Aside from the food, hospitality is the most remembered trait by clients who visit a restaurant. After the pandemic, rating apps and websites gained momentum because the internet allowed customers to share their views freely while pointing out valuable information.
According to Hospitality Insights, online customer reviews are even more prized nowadays because they allow potential consumers to get in-depth information from others for a relatively low cost and little effort. As reported by Shopify, 93% of clients are most likely to be influenced by reviews online, especially if they come from previous customers. But how does this apply to restaurants?
Well, it is known that ‘electronic word of mouth’ or WoM travels faster than any other type of information, but the critical part is: that people tend to find online commentary more trustworthy. Verily, 60% of clients read reviews before going out for a meal, and where exactly do they find those reviews? Google Maps!
Related: 3 benefits of creating a Google Business Profile for restaurants.
Let’s start with the basics: What is Google Maps?
Google Maps is a web mapping platform that offers satellite imagery, street maps, real-time traffic conditions and even route planning for travelers or bystanders. But, when it comes to guiding people to get to places, a determining factor is customer reviews. However, to locate a business on Google Maps, there needs to be a Google Business Profile linked to it.
Google Business Profile showcases businesses through a simple search, where potential clients can access helpful information about their physical store or online service area. Since it is a personalized tool, owners will manage their profile through the Search Engine and Maps, allowing them to add customized data such as pictures of the venue and schedule updates. However, the profile will most importantly let them communicate with online users, especially over the ‘question and answer’ feature or the review section.
How to get customer reviews on Google Maps?
Positive reviews are a must, especially for restaurants. Just like the ‘entrée’, reviews are the preview of the main course or, most importantly, the potential visit of a customer. A common way of getting customer reviews is improving your search engine ranking, which generates leads and engages with your online community.
Google Profile does not only allow you to respond instantly to your clients but lets you provide helpful information to others, such as updates on your location, and an unexpected schedule change and create strategies that stem from the customers' perception of your business.
They are the showcase to the city’s favorite coffee shop or that new Tacos spot. To get to a place in which clients rely on the reviews given by regular customers, here are a few tips:
- Make sure your Google Business Profile is updated: location, contact info, website and social media profiles.
- Generate a link to your Google Reviews directly on your profile
- Encourage customers to leave reviews.
- Let clients upload pictures or videos of their experience.
- Reply to their messages, suggestions and complaints to build trust.
- Value ALL reviews.
- Include reviews on newsletters or thank you emails.
- Add reviews at the end of a chat interaction on your website.
- Include reviews on your checks!
To get a customer review, in most cases you need to ask for one. You can use a picture like the one above, add a QR Code and send it to your clients via email or give it away with the bill!
Find out how to get customer reviews for small businesses.
Now, these tips will guide your clients to leave great reviews on your Google Maps listing, but how do you provide the right environment to guarantee a great experience? Here’s how:
- Get personal: Building personal connections with clients is crucial for establishing loyalty and frequent visits. Establishing casual conversations might boost the chance of them having an enjoyable encounter!
- Make their visit effortless: Customers hate uncomfortable situations, so if you're looking to get a review from one of your clients, try asking questions like: How was your meal? or Would you change anything from your main course? This might make the difference.
Remember, your goal is to boost your online traffic and make your restaurant accessible to potential clients, whilst building a trustworthy relationship with recurrent customers.
Getting customer reviews is easier said than done, but the reality is that the more positive reviews you have, the higher the chances that customers prefer your business to the competitors, and Google selects your website or listing as trustworthy and high-quality.
We regularly get our customers to rank within the top 3 positions in local Google Search results - which is where you want to be! Rank in the top 3 or get your money back! Book a free consultation call to get started.
