Asking customers for Google reviews is important in order to increase your business's monthly review volume. The most common way to request feedback is by sharing a convenient link via SMS or email. There are many additional places, however, to creatively include your unique Google review link - and we've come up with a whopping 30 ideas.
But let's start with a definition - and then make sure you know where to find your unique Google review link within your Google Business Profile dashboard. Shall we?
A Google review link is a simple HTML hyperlink which directs customers straight to the "leave a review" submission page on your business’s Google Business Profile (GBP). The same link can also be used to direct potential customers to existing reviews, as they will appear underneath the submission form.
This can be considered a review generation best practice, because rather than outlining the multiple steps for how to find your GBP and then leave a review, you're providing them with a quick and efficient one-step link. It helps to reduce friction by getting them onto the review submission page in as few clicks as possible, and increases the likelihood that they will do so. Give them no excuses. Make it easy!
Let’s start with instructions on how to easily create your own unique link, and then cover 30 not-so-common ideas for putting it in front of your customers. Remember: negative reviews are usually guaranteed, while positive reviews have to be actively encouraged.
Creating your link is a straightforward process that can have a substantial impact on your business's reputation. There are multiple methods for doing so.
Method 1: Create your Google review Link from your GMB account.
Method 2: Create your Google review link from Google.
Method 3: Create your Google review link using the Place Finder ID tool.
(For GBP accounts that are not yet verified.)
https://search.google.com/local/writereview?placeid=<place_id>Once you have your link, you can get as creative as you want in how you share and disperse it. To spark inspiration and encourage you to use your Google review link as much as possible to help with review generation, we’ve compiled a list of places to include it:
1. Your Website
As the digital face of your business, your website is the first and most obvious place to include your Google review link. Whether you choose to include it on the landing page, specific product pages, or tuck it away in the website footer, access to a review link gives your site visitors a chance to write a review directly from your website.
2. Social Media PlatformsSocial media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram provide excellent opportunities to share your Google review link. You can post the link in your bio and posts or even include it in direct messages to contacts/customers.
3. Business CardsWhile it might sound a tad old school, business cards are still an efficient medium to share contact details and reviews. Integrating a QR code that directs to your Google reviews can be a clever tactic.
4. Online DirectoriesAnother effective place to share a Google review link is in online directories. Sites like Yelp and TripAdvisor are popular places where potential customers leave reviews.
Sharing your Google review link on other online directories makes it easier for customers already leaving reviews there to share that same review on Google.
5. Press ReleasesPress releases give businesses a chance to share significant news and updates with a wide audience. Including a Google review link here can encourage readers to share their feedback about your new business announcement.
6. Blog Posts/Guest Blog PostsConsider incorporating a link to your Google reviews in your blog posts, giving readers easy access to your reviews.
7. YouTube DescriptionsIf your business leverages YouTube for content sharing, the video description box is a great place to share your Google review link. This allows viewers to easily share feedback once they've finished watching your video.
8. Podcast Show NotesIf your business is involved in podcasts, either by hosting or appearing, featuring your Google review link in the script or show notes can be an effective way to generate more reviews.
9. WebinarsDuring webinars, it's common to share useful links with participants. Including a link to your Google reviews can help build trust with your audience.
10. QR Codes on Products
Create QR codes that, when scanned, direct users to your Google review page. By incorporating QR codes into your marketing materials, products, and physical spaces, you offer an instant way for customers to engage with your business, eliminating multiple steps in the review process and making it more accessible.
11. Company BrochuresAlthough conventional, printed company brochures are still a powerful marketing tool. Including your Google review link, especially in the form of a QR code, can encourage recipients to check out your online reputation and share their own positive experiences with your business.
12. Customer SurveysSurveys are a natural time to ask for reviews. By Including your Google review link at the end of a survey, you encourage your customers to share authentic and honest feedback that will help you build trust and strengthen your customer relationships.
13. E-commerce Product PagesIf you sell products online, adding your Google review link on each product page can be beneficial. Potential customers will have a quick way to view all of your previous reviews, which may lead to an increase in consumer confidence and conversion rates.
14. In-Store SignageFor brick-and-mortar businesses, in-store signage can be a perfect spot to display your Google review link. You can use a QR code, making it easy for customers to scan and read reviews, or you can use the link itself. Asking customers to share their experiences in person is one of the most effective ways to get more reviews. Take advantage of any face-to-face time you get with your customers.
15. Community ForumsOnline community bulletin boards and forums, like Reddit or Quora, allow you to interact with a wide audience. Sharing your Google review link here can increase your brand exposure and credibility. While many of these sites discourage link drops, you can usually add one in your user profile.
If your business participates in industry events or conferences, your Google review link can be included in presentation materials to exhibit social proof and validate your expertise. Post QR codes throughout the event, encouraging attendees to leave a review of their experience.
17. Client Pitch MeetingsIn business-to-business dealings, sharing your Google review link enables prospects to share real-time impressions with your brand. This kind of feedback gives your business a chance to understand how it's perceived during different stages of your buyer’s journey.
18. Promotional OfferingsLeveraging real customer feedback in your promotional offerings fosters trust and credibility among potential buyers. By intertwining real-life experiences with your promotions, you can create a persuasive narrative that encourages customers to take advantage of your offerings with confidence.
19. Mobile AppsIf your business has a mobile app, consider integrating a link to your Google reviews in the app itself. This is especially useful for businesses with high user engagement rates on their apps. By showcasing genuine customer feedback, you instill trust in your brand, enhance engagement, strengthen your app's reputation, and foster a sense of community among your user base.
20. Thank You Pages/EmailsAfter a purchase or interaction, direct customers to leave their feedback by including your Google review link on e-commerce thank you pages or receipt emails (or both), so they may showcase their experience while it's still top of mind.
21. SMS MarketingIf your business strategy includes SMS marketing, add your Google review link in your promotional or follow-up text messages. Text is one of the most effective channels to reach your customers. Including a convenient link in your SMS communications makes it easy for customers to contribute their feedback while enhancing your brand's accessibility and reputation.
To learn more about how text can enhance your online reputation, check out Invite, Widewail’s automated review generation software.
Add a call-to-action in your online order confirmations inviting customers to share their feedback and experiences through your Google review link. Include a QR code on the bottom for your receipts for customers to access post-sale. By strategically placing your review link on transactional communications, you provide an immediate route for customers to contribute their thoughts.
23. Chat Bot Interactions/Customer SupportCustomer support interactions are a fantastic way to engage your customers and activate their happy voices. After resolving an inquiry, share your review link with customers so they can share their experience. By integrating the link within your support conversations, you provide customers with a convenient outlet to provide feedback while underscoring your commitment to exceptional service.
24. On-Hold MessagesIncrease customer engagement during on-hold moments by incorporating your business's Google review link into your messages. Since review links are alphanumeric, put yours on a page of your site with a short URL which is easy to remember. Use this time to encourage callers to share their experiences on your review page. This tactic provides a productive distraction while your customers wait, while also giving your customers a platform to voice their experiences.
25. Email NewslettersInvite newsletter subscribers to share their experiences through your Google review link. This is an easy way to reach an audience that already has shown interest in your business. It also encourages interaction and engagement in an otherwise one-sided conversation.
26. Onboarding EmailsWhen new customers join your platform, include a Google review link in the welcome or onboarding emails. This demonstrates to your new customers that you value their opinions and experiences working with your business. It also leaves a positive impression as you work to build your new customer relationship.
27. Digital Billboards and SignageIf you use digital billboards for advertising, consider flashing your Google review link or QR code as part of the advertisement. By incorporating this type of transparency, you provide an immediate way for potential customers to engage with your brand's reputation, driving interest and trust.
28. Affiliate Marketing Platforms/CollaborationsInclude your Google review link in any affiliate marketing programs. Asking for genuine customer feedback creates a compelling narrative that resonates with potential customers and can even boost the effectiveness of your affiliate partnerships.
29. Follow-Up CallsPost-service or product delivery, a follow-up call to check in on the customer's experience can lead to a review. Mention the Google review link during these calls or include it in a post-call email as a way for customers to share their experience.
30. Email Signatures
Email remains a powerful communication tool for businesses. Including a 'Review Us On Google' link in your email signature can encourage satisfied customers to leave a review and share their positive experiences.
Diversifying your Google review link usage opens up a multitude of creative ways to generate new feedback. By leveraging your link across various touchpoints, you create a cohesive narrative of trust that engages customers, fosters relationships, and ultimately propels your brand's success.