decisions. Harnessing the potential of positive reviews is not just about boosting your ego; it's a strategic move to grow your brand visibility and conversion rates.

{{blog-cta="/features/product-updates"}}

Reviews build trust.

In the online realm, trust is the currency that matters most. Positive reviews help shape customer perception, driving brand credibility and trustworthiness. Responding to both positive and negative reviews is crucial, as evidenced by BrightLocal's findings that 89% of consumers are likely to engage with a business that actively responds to reviews.

Reviews generate ratings and loyalty.

Brand and product ratings play a pivotal role in customer acquisition. BazaarVoice's Shopper Experience Index discovered that customers interacting with positive reviews spend 157% more money, with 52% exhibiting greater brand loyalty. Positive reviews are not just words; they are powerful catalysts for influencing purchase decisions.

Reviews influence SEO.

Google's algorithm, with its 200 ranking factors, places significant emphasis on Expertise, Authority, and Trust (E.A.T.). Positive reviews contribute substantially to consumer trust, potentially impacting your business's search rankings by up to 15%. Better search rankings translate to increased visibility, traffic, and an expanding customer base. To learn more about how reviews boost your search rankings, read our article How Ratings and Reviews Impact Search: A Comprehensive Guide for SEO.

When is the best time to ask customers for a review?

Knowing when to ask for reviews is an art. There are several effective strategies to consider when it comes to timing your review requests. One approach is to send immediate post-purchase requests, which allows customers to provide feedback while their purchase is still fresh in their minds. Another strategy is to take advantage of support or sales team interactions. When a customer reaches out to your team for assistance, it presents a perfect opportunity to ask for a review. Additionally, consider reaching out to customers in the morning or mid-week. This timing can catch them at a more receptive and open-minded state, increasing the chances of them leaving a review.

Lastly, milestone achievements can be a great trigger for review requests. When customers achieve a significant milestone with your product or service, it signifies a positive experience and can prompt them to share their thoughts. Furthermore, don't forget the power of user-generated content. Encouraging customers to share photos and videos related to their experience with your brand not only adds authenticity but also fosters trust and engagement among potential customers.

How do I request a review on Google?

The biggest hurdle for business owners is figuring out how to ask for reviews. The good news? Customers expect it and are often eager to share positive experiences. Let's explore clever ways to request Google reviews across various mediums.

1. Sending automated emails

Utilize automated emails for seamless and scalable review requests. Personalization is key; make it easy, straightforward, and sincere.

2. Include in purchase confirmation

Embed review requests in receipts, delivery forms, or documentation. Craft polite invites like:

• Help others like you find us by sharing your thoughts and leaving a review [link]
• How was your visit? We would love to hear about it! Let us know and share your feedback [link]
• Supporting small businesses is important. You can make a difference by leaving a review and helping others discover us [link]
• Did you enjoy our services? We would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to write a review and let others know about your experience [link]

3. Monitor social media mentions

Customers who are already discussing your brand are highly likely to provide positive feedback. Utilize social media monitoring tools to identify mentions of your brand, promptly respond to these mentions, and politely ask customers to leave reviews. Additionally, consider engaging with customers on social media platforms by sharing valuable content, exclusive offers, and behind-the-scenes insights to further strengthen their connection with your brand.

4. Don't forget to include a review link on your website

To enhance the visibility of your website's review feature, consider strategically placing a prominent review link in various sections such as headers, footers, checkout, and thank-you pages. This will not only make it easier for users to access the review feature, but it will also encourage them to leave feedback and share their experiences. By prominently displaying the review link in these key areas, you can effectively increase user engagement and improve the overall accessibility of your website's review functionality.

Generating a Google Review link is simple. Read our article Learn How to Generate and Share a Google Reviews Link for the complete walk-through.

How to ask for a 5-Star review?

When it comes to asking for a 5-star review, timing is everything. Strive to make your request during the peak of customer happiness, where their satisfaction is at the top. This could be right after a successful transaction, a particularly fantastic customer service interaction, or any moment where your customer feels valued and pleased with your service.

Incentivizing the review process can also play a crucial role in garnering those 5-star reviews. Consider offering small perks or discounts as a thank you for their time and effort. It's not about buying reviews but more about showing appreciation for their contribution.

Another aspect to consider is making the review process as seamless as possible. By reducing friction and simplifying the steps needed to leave a review, customers will be more likely to complete it. This could be as easy as providing a direct link to your Google review platform or a step-by-step guide on how to leave a Google review.

Lastly, it's important to remember that reviews should always come willingly from your customers. Avoid being overly pushy or insistent when asking for reviews. A gentle nudge once or twice is often enough and shows respect for your customer's time and experience. After all, a review given freely often holds more weight and authenticity than one obtained through constant prodding.

How to ask for a Google Review via email?

When it comes to requesting reviews, emails are a favored technique. They offer the advantage of scalability, allowing business owners to reach a broad customer base with ease. However, some may feel apprehensive about how to construct such an email and ensure that it resonates with their clientele. Here are a few guidelines and examples to alleviate those concerns.

The primary factor to bear in mind when crafting your email is the subject line. This is the first thing that customers see and can often be the determining factor in whether they open the email or not. To increase the chances of your email being read, make the subject line compelling, straightforward, and most importantly, customer-centric. A subject line such as "Help other customers like you find us" works well, as it puts the focus on the customer's assistance and influence.

Remember to personalize your email by including both your customer's name and your brand name. This fosters a sense of connection, making the customer more inclined to help out. Additionally, include your business's address, contact information, and a link to your Google My Business listing.

How do you politely ask for a Google Review example?

Below are three examples of how to request customer reviews via email. Feel free to use them as templates or inspiration while crafting your emails.

Example 1: Service Review Request

Hi [customer name],

We appreciate your recent interaction with [your business name]. We highly value all our customers, including you.

We'd love to hear your feedback about our services. If you could spare a few minutes to write a quick Google review [insert hyperlink], it would greatly help us understand where we excel and where we could improve.

If you have any questions or concerns about our services, don't hesitate to reach out to us [insert contact link or phone number].

Sincerely,

[Your name or sales representative’s name]

Example 2: Product Review Request

Hi [customer's first name],

Thank you for your recent purchase of [product name] from [your business name]. We truly appreciate your support.

We would love to hear your thoughts about the product. If you could spare a few minutes to leave a review on Google [insert review link], it would be greatly appreciated.

Feel free to contact us at any time if you have any inquiries regarding [type of product].

Thank you in advance,

[Your name or sales representative’s name]

Example 3: General Review Request

Hello [customer's first name],

Thank you for choosing to do business with [your business name]. We sincerely appreciate it.

We would love to hear your thoughts about our business on our Google Business page. By leaving a brief review, you can help other customers make informed decisions and help us improve our services.

Click here [insert GMB review link] to leave your feedback.

Thank you for your time,

[Your name or customer care representative's name]

In our article Quick Guide to Writing the Best Subject Lines for Your Review Request Emails, we’ve compiled numerous high-converting subject lines that you can include to your review request email. By creating an email template optimized to request reviews, personalizing it for each recipient, and making it as easy as possible for your customers to leave a review, you increase the likelihood of receiving positive and valuable feedback.

How to ask for a review via SMS?

Soliciting reviews via SMS is a widely accepted and effective method, provided that your messages are short, engaging, and sincere. Remember, customizing each message adds a personal touch, which is likely to resonate more with your customers. Here are a few examples of how to request a review through SMS:

SMS template examples:

1. "Hi [customer's first name], we enjoyed your visit today. Could you spare a minute to share your experience and leave us a positive review on Google? Click this link [insert link]. Thank you for your time and your business, we appreciate you!"
2. "Hello [customer's first name], thank you for shopping with us! Would you like to help other shoppers find us and enhance our services? Please click here [insert link] to rate our business and share your experience. Thank you, [name of your business]."
3. "Hi [customer's first name], we're thrilled that you visited our store. To help us provide the best service, we'd love your feedback. Could you please leave your review here [insert link]? Thank you for choosing us, [name of your business]."

Remember, the goal is to make the process as easy and fast as possible for your customers. By providing a direct link to your Google review page, you are simplifying the review process and increasing the likelihood of garnering more positive reviews.

How to ask for an online review over the phone?

Building personal connections with your customers can significantly impact their willingness to leave positive reviews. If you or your employees regularly interact with clients in person, these can be prime opportunities to request Google reviews.

In-Person Requests

Asking for a review in person might feel a bit daunting, but rest assured, it's a valuable method. The personal interaction allows you to gauge the customer's satisfaction level in real-time and address any issues immediately. You can hand out physical cards with a review link in the form of a QR code or even use a company device like a smartphone or tablet to facilitate the reviewing process right then and there.

Over-the-Phone Requests

Similarly, if your business provides phone support or conducts telemarketing, you have ample opportunities to request reviews. Train your customer service representatives to segue into a review request once they've assisted the customer, using a standard script to ensure consistency. Here's an example:

I'm glad we could help you today. If you're satisfied with our service, we'd really appreciate it if you could take a moment to share your experience on Google. Your feedback helps us continue to provide excellent customer service and helps others learn more about our business. If it's okay with you, we'll send you an email with a direct link to our Google review page. Thank you for your time!

By integrating these strategies into your in-person and over-the-phone interactions, you can effectively foster stronger customer relationships, generate more reviews, and boost your online reputation.

Google Review Request Template

Google reviews are integral to the growth of your business and the enhancement of your online reputation. It is essential to remember that, while you may need to nudge your customers, it is utmost important to maintain a respectful and appreciative approach. Here's a customer-centric template you may consider for your Google review request:

Subject: Your Insight Can Help Others!

Dear [Customer's First Name],

We appreciate you choosing [Your Business Name] for your [product/service] needs. We trust we were able to meet or exceed your expectations.

We understand how busy you are, therefore we'll keep this brief. As you may be aware, sharing your experiences online helps others make informed decisions while looking for similar services/products. We would be grateful if you could spare a few minutes to write a review about your experience with us on our Google business page.

You can click here [Insert review link] to share your thoughts. We would highly appreciate a 5-star rating if you believe we deserve it. Please note that you would need to be logged into your Google account to write the review.

Thank you for taking time out of your day, we truly value your input.

Warm Regards,

[Your Business Name or Your Name]

The above template touches upon the key points of expressing gratitude, emphasizing the value of the customer's feedback, explaining how to leave a review, and maintaining a polite and respectful tone. Remember, the key to successful review solicitation is personalization and respect for your customer's time and experience.

Why responding to every review matters

Whether they are positive or negative, every online review presents a golden opportunity to engage with customers and demonstrate your commitment to customer experience. Responding to reviews paints your business in a positive light, showing that you value customer feedback and are proactive in addressing issues. Moreover, it plays a significant role in SEO. Google acknowledges businesses that frequently respond to reviews as it exhibits customer engagement, potentially leading to better rankings in search results.

{{blog-cta="/features/product-updates"}}

Make the most out of your online reviews with MARA.

Collecting online reviews is easy, but responding to them is the real challenge, yet essential for online reputation management and customer relationship building.

MARA AI Review Assistant is an intuitive tool designed to ease your Online Reputation Management process, making it more efficient, personalized, and time-saving. It offers the best and most personalized AI for responding to and analyzing your guest reviews.

Streamlined Review Inbox

One key feature of this tool is the Review Inbox, which allows you to monitor and track all the online reviews you’ve collected. Your review inbox simplifies responding to reviews with features like "Generate reply" and "Send". It connects to multiple review sources, including Google, Booking.com, and Tripadvisor, giving you a panoramic view of all your reviews. You can even configure review response automation, ensuring you never miss a review. Daily notifications keep you updated and in control.

Advanced Review Analytics

To extract insights from your collected reviews is crucial. The Review Assistant incorporates Review Analytics, providing actionable insights tailored exclusively to your business. With MARA, you can quickly understand and analyze all your reviews without needing to read each one. The analysis is detailed, revealing specific issues to optimize guest experience without requiring you to be a data expert.

The most personal response AI

MARA's AI isn't just about efficiency; it's also about personalization. The Brand Voice feature allows the AI to adapt to your tone, ensuring your responses sound authentic. With Smart Snippets, you can "teach" the AI how to respond to recurring praises or complaints, providing more personalized, relevant replies. This review response assistant has quickly become a game-changer for over 2000 customers, thanks to its promising capacity to elevate overall ratings, amplify response rates, glean insights from customer feedback, and economize both time and money.

Final Thought

Mastering the art of soliciting positive Google reviews is crucial for businesses striving to excel online. Employing various mediums like emails, SMS, and in-person interactions, the guide enhances brand visibility and credibility. By leveraging customer testimonials, businesses influence purchasing decisions and fortify their online presence, fostering trust, loyalty, and success in the competitive digital realm. With the right software, managing online reviews becomes streamlined, personalized, and insightful. Our AI Review Assistant, MARA, offers a solution that is free for testing, doesn't require a credit card, and can be operational in minutes.

This article is part of our hero content series on “Mastering Google Reviews - A Complete Guide".