How to improve Google rankings by getting more practice reviews

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As the search market continues to be dominated by Google, it has become crucial to ensure your practice listing appears on the first page of the search results. Why? Because 90 percent of survey respondents said they were likely to click on the first set of results.¹

A great way to increase the ranking of your site (and maintain that high ranking) is to consistently solicit and collect Google reviews. Google’s review platform is one of the most important places to reinforce your online reputation, and you should respond to reviews provided by your clients.

Google reviews provide valuable information about your business to you and your clients, increasing its prominence. Positive reviews help build trust in your brand, enhance online exposure and local search engine optimization (SEO), increase website visitors, and ultimately, attract more pet owners to your practice. Regularly gaining new reviews is a proven way to increase your visibility and number of clients.

In one day, you can implement the following 5 strategies to gain positive reviews and strengthen local SEO:

Ask your clients to leave reviews

Ask your clients to Google the clinic’s location and click on the “Write a review” button. If you want to increase your review count quickly, simply making this request is one of the easiest, most effective ways.

When following up with clients, always include a link

If follow-up emails are sent to clients, it’s a good idea to kindly ask them to leave a review and attach a link to facilitate your request. Your emails should always be personal and informative. Let the client know that their feedback is important to your clinic.

To have the link sent to your clients, access your Google My Business dashboard, click on the “Home” tab, scroll down, and click on “Get More Reviews.”

Add a review link to your clinic’s website

Placing a link in your site’s header or footer, or even using a lightbox popup requesting a review from your clients, is another simple way to get more reviews. This makes it easier for your customers because they’re already on your site, and it doesn’t require the extra steps of Googling (searching) or clicking through a link in an email.

Respond to all reviews (good and bad)

Current and potential clients like to see your clinic’s responses to reviews. This shows that you welcome feedback and take an interest in the level of care and attention offered to your clients and patients. Companies that respond to Google reviews are also acknowledged by Google. No one likes to receive a negative review; however, if that does happen, take the following steps:

1. Address the specific issue
2. Apologize (even if your company is in the right)
3. Attempt to resolve the issue privately

You can use the following script as a guide:

“Hi NAME, we are sorry to hear that you did not have a great experience with us. Our team always strives to deliver an exceptional experience from the moment you walk into our clinic. I’d like to personally hear more about this and see how we can make it better. Please reach out to our clinic by phone or email (INSERT PHONE, EMAIL), and we can talk further. Thank you for your business.”

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME

CLINIC NAME

Follow up your review requests several times

Even if a client doesn’t leave a review the first time you request one, that doesn’t necessarily mean they wouldn’t leave one at all. Your email or request may have been sent at an inconvenient time, or the client could have simply forgotten.

One effective way to overcome this challenge is to create 2 email follow-up templates, in addition to your first review request, and limit your total number of review requests to 3. You should follow up on the request once a week, or every other week, until you reach the maximum number of requests.

Creating a continuous pipeline of reviews can be challenging. If you’d prefer to leave your review generation to a professional team, Running Digital is here to help. Contact us online to learn more about our wide range of digital marketing services designed to help businesses like yours get as many clients and sales as possible from the web.

In 2019, Andy Chirico fulfilled his dream of starting his own Digital Agency and hasn’t looked back since. After graduating from Washington College in 2018 with a degree in Business and Marketing, he always knew he wanted to be an entrepreneur. Andy strives in delivering his clients results while providing top-notch support. Currently located in Nashville, Andy helps businesses scale through Google ads, Facebook ads, content, PR, and other marketing avenues. His company, Running Digital, works with veterinary clinics around the country. When he isn't working, Andy enjoys traveling the country to compete in marathons.

Reference

1. Sterling G. Survey: 82 percent of smartphone shoppers conduct ‘near me’ searches. Search Engine Land. August 28, 2018. Accessed September 2019. https://searchengineland.com/survey-82-percent-of-smartphone-shoppers-conduct-near-me-searches-304512