An Entrepreneur’s Guide To Google Review Management: What To Know

When people find your business online, Google shows your profile on the right side of their search results. The reviews underneath that profile show people whether they should trust your expertise and if you provide high-quality services. They can even help your website’s online performance if you know how to manage your reviews. Learning to keep track of them will shape your brand’s reputation and improve your professional success.

Google Business Profile needs up-to-date information on your company so people can find your business and leave a review. Check your profile through your professional Google account. The layout should include your organization’s physical location, operation hours and storefront pictures. If you set reminders to update your profile, Google will promote your website higher in search results. Customers will find you faster, generating more reviews and revenue.

Some entrepreneurs struggle to build a high Google rating because people don’t leave reviews often. They found your business for a product or service and returned to their busy lives. Customers may not think to write a review unless they have something terrible to say, so you may have to come up with different ways to entice people to leave reviews. 

When you write an email thanking someone for their business, include a link to leave a Google review. Attach the same link to digital receipts or appointment reminders. Customers may not even think about leaving positive feedback unless you suggest it by placing the link where they can find it.

Think of Google reviews as conversations. Entrepreneurs should respond to each one, even if they only say a quick thank you. People want to know they’re supporting businesses that care about their customers. While responding to glowing reviews is easy, you should also prepare for negative testimonials.

Anyone can professionally handle that situation by remembering four key factors in taking the high road. Respond within a few days to show your attentiveness. Apologize for any legitimate bad experiences, mention how you intend to fix the situation and invite them to reach out for further discussion. Addressing what caused the bad review by solving things such as miscommunication or poor customer service in your business makes you come across as a responsible entrepreneur worthy of the public’s trust.

The Google Business Profile dashboard consolidates all reviews into one place. Track them by checking the collection often and noting how many are positive or negative. You’ll know you’re on the right track when people are happier with their experiences in your business.

Free tools also exist for entrepreneurs leaning into this strategy. ReviewTrackers and Famewall are a few popular online reputation software programs that streamline review management and even help collect more testimonials with less work.

Social media marketing efforts must be engaging and valuable for your customer base. Posting recent positive testimonials does both. They’ll see how others love your services or products, which is invaluable when they’re closer to making a purchase. The content can also show how you improve based on their feedback, proving how engaged you are with your audience compared to your competitors.

Trying new strategies to grow your brand, such as using AI for networking, is important, but some can backfire. If you tell people you’ll give them product discounts or cash rewards for a review and Google finds out, it could penalize your profile. The company bars incentivized content and purchased reviews because it creates fake engagement and may deceive customers.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) can also seek civil penalties against business owners who advertise bought reviews. You’ll avoid fines and create a better professional reputation by setting a realistic long-term goal of accruing good testimonials.

Responding to your Google Business Profile reviews in a professional, well-timed manner and reminding people to leave honest testimonials is key to growing your brand. You’ll have more professional success by improving your online reputation organically. Give yourself time to practice those steps and turn them into habits.