How to Write a Review on Google

Before tapping into the nits and grits of our topic, let’s first find out why businesses today are seeking to get reviews on Google. 

• Encourage Purchase Decisions: Given the percentage of people (63.3%) who check Google reviews before consuming products or services, it’s clear that businesses with good reviews gain many more chances to boost sales and grow their business.
  
• Increase Business Reputation: With the positive review in place, your services will definitely look trustworthy, thus boosting your business’s authority.
  
• Pop Up in Search Engines: The more positive reviews you get, the more chances to pop up in SERPs and on Google Maps. This way, you can bring more eyes to your services.
  
• Provide Opportunities for Growth: Ultimately, each review helps you assess pitfalls in your services and adjust them accordingly. 

Now, as we’ve promised, let’s have a look at the technical aspect of how to write a review on Google. Actually, depending on the device you use, there are different ways to get there. So, let’s go through each one.

Writing Google Reviews on Mobile 

Let’s first have a look at what steps you need to take to leave a review on the go. 

Step 1: Firstly, you need to open Google and search for the business name. Alternatively, you may use the Google Maps app and search for the company here. Anyway, you will be redirected to the maps from Google.

Step 2: Scroll to the “Reviews” section.

Step 3: Rate the business and leave your review. Additionally, you may attach some photos or videos to your review.

Step 4: Click “Post” and that’s it. 

Writing Google Reviews on Desktop 

If you want to write a review on Google using a desktop, follow these steps:

Step 1: Here again, open Google or Google Maps and search for the business. Scroll down to the map and click on it. Select the business from the list.

Step 2: Click on “Write a review.” A window will open where you can rate the business.

Step 3: Write your review (you can also add photos or videos if needed) and rate the business in that same window.

Step 4: Simply post it. 

Here is What Else to Consider

• Reviews on Google are only public.
  
• If you want to leave a more detailed review, then opt for the desktop version. It offers some additional follow-up questions. For example, if you’re reviewing a restaurant, it may ask what you ordered, how much you spent, etc.
  
• Unlike the mobile or Google Maps app, the desktop version also allows you to rate specific aspects of the business. For example, in the case of a restaurant, you may be asked to rate food, service, and atmosphere.

You probably recall that we strongly recommend not deleting negative reviews, unless they contain violent content or inappropriate language. But in some cases, even if a review is written politely, you may still have a reason to remove it.

Consider this: one of your competitors decided to launch a black PR campaign and organized a group where people wrote negative reviews containing misinformation about your business. Well, in that case, of course, you need to right a wrong.

So, how can you remove an unfair comment from Google?

• Report a Review: Well, you won’t find a delete button here, but you can click the three dots and select “Report a review.”
  
• Write to Support: Anyways, if you want the fake review to disappear from your page, you can write a request to Google Business Support. Just note that you should provide some facts proving it’s a fake comment.
  
• Respond Publicly: While waiting for a response from Google Support, it’s worthwhile replying to the fake comment, pointing out why it’s not true, thus giving your audience a chance to hear your side of the story too.

Let’s face it, oftentimes, people are more inclined to share their bad experiences with a brand rather than leave positive reviews. As a business, you definitely want to build a solid archive of good reviews on Google. So, how can you encourage people to write feedback? Well, let us share with you some foolproof steps to success.

Step 1: Give a Reason

Customers don’t become satisfied by chance. You should offer them exceptional services and great customer support. 

For example, if you own a learning school specializing in digital marketing courses, partner with tutors who possess proven expertise in the niche and can effectively share their experience with students. Plus, offers opportunities for the most active students to gain practical experience following the completion of their courses.

Additionally, leverage relevant technologies and tools to organize high-level classes, whether onsite or online.

Step 2: Solicit a Review 

Now consider that as a learning center, you’ve recently completed a course on link-building skills. Your students have graduated, and some even got roles before finishing the program. Contact them and ask to share their experience through Google reviews and ratings.

Based on my own experience, I recommend using email for this purpose. A cozy, kind, and professional personalized message will do the trick. 

Step 3: Appreciate Willingness to Leave a Review

Lastly, send another email to express your gratitude to people for their reviews. Or simply reply to their reviews. As such, you can both encourage people to become your referrals, that is to say, gain new clients, as well as increase opportunities for repurchase. 

“So many men, so many minds”. That is to say, even when you have a solid year of good reputation and provide the same service to everyone, some may not like it, or maybe something goes wrong, and a few of your customers end up with a bad purchase experience and leave a negative review on Google.

Of course, it’s not the situation any business wants to appear in, but almost all of them end up here at some point. So, how to react in such situations?

Well, firstly, stay professional, address people by name, and say that you understand their concerns. Secondly, make your argument pretty strong to showcase what you disagree with. Apologize and offer a solution in case something went wrong. Ultimately, don’t delete negative comments, even if you badly want that. Just let people know you appreciate diverse points of view. 

Knowing what to expect from Google reviews, as a business wanting to thrive, you’ll undoubtedly be willing to encourage customers to share their positive experiences through reviews.

We discussed the steps on how to get there. Plus, we highlighted the technical steps on how you, yourself, can leave a review on Google. Moreover, we also explored probably the toughest part, how to handle negative reviews and what to do if you want to remove them.

So, now you have a solid ground on Google reviews and can confidently start using this tool to grow your business.