Setting up your Google reviews for better rankings in Google searches?
You’ve come to the right place.
This article will explain how to set up your Google Business Profile (GBP) listing, and how to then start getting customer reviews.
The first thing you need to do to start getting Google reviews is to set up your Google Business Profile.
Setting up your Google Business Profile listing
Setting up a GBP listing is a simple process that can be completed in a few steps.
The biggest thing is that it takes some time for Google to verify and approve your listing.
First, you want to make sure there isn’t an already pre-existing listing on Google.
If you’re a new business, the chances are low of finding an existing listing. But it doesn’t hurt to look.
Do a quick Google search of your business.
If there’s no existing listing
If nothing comes up then continue with the following steps:
Go to the Google Business Profile website and sign in or create a Google account if you don't already have one.
Click on the "Get started" button and enter your business name and address. You can also select the category that best describes your business.
Verify your business:
Google will verify the accuracy of your business information by sending a postcard to your business address. Make sure you put in the right business address otherwise Google’s code will not work.
This is really important because you will need to enter the code on the postcard into your GBP listing to complete the verification process.
Provide additional information: Fill out your business information, including:
Hours of operation,
Phone number,
Website, and
Photos.
Publish your listing: After you have completed the setup process and you’ve been fully verified by Google, your GBP listing will be live and visible on Google Maps and in search results.
Here are some best and promising practices for setting up your GBP listing in record time:
Be sure to include as much information as possible to make it easier for customers to find your business, and
Google’s verification process takes several days, so be sure to complete all steps as soon as possible to avoid any delays in getting your listing live.
Now that you’re all set-up you can start getting Google reviews.
Not sure how to ask for Google reviews? Read our article and learn how.
If there’s an existing listing
Uh oh.
Did an existing listing come up in your initial Google search? You’ll have to go through the process of transferring the business listing to your Google Business Profile.
On the existing listing, you’ll see a linked question, “Own this business?”
You will need to click on that and follow the steps to gain access to your listing.
This can take a few days for Google to verify. In some instances, you may need to repeat the process. Generally if you’re a new business you won’t run into this issue. But, if you do, just follow the recommendations above.
Why is a Google Business Profile listing important?
Your GBP listing is the first point of contact for most customers.
Its functionality serves as an entry-point for users to connect with your business.
From your GBP, users can then give you a call, visit your website or if they’re a customer, leave you a review.
GBP directly impacts your local search rankings. It’s important to constantly optimize your listing, making sure it’s always up to date.
Your local Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is improved by a properly managed and active GBP listing.
A GBP listing appears prominently in both Google Search and Maps, and helps potential customers become new customers.
For business owners, having a solid GBP listing is a no-brainer. It serves as an informative micro-business page that most Google searches come across, especially on mobile devices.
Not to mention: it also provides a valuable space for customers to leave reviews about your local business.
Google Reviews
A GBP listing is one of the best ways to improve upon your local SEO. This is thanks to Google’s review platform. Anybody with a Google (Gmail) account can leave a review on a GMB listing.
Google reviews will provide you with a star rating that at a glance informs potential customers of the quality of your business.
Plus, the feedback that’s left by your customers will further help potential customers make their purchasing decisions.
That’s the external factor of Google reviews.
The internal factor is that you get a valuable voice of customer data that then informs you of what you’re doing right and where you can improve upon in your business.
Plus, you get the added bonus of a GBP that allows you to control your online reputation by responding to reviews.
Always remember to thank your customers for their feedback. For the negative reviews make sure to address the customer’s concerns.
It’s all about providing good customer service which ultimately leads to loyal and happy customers.
Why Google Reviews versus Yelp?
For one thing, Google Reviews directly impact your business’s search ranking on the Google search engine.
Read more about why Google Reviews are important here.
Get Google reviews with Taptik
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Thanks to Taptik’s quick and easy customer interaction you can get even more Google reviews than you dreamed.