Very simply, Google Reviews.
How often do you say thank you each day?
I like to say thank you as often as possible, and not just as a customary habit, but in a detailed and public way, both to a person face-to-face and publicly online.
Why is this so important?
We all know that the people who complain about an experience usually represent a very small portion of the people who visit a particular location or enterprise. If the people who were happy do not share their experience online, then a few bad reviews have the potential to destroy an enterprise.
Sadly, some trolls and unethical competitors can also write reviews that can distort the perceived value of an enterprise.
One of my clients received a very negative review and the person had never paid for any services or advice. My client’s Google rankings dropped and her phone stopped ringing. This had devastating consequences, even though she responded appropriately to the review, because she only had two other reviews, the one bad review created a very negative overall impression about her enterprise.
Why is it worth your time?
Well first of all, it is nice to receive good feedback but the only way to receive good feedback is if someone else gives good feedback.
I take great pride in acknowledging specific aspects of the service or products I have received. I have received some unbelievable support and assistance and I am more than happy to publicly share those details to help restore a bit of faith in humanity.
You also get that lovely inner glow knowing that other people can see your comments, photos or video and gain insights from your shared information. I do my best to provide further information in my Google Reviews so that I am always adding value. Photos are fantastic for people who like seeing images not just text on a screen.
If I would like people to write reviews for me and my work, I must be willing to write reviews for other people! I don’t hold back and willingly acknowledge any good experience I have. It is interesting because the more I look for good experiences, the more I seem to have!
What does business need to do?
Sadly, I find that a lot of businesses have a bunch of inaccurate information online - multiple Google Accounts, YouTube Channels, various identities, inconsistent logos, descriptions and addresses, the list goes on.
I would love to see more businesses update their Google information. Start here https://business.google.com!
If I am browsing the internet and I see any errors (like old addresses, duplicate profiles, inaccuracies), I always hit the Google feedback button and share the details with Google.
Essentially, business is about the long game, so making sure that an enterprise consistently adds posts (weekly) to their Google Account, responds promptly to reviews and keeps an eye on their Google Analytics results, this can all make a huge difference to the success of their enterprise online.
How can business benefit?
When I teach various courses related to digital or online marketing, I discuss the various ways that an enterprise can maximise their Google Search Results. It is really exciting when business owners realise that they can publicly thank their best suppliers, stakeholders and clients online with Google Reviews. This obviously enhances the relationship between both parties.
Google Reviews will work for your business 24/7/365! The Google platform is constantly being updated and improved, so get in early to enjoy the maximum benefit!
I hope you find this information helpful!
Cheers for now, Sue Ellson 