In my last post, one of the things I discussed was why I enjoy being a Local Guide. Another reason for why I enjoy it is the interaction we get to have with the businesses and places that we visit.
We try their products and foods, step foot on a new trail, experience a new fun slide, get pampered by a service, so on and so forth. We meet new people there and even say hi to the workers as we walk around taking our photos and videos. Then, we upload our photos and videos, and we type our review- giving a window to outsiders into our experience and a visual glimpse of what the place looks like. However, the interaction does not always end there. Not only do Google Map users view our contributions to a place, but so do the business owners.
The business owners sometimes even leave a reply to our reviews. Especially for smaller franchise locations or local mom and pop shops, our reviews can make a difference to build awareness and help potential customers decide whether to come. More reviews build a place’s reputation and credibility.
When you also remember to highlight the positive experiences that you’ve had there or even the great service interactions, it can also make a business owner’s day!
It makes me smile to read through some of the responses I have received, and I wanted to share a few that I have received.
A refreshingly different topic @AZ_2021 , well deserving of being featured. It’s great when business owners take the time to reply to reviews. I have found that some reply to every singly review, good or bad. Some have canned responses and others take the time to custom reply. It’s interesting to read their replies. As well as the love, it’s interesting to see how businesses respond to negative reviews. For example, do they mention that they will take on board the suggestion(s) being made by the reviewer? Once again great topic.
Great point too regarding the negative reviews… as I was trying to recall the negative ones I’ve left- I think most of them have been unanswered. I always try to add something positive that I noticed in each of my “negative” reviews to try to balance it out, so that could be why no reply as the review seems to be more of neutral rating. The only negative review I recall receiving response to was regarding a park, and the business owner suggested a nearby park that would offer better amenities.
How about you? Have you seen any replies to negative reviews where they stated they would make improvements? Or maybe I wonder… I could even make that into a separate post to see what everyone else experience has been like too.
A fellow Level 10- nice to meet you.
I appreciate your feedback and also thank you for sharing the knowledge tidbit that business owner must claim to respond. Love it!
Currently I’m crossing 309,000 points in Google Maps… Thanks for your appreciation.
You have crossed 104,000 - congratulations…
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Earlier, the ownership claiming mission was known as Google My Business (GMB) and currently it is called Google Business Profile - just for your information…
This is an awesome post and the business owners who respond make it worth reviewing. More business owners should take control over their GMB listings to be more involved in their listings. Thanks for sharing 5 Stars:)
Thanks for your kind feedback. Yes I agree. It is nice when the business reply. I also feel that a business taking the time to reply shows other people that may be reading those reviews and replies that the business cares about it’s customers.
Thank you also for sharing your experience with writing reviews. It looks like we think alike for how we include positive aspects too even in a negative review. I’ve been on the receiving end of review before as I worked in customer service and it really makes a difference to be able to hear what went well too.
Happy Humpday! Hope you enjoy the rest of your evening and enjoy your dinner too.
