Summary
This article will show you how to manage your online reviews. How to respond to good and bad reviews!
Google and Manipulative SEO
Google judges and takes corrective action on reviews similarly to how they handle manipulative SEO.
There is plenty of human filtering going on, so as not all manipulative SEO is caught and punished right away the same happens for Reviews. As the punishment for bad SEO is sometimes a deterrent that goes beyond just remedying the foul, the same happens for Reviews.
Example
Ex. - Maybe you have 100 real 5 star reviews in the last 6 months, but 7 months ago there were 2 reviews posted from your business's wi-fi with newly created accounts that haven't had any activity since(or some other equally suspicious details). Google could potentially remove all of the 5-star reviews from your complete history, and leave only 1, 2, 3, and 4-star reviews. there doesn't seem to be a statute of limitations.
Even if they only catch 1 out of 1,000 times you do it, it's still not worth the risk to get the boost from a couple of questionable reviews when it's not hard to cultivate a great reputation with genuine customer reviews.
Also, sometimes borderline SEO is questionably punished because it’s so similar to black hat SEO. Same with Reviews.
Sustainable SEO
Great, sustainable SEO results from providing a relevant, quality, useful content experience for visitors over time. The most effective way to do it is also the safest way to do it. Same with Reviews.
Always, only, real customers, and 3rd party professionals who know your work.
Slow and steady - No more than 3 a day if you’re starting at less than 25 total right now. Nothing screams inauthenticity like really weird timing and bursts of reviews.
Reminders
Never let someone post a review from your location’s wi-fi.
Never post a review with a newly created account that won’t have continued activity.
Do not ask for a “review.” Some people will interpret this as a request for feedback.
Ask for a “5-star endorsement.” Make it clear that anything less than 5 stars is worse than not leaving a review at all.
Avoid soliciting reviews from uncoached or unqualified reviewers, even if they are from your customer pool. Review structure. The more details the better it is.
Quality over Quantity
Quality reviews Over Quantity reviews. This achieves 3 goals:
Google sees quality reviews as authentic and valuable.
Potential customers see quality reviews as authentic and valuable.
Use this as an opportunity for a beautiful testimonial and grassroots marketing.
Ask for the review you want. Even if it cuts down on conversions.
Template
Hi ____,
Please visit https://search.google.com/local/writereview?placeid=ChIJrU7nop8vXIgRQY3GHkMRJJ4), (Your URL will be a little different) and leave us a 5-star endorsement.
Write at least 3 sentences if you don’t mind- more is even better! In your review, please be sure to include what needs we’ve helped you address, what we did to address them, what you were particularly impressed by, and why you’d recommend us to someone else. This is a great help to us, and we genuinely appreciate it.
Thanks in advance, Pug
Final Reflection
For customers, today, seeing a quality number of recent reviews is everything. In addition, customers also want to see your responses to their reviews whether good or bad. Recap: Get reviews. Responding to all reviews, whether good or bad, shows your facility active and listening to its customers.