Wondering how to get Google reviews for your business? Are you trying to understand the value of getting Google reviews online?
While you may have heard that Google reviews can make or break your auto repair business, it can be tough to understand why that is and how you can harness their power effectively. However, if done right, getting more Google reviews can be incredibly valuable for growing your business and staying competitive in your local market.
If you want to learn how Google reviews can help your auto repair business, you’re in the right place. Below we’ll tell you why and how you can use Google reviews as part of your local marketing strategy.
The Importance of Google Reviews
If you want to make the most of online reviews, you need to understand how important they are for your auto repair business. Here are a few of the main benefits you need to know about.
1. Builds Social Proof
One of the top benefits of getting Google reviews is that they can help serve as social proof.
Many customers want to feel like they can trust your business with their hard-earned money and want to be sure that you’ll deliver on your promises. When there are already a lot of people reviewing your business online and talking positively about your services, potential customers will be more likely to use your services as well.
2. Makes Decisions Easier
More and more people are using online reviews as part of their decision-making process when buying goods and services, either on or off the web.
Reading online reviews has become a common practice for the modern consumer, so it’s important that they like what they see when they search for your business. If potential customers see very few reviews or if they see negative reviews for your business online, you may miss out on a lot of business as a result.
3. Increases Visibility
Another thing that’s great about collecting Google reviews is that it gives your business more visibility online.
Google is more likely to show businesses and websites to searchers if they know that they’ll be satisfied with what they find. When you have a great average rating on Google reviews, this will boost your SEO as well and it may lead to your site being shown in Google search results more often.
4. Connect With Customers
One of the best things about getting more Google reviews is that it gives you a way to connect to your customers online.
When you start using your Google My Business (GMB) account, you’ll be able to respond to reviews that have been left for your business. This gives you an opportunity to apologize to customers who weren’t completely satisfied and to take control of your online reputation.
How to Make the Most of Google Reviews
So now that you understand the importance of Google reviews, how do you go about getting them and making them work for you? Here are some of the main things you need to know about using Google reviews for your business.
1. Ask For Reviews
One of the simplest things you can do to make the most of Google reviews is to simply try to get more of them. It’s essential that you regularly ask your satisfied customers to leave reviews for your business online.
You may want to encourage your customers to leave reviews for your business using social media or by sending an email newsletter. You can also do this in person as well by posting signage around your business which requests that they review your business on Google.
2. Show Off Your Favorites
Even though you may get online reviews for your business on Google, you don’t have to leave them there permanently. If you get some glowing customer reviews for your auto repair business, then you may want to find ways to show them off.
You can do this on your website by creating a testimonials page or by simply placing a few reviews strategically around your site such as in the sidebar and on the homepage. You can also share some Google reviews using social media or by placing some signage in your shop that showcases your favorites.
3. Provide Great Service
One of the best ways to get more positive reviews for your business is by simply providing a great customer experience. When possible, you should try to go the extra mile when serving your auto repair customers. Look for ways you can provide great service and care or add a personal touch.
Depending on the type of customer that comes to your business, it’s a great idea to provide them with additional information on what to do after the repair. If they were the cause of an accident and will have their license revoked, for example, you may want to tell them about SR22 insurance.
So what is SR22 insurance and why do drivers need it? You may want to be prepared to answer your customer’s questions and provide them with any information they need.
4. Reduce the Damage of Bad Reviews
In the case that your business gets some bad reviews on Google, there are things you can do to minimize the damage. As mentioned above, replying to these negative reviews is often a good idea, especially if done in a tactful way.
It’s a great idea to apologize to a customer if they have had a negative experience and ask them to reach out by email. You might want to see if there’s anything you can do to make things better or if you can give them a discount on their next visit.
Learning How to Get Google Reviews For Your Business
If you’re trying to figure out how to get Google reviews for your auto shop, you need to take careful note of the information above. By following the steps above you’ll be able to make online reviews a major part of your marketing strategy and will reap the many benefits of doing so.
Looking for more local marketing tips, advice, and strategies? Check out our blog now to find more helpful tips for your auto repair business.