Are you trying to find ways to get more people to see your restaurant on Google? Increasing the number of reviews that your restaurant customers leave is one of the best ways to achieve that.
You might wonder, though, why Google reviews are so important. As compared to personal recommendations, 88% of diners place greater trust in online reviews. Yes, over 9 out of 10, people use the internet to find restaurant recommendations.
And how can they locate these reviews? Google! It has become the preferred site for customers looking for reviews of businesses, including restaurants, due to its unparalleled influence and reach.
Now, think of the importance of these reviews. They aren’t simply random comments circulating around the internet; they have an enormous impact on the success of your restaurant.
So, how do you make sure that your restaurant obtains hundreds of positive Google reviews?
Don’t worry! This blog aims to provide you with the top ways to get Google reviews from your restaurant customers.
Why Google Reviews Matter
Before we get into the techniques, let’s take a quick look at the power of Google reviews in today’s digital age:
- Visibility: Since Google is the most popular search engine worldwide, Google reviews have a direct effect on how visible your restaurant is in search results.
- Trust: Customers are more likely to trust reviews from others than traditional advertising. Positive reviews serve as social proof, reassuring prospective customers about your restaurant’s quality.
- Rankings: Local search rankings are heavily influenced by Google reviews. It is likely that your restaurant will rank higher in local search results with the more positive reviews it has.
Now that you know its importance, let’s look at how to start collecting Google reviews from your restaurant customers.
5 Ways to Get Google Reviews from Your Restaurant Customers
By implementing these five effective ways of getting Google reviews from your restaurant’s customers, you can significantly boost the number of reviews obtained, which will strengthen your online presence and reputation.
1. Make Leaving Reviews Easy
Making use of QR codes is a clever way to Google reviews from your customers. You make it easy for customers to tell others about their dining experiences by carefully placing QR codes on your restaurant’s tables, receipts, and website.
By using QR codes to facilitate Google reviews, you provide customers with the opportunity to improve your restaurant’s online reputation while boosting its visibility and trust online.
2. Seize the Moment
Timing and engagement are crucial to maximising your opportunity to obtain positive Google reviews. Take advantage of moments when feelings are running high, such as after a memorable event, great service, or a delicious meal, when customers are likely to be very involved and open to offering input.
Use targeted email marketing as well, politely encouraging customers to share their experiences with a review after happy occasions like birthdays or first-time visits.
3. Provide Exceptional Service
Although it might seem obvious, giving outstanding customer service is important. According to statistics, 85% of customers place equal weight on online reviews and personal recommendations.
Make sure that every customer who enters your restaurant has a remarkable dining experience, beginning with a courteous greeting and continuing with flawless service and delectable cuisine.
4. Ask for Reviews Politely
Encourage your happy customers to write reviews with confidence, as research indicates that 70% of customers are willing to provide feedback when asked. Give your staff the skills they need to politely ask for reviews from customers who are happy with their eating experience.
5. Engage with Customers Online
Leverage online platforms and social media channels to interact with your customers directly and show them how dedicated you are to providing great customer service. Quickly address reviews—positive or negative—to demonstrate to potential customers how much you value their input.
In addition, it’s necessary to know how to respond to Google reviews for restaurants. Make sure that your words are kind, professional, empathetic, and tailored to the specific issue brought up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let's go over some frequently asked questions from restaurant owners about getting Google reviews from their customers.
After being submitted, Google reviews usually show up on your business profile in a few minutes to a few hours. It might take longer, though, if Google has to validate the review or if it’s during peak hours.
Yes, you can report reviews to Google that don’t follow their guidelines, such as ones that are fraudulent or spammy. You can use your Google My Business account to do this directly.
There is no minimum number of reviews required to improve your ranking, but the more positive reviews your restaurant receives, the more highly it will appear in local search results.
Conclusion
We hope that this blog has helped you understand the significance of Google reviews and effective ways to get more Google reviews from your customers.
Remember that establishing a solid online reputation requires commitment and time, but the benefits are invaluable.
Why not begin putting these techniques into practice right now and see how your restaurant soars to new heights? What strategies will you employ to get more Google reviews for your restaurant?
Take the first step toward your goals with our proven guidance.
You’ll get the same guidance and support that we give to our clients.
Latha Karthigaa, founder of Restaurant’s Marketing, is dedicated to enhancing dining experiences. Her strategic insights focus on attracting and retaining customers, driving increased foot traffic, optimising order volumes, and maximising off-peak hours. As a transformative force in the industry, she reshapes the narrative of success for every restaurant under her expert guidance.
Contact
- latha(at)restaurantsmarketing(dot)com(dot)au