Secrets of business promotion on Google maps

For a local business, the opinion of users and their feedback is very important. It is for them that other potential customers will choose one of the two neighboring cafes, a hotel in the city where they came for work, and even a grocery store. We will tell you how to receive and use reviews from Google Local Experts and why this reputation management method is one of the most convenient.

"Local experts" - who are they?

These are all users who leave reviews on Google maps about all the places they have visited. This is a kind of community that helps other visitors and buyers to choose. Experts talk about their own experience, evaluate the establishment, add its real photos and make the places on the map more “alive”, understandable and close.

Members of the Local Experts community can add new places to maps, upload photos or short videos (up to 30 seconds), check information from other visitors, share opinions and answer questions. Accordingly, if someone performs a search on the cards, then all the reviews will be visible. Moreover, visibility is provided both on smartphones and on desktops. In addition, a link to reviews is also displayed in a regular Google search for a query about local organizations.

Why reviews are valuable for business?

A Google My Business account for a local company can be one of the most effective ways to promote a business and attract new customers. It can be used to notify about news or collect statistics on visitors, add photos or other information, and create AdWords Express advertisements. Equally important is getting feedback. They rank highly and are trustworthy: both Google and users find them equally useful. After all, these reviews are left by visitors who really were at the address!

How to get more reviews?

So, you understand that reviews strengthen the reputation of a local business and increase its profits. But how to increase their number so that the mark on the map "comes to life"? There are several ways here, including:

1. Please contact in person. For example, if it's a coffee shop, you could offer a discount on the check if the person posts a review right away. To simplify the review process, create a QR code that you can scan and immediately get to the desired page.
2. Providing discounts on the site for ordering online. In this case, you can leave the desired link and again ask to share your opinion (for some goodies).
3. Guaranteed discount on your next purchase when ordering self-delivery. In this case, the client may well characterize the point of issue or office.

reputation management

Google has several requirements for content published on maps. All changes are carefully monitored so that these rules are not violated. Of course, you cannot influence the style of writing a review or change the opinion itself, but some steps can still be taken. Encourage customers to create bright informative content, photograph original interior details, tell in detail how everything went. It is better if a person honestly shares his own opinion, mentioning the nuances, but not getting carried away with the background. Information in the spirit of “inexpensive” or “I liked everything, thank you” is not of practical use and will not help other potential customers in any way in choosing. Therefore, develop your own system of stimulation of experts and quick access to reviews via a QR code, and then watch your reputation and profit grow!