If you’re reading this, you probably already understand the power of Google reviews. If you don’t or need additional persuasion, see our post on the three main advantages of Google reviews.
Google My Business Listing
Google reviews are tied to your Google My Business listing. If you haven’t already set up your Google My Business listing, do it. A Google My Business listing is free and allows you to manage your business information as it appears in Google searches. When your business shows up on Google Maps or in Google Search, users have immediate access to information such as your website, hours, and street address. Using GMB, you can read and respond to reviews, post photos and news, and get insights from Google into how customers searched for your business and from where those customers are coming. In addition (per Google), businesses that verify their information on GMB are twice as likely to be considered reputable by consumers versus businesses that haven’t done so.
Once your Google My Business listing is up-to-date, you can create your Google review link.
UPDATE 4/7/22: Google is retiring the Google My Business app and having people manage their Business Profile (as they term it) through Google Search and Google Maps (read about it on Google Support). Log in to the Google account you use for GMB and do a search for your exact business name. When your Business Profile appears, in the menu above the search results, you can choose “Edit profile,” “Promote,” or “Customers.” I worked with it today to do updates and liked it. It feels faster and shows me exactly what changes I made and that they are pending. The old GMB did that as well, but this interface seems less cluttered and more informative.
How to Create a Google Review Link
The quickest way to create a Google review link is to go to your GMB listing.
On your computer, sign into GMB at business.google.com. Choose your location if you have multiple locations, then click on the Home tab to the left if you aren’t already there. GMB is organized into sections Google calls cards. Scroll down to the “Get more reviews” card, click on “Share review form,” and copy the URL provided.
On mobile, go to the Google My Business app and open your location. Tap Customers, then Reviews, then tap the Share button at the top right. Copy the URL provided.
When customers click your link, they’ll be able to rate your business and leave a review.
Google does have some rules regarding reviews. The key one to remember is to not solicit reviews from customers by offering incentives or by setting up review stations at your place of business. If Google finds that a review has violated their policy, it may be removed.
Making a More Beautiful Link
The Google review link is pretty long and a little ugly, isn’t it? To make it shorter and look cleaner, you can use a URL shortener like Bitly or TinyURL. Or you can really step up your game and use a branded short link. (You can see what we use in the example email below.)
How to Ask for Reviews
Keep your “ask” for reviews as short and simple as possible. You have a happy client, and you want to keep them happy. Making the request too complicated may turn that around.
We use emails to request reviews, but you can use text or Facebook messaging if that’s how you communicate with your client the most. You can also include your review link on your website.
We’ve experimented with different phrasings, but we usually follow something like this:
Subject: Review request from Infusionmedia
Hi, XX:
We really enjoyed working with you on [project name/description].
Would you take a minute or two and review your experience with Infusionmedia on Google? We appreciate your honesty and your feedback. You’re welcome to be as short or as detailed as you like. You can leave your review here: http://infusion.link/review.
If you don’t have a Google account (and don’t want one), please review us on Facebook or just respond to this email.
Thank you,
Cris
If you would like more details in your reviews, you can add something like this:
PS If you need more direction, here are some tips on what to include in your review:
- What did you like about working with us?
- Did you work with someone who specifically deserves applause?
- Which services or products did you use?
- Which location did you use (if you have multiple locations)?
- Have you worked with us in the past?
- How do we compare to similar services or products you’ve used?
- Do you have any advice for others who use our service or product?
Don’t just assume your clients will leave you reviews. It may not even cross their minds. Start asking for reviews and make the process as simple and easy as possible.
Ready to get more Google reviews? Check out our cheat sheet.
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in May 2018 and was revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness in September 2021. An update regarding the deprecation of the GMB app and how to manage your Google Business Profile using Search and Maps was done in April 2022.
