The internet has taken over how many businesses operate. In particular, the way people choose their restaurants has drastically changed as well. 93% of people read online reviews before they purchase a product or enter a restaurant. Additionally, 91% of people between the ages of 18 and 34 trust an online review the same way they trust a personal recommendation. This goes to show the importance of good online reviews.
As persuading as positive reviews can be, so are negative reviews. Negative reviews can easily sway prospective customers away from your business. Keep on reading to learn the various ways you can increase the number of reviews left on Google.
Why Focus on Google Reviews?
Google is one the most popular search engines in the world. As such when someone googles the name or location of your restaurant, they’ll be automatically faced with a google rating. Google reviews are important because 59% of shoppers use them to guide their decision-making.Potential customers will most likely use this rating and read the reviews before they visit your restaurant. Think about it as the first stop for any customers you welcome in the future. As such, creating a good repertoire on Google reviews is in your best interest. While your business deserves to get the recognition it deserves, customers are also eager to know where they can have a great dining experience.
But keep in mind, not everyone posts a review whenever they visit a spot they like. Unfortunately, people are more likely to post negative reviews than they would positive. So what’s the workaround for this?
Ways to Get Your Customers to Leave Reviews
Below are some useful tips you can use to ensure your customers leave Google reviews for your restaurant – and five-star reviews at that.- Text Reminders
Business texting is not only useful for sending out promotions or for your customers or clients to reach you. It’s also a great way to send reminders.
Texts have on average a 98% open rate – that means that your reminders for your customers to leave a review will most likely be read. This exceeds the open and engagement rate in comparison to emailing or posters.
Once you ask your customers to leave their phone number when they make a takeout order or make a reservation, you can use that number to send a reminder. At Text My Main Number, we make the process much easier by allowing you the freedom to schedule these texts, create a custom reminder template and more.
This is a great way for your customers to remember to leave a review. Simply embed the link to your Google review page in the text and you’re all set to go! - Share a Promotion to Encourage Reviews
Who doesn’t love gifts and prizes? To incentivize your customers to leave a review, think about incorporating a draw. Every time a customer leaves a review, you put their name into a draw where they can have the chance to win a free meal or a gift card to your restaurant.
This better motivates your customers to write a review on Google. It also establishes a better relationship with your customers, turning new customers into loyal customers. You can send a simple business text to all your customers about this promotion.
Better yet, you can tailor your messages with our group messaging function. Here, you can split your customers up into groups depending on their demographic and send a tailored message that would resonate with them. - Use an NPS Score
Using a net promoter score is a great way to understand your customer’s experience while getting a review from them as well. This way, you show interest in your customer’s experience at your restaurant.
Simply send out an NPS survey once you enable our survey texting feature. This will embed a link into your text where your customers can review your menu, hospitality, etc. Once they’ve completed this, ask your customers to leave this review online to your number of Google reviews. - Market it on your Social Media
Social media is the powerhouse that connects people all around the globe. So use it to your advantage! Encourage your customers to leave a review online using Facebook, Instagram and even Tik Tok.
If your customers are more inclined to leave a review on the post, simply encourage them to check out Google reviews. Once you spread around this message, your customers will begin to understand the value of Google reviews. - Hand out Stickers and pamphlets
While technology is taking over, this doesn’t mean the old traditional sticker and pamphlet don’t work either. Hand out fun stickers and pamphlets to your customers after they leave your restaurant or drop by to get their take-out order.
If your customers get their meals in person, you can also mention this and explain the importance of these Google reviews for your restaurant as well. - Give them a memorable experience
There’s nothing like a great experience that will motivate someone to write a great review. By simply creating a welcoming environment, showing generous hospitality and providing great food, a great experience is enough to excite people to provide a review on Google.
Valued customers will do a lot to show their loyalty to you. As such, if they know they can help your business by leaving a simple review on Google, they’ll be happy to do it. They can share their experience, and this will likely get others to do the same.
What to Do When Someone Gives a Bad Review
You can provide the greatest services and meals to die for, but sometimes you’ll be faced with a bad review. Here are a few tips to handle it.
- Be professional
Never use harsh language when addressing the review. Show professionalism as a way of representing your restaurant and brand. - Explain the Situation
Sometimes you’ll run into some unpleasant customers. Use their review as a chance to explain your side of the story professionally so potential customers understand. - Move on and continue doing your best work
Bad reviews are inevitable, no matter how great your restaurant is. If you provide a stellar experience all around, more than likely the good reviews will trump the bad ones. As such, move on and continue!
Google reviews are important for the success of your business. By encouraging your customers to leave a review, you’re doing a huge service for yourself and your potential customers!
0 Comment