Boost Your Google Reviews using SMS
Updated: Feb 16
Send automated texts to customers to collect feedback and boost your online reviews.
Why are online reviews important?
93% of customers read online reviews before buying a product.1 49 percent of consumers trust online reviews just as much as a personal recommendation from friends and family. Considering that in 2020, 79% said they trusted online reviews as much as the recommendations of family and friends, this feels like a significant drop in trust.2 However, this simply means you want to have more reviews than your competitors—and positive reviews.
There are a number of review sites, but Google is the most popular resource with approximately 81 percent of shoppers using it.3 Research shows that most consumers who read online reviews read more than one. In fact, online review statistics show that more than half of online shoppers (54 percent) read at least four product reviews before purchasing a product.4 Around 44 percent of them read three or fewer reviews.5
Although shoppers rely heavily on reviews when considering what products to buy, they also review responses to all the reviews—especially negative feedback. Addressing customer concerns as soon as possible is a key to providing good customer service. As many as 9 out of 10 are willing to overlook a negative review if the business adequately addresses the issue.6
How to make a link for customers to leave a review on Google
From your computer—
Sign in to Google My Business (If you have multiple locations, open the location you want to manage.)
In the left menu, click Home.
In the "Get more reviews" card, copy your short URL to share with customers. You might also consider creating a custom URL using Google Analytics' Campaign URL builder to track the source of those reviews.
Shorten the link using a URL shortening tool.
Why text the Google review link?
To encourage customers to leave a review, you need to make the process as easy as possible. By texting them the link, they simply click to open to the page where they can rate you on Google then leave a few words about their experience. The correspondence seems more conversational.
Note: Do not entice customers to leave reviews by offering incentives such as coupons. Be mindful of Google's review policy.
What to Include in a Request for a Review
A reason why you want their feedback—For example, "Your feedback helps us improve our business."
Request feedback; do not specifically ask for a positive review.
Don't entice your customer to leave a review by offering a coupon.
Don't wait too long. Reach out in one to two days while their visit or experience with your business is still top of mind.
If you would like to grow your online reviews, consider texting. Contact AGE Texting to learn more about our custom products that help you get feedback from your customers and increase your online reviews.
SOURCES:
1 https://www.qualtrics.com/blog/online-review-stats
2 https://www.brightlocal.com/research/local-consumer-review-survey/
3 https://explodingtopics.com/blog/online-review-stats
4 https://digital.com/54-of-online-shoppers-read-reviews-before-every-purchase/
5 https://www.oberlo.com/blog/online-review-statistics#:~:text=5.-,Average%20Number%20of%20Reviews%20Consumers%20Read%20Online,prior%20to%20purchasing%20a%20product.
Updated 2/16/23