Most consumers read reviews to make sure that a product or service is good and that it works. 53% want to make sure that they\u2019re not being scammed and over 80% of consumers use reviews to discover new products<\/a>.<\/p>\n Because reviews improve your credibility, reputation, and brand image, they are excellent for local SEO<\/a>, but when and how you ask for a review will determine how easy it is to get them.<\/p>\n Before you start asking for reviews on Google and Yelp, there are a few things to keep in mind:<\/p>\n Now that you have a better idea of the basics, let\u2019s get more specific.<\/p>\n A recent study<\/a> showed that over 60% of customers prefer leaving reviews on Google, which means the platform is still overtaking Facebook, TripAdvisor, and even Yelp. This is not to say these other platforms are not valuable. It simply proves the impact that Google can have on your brand\u2019s reputation.<\/p>\n So, how do you go about generating more Google reviews? After all, the reviews don’t just improve your credibility. They can improve your GMB rankings<\/a> too. Here are some steps to follow:<\/p>\n If you haven\u2019t already, make sure that you\u2019ve claimed your Google Business Listing as this will make review management that much easier. Plus, it gives you more control over what potential customers see when they search for your business, including a map, images, logos, and social media icons.<\/p>\n Ranking well with your Google Business Listing can also be incredibly beneficial. For instance, showing up in the Google Maps Pack<\/a> can give even more leads.<\/p>\n By finding your Google Business review link, you make it that much easier for your customers to leave a review. To find this link, search for your business name<\/a> on Google. Once you find your Google Business listing, scroll down until you see the option to write a review.<\/p>\n Once the review window pops up, copy the long URL that shows up \u2013 this is what you want to send to your customers\u00a0when asking for reviews. You may want to use a tool such as bit.ly<\/a> to shorten the URL first though.<\/p>\n Most of today\u2019s businesses choose to use email to send out their review links to customers. Email gives you the flexibility to reach out to customers directly after they\u2019ve engaged with or made a purchase from your business. Here are a few templates that you can use when asking for a review on Google:<\/p>\n Subject Line: We\u2019d Love to Know What You Think<\/em><\/p>\n Hi\u00a0[FIRST NAME],<\/em><\/p>\n Thank you for [describe action or client relationship]. <\/em><\/p>\n Reviews ensure we can provide you and our future customers with better service. We really value your opinion and were wondering if you would take a few minutes to leave us a review on Google? <\/em><\/p>\n You can click this link <direct URL to whatever review service you use> and it will take you straight there.<\/em><\/p>\n We really appreciate your time.<\/em><\/p>\n Best regards, It\u2019s important to adapt your email template to your brand voice in order for it to sound authentic.<\/p>\n Small Thanks is a new tool from Google that allows you to create, download, and print personalized social posts, stickers, and posters that highlight your Google reviews. Once you navigate to the Small Thanks with<\/a> Google site, simply type your business name into the search box. If your business is listed, you will be redirected to a personalized review page where you will find the various creative assets.<\/p>\n Building up quality reviews is not a quick process and buying reviews in order to speed things up is not going to get you the results you\u2019re hoping for.<\/p>\n Buying reviews is against Google\u2019s review guidelines, as is Review Gating. Review Gating is a tactic that involves sending a survey to customers and based on their response, the review will either be submitted to Google or forwarded to the business directly. Naturally, the negative reviews<\/a> never make it to Google.<\/p>\n Businesses that buy reviews or use Review Gating to grow their credibility could be slapped with a hefty penalty, which is why it\u2019s best to go the reputable route.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, businesses are unable to ask for Yelp reviews directly from customers because it\u2019s against Yelp\u2019s review policies.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u201cThe businesses that do best on Yelp are the ones that provide a great customer experience to everyone who walks in the door without any expectation or encouragement that they write a review. Your best bet to get high quality and unbiased reviews about your business is to provide a memorable and amazing customer experience \u2014 not by asking your customers to post on Yelp.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The only way that you can increase your Yelp reviews is to promote your business and engage with users as often as possible. Be sure to let your website visitors and social media followers know that your business is present on Yelp by adding links to your site, newsletters, and any printed marketing materials.<\/p>\n Yelp stickers are available and make it easier to let customers know they can review your business there. To get your hands on the different types of stickers, you will need to claim your business on Yelp and complete as much of your profile as you can. Yes, setting up a profile on Yelp is still incredibly beneficial. It may particularly help in building local citations<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you would like to show potential customers just how much people love your business, you can consider displaying your reviews on your website or asking a few reviewers whether you can tell their story on social media. You can also post reviews directly on your GMB profile<\/a>.<\/p>\n The more you can spread the word about your great work, the more the reviews will work in your favor. Just don\u2019t forget that overdoing it can make the reviews seem forced, so use your positive reviews tactfully if you want them to have the right effect.<\/p>\n![\"Satisfied](\"https:\/\/www.marketerscenter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/LNCG_M230_07-1024x683.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWhat to keep in mind when asking for Google and Yelp reviews<\/h2>\n
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How to request a review on Google<\/h2>\n
1. Claim your Google Business Listing<\/h3>\n
![\"Listing\"](\"http:\/\/www.marketerscenter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Listing-1024x483.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n2. Find your Google Business review link<\/h3>\n
![\"Write\"](\"http:\/\/www.marketerscenter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Write.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n3. Send your review link in an email<\/h3>\n
\n[YOUR NAME]<\/em><\/p>\n4. Try Google Review stickers<\/h3>\n
![\"Sticker\"](\"http:\/\/www.marketerscenter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Sticker.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\nA note on Google Reviews<\/h2>\n
How to request a review on Yelp<\/h2>\n
What to do with positive customer reviews<\/h2>\n