Google reviews are one of the most important ways customers can learn about and connect with businesses. A 2022 study found that 81% of consumers trust Google when evaluating whether to try a new business. 77% answered “always” or “regularly” when asked if they read Google reviews, and a whopping 93% found Facebook reviews suspicious.
That’s why it’s absolutely important to monitor and keep track of your business’s Google reviews. Not only can Google reviews help potential customers learn more about your business, and they can also impact your ranking in search results.
In this article, we’ll show you how to keep track of your Google reviews and some best practices when monitoring reviews on your Google Business Profile.
Why Is It Important to Monitor Google Reviews?
Monitoring your Google reviews is one of the best ways to stay on top of your reputation and improve your customer service. After all, Google reviews can have a major impact on your business, especially if you’re a small business trying to level up your local SEO.
Here are a few benefits of monitoring your Google reviews:
Build Connections With Your Customers
One of the main reasons why it’s crucial to monitor Google reviews is that it allows you to immediately see customer feedback. Seeing their new reviews right after they post them means that you can respond just as quickly.
Remember, when customers leave Google reviews, they are essentially giving you feedback about your business. This feedback can be valuable in helping you to improve your products or services.
Responding to these reviews shows that you value your customers’ opinions and that you are willing to take action based on their feedback. Not only does it help improve rankings and gain more organic reviews, but it also helps build trust in your online presence.
According to the same study we linked above, 89% of consumers said they are more likely to use a business that responds to its online reviews.
This is true whether the review is positive or negative. By responding quickly and professionally, you can turn even a negative review into a positive experience for the customer. And, of course, you can only do this if you’re diligent in review monitoring.
Help Keep An Eye On Negative Reviews
While it’s important to monitor all of your reviews, it’s especially important to keep an eye on negative business reviews.
Negative reviews, particularly those without a response from the business, can damage your reputation and hurt your ranking in search results. Additionally, potential customers may be less likely to do business with you if they see negative reviews.
If you do receive a negative review, it’s important to respond as soon as possible. Doing so shows potential new customers that you care about your reputation and are willing to make things right.
Of course, how you respond matters greatly, as well. You don’t have to agree with everything the customer says, but you can acknowledge the fact that they were unsatisfied with your product or service and promise to do better next time. Always maintain professionalism and never get into an argument with the customer, especially on public platforms.
Improve Your Rankings for Local Search Results
If you have a local business, it’s even more critical to always keep track of your Google reviews. Google sees reviews as additional points towards your credibility, so the more you have, the better.
Plus, local search engine results are based partially on customer reviews, so positive reviews can help to improve your ranking. Not to mention, potential customers who see positive reviews are more likely to visit your business.
Monitoring your Google reviews is a vital part of managing your online reputation. By keeping track of your reviews, you can ensure that your business has a positive presence online.
Stand Out Among Competitors
In today’s competitive business landscape, it’s more important than ever to stand out from your competitors. Google reviews can be a valuable tool in helping you to differentiate your business.
As mentioned above, potential customers who see positive reviews are more likely to choose your business, especially over a competitor with negative reviews. Therefore, it’s important to actively manage your Google reviews and ensure they reflect positively on your business reputation.
By keeping track of your reviews, you can ensure that your business has a positive presence online. Additionally, you can use reviews to improve your ranking in search results and attract more customers.
In fact, if you’re a business that makes an effort with review responses and doesn’t just post response templates—or worse, not reply at all—you can fare just as well as competitors with only 5-star reviews and nothing else. Remember, customer sentiment is a big factor when it comes to your conversion rate. Showing that you care can boost this significantly and convert more happy customers.
How to Track and Monitor Google Reviews for Your Business
As a business owner, it’s important to track and monitor Google reviews for your business to allow you to take proactive steps. Keep in mind that customers can leave reviews at any time, so you’ll need to be diligent in checking for new ones on a regular basis.
Luckily, there are several ways that you can keep track of your Google reviews.
Create a Google Business Profile
One of the best ways to track your Google reviews is to create a Google Business Profile. This will allow you to see all of the reviews that have been left for your business in one place. You can even use your Google Business Profile to respond to reviews.
If you don’t already have a Google Business Profile, you can create one for free. Go to google.com/business and click on “Start now” to begin the process.
Set-Up Google Alerts
Google Alerts is a free tool that allows you to receive email notifications or email alerts any time new content is published online that contains certain keywords, such as your company name. You can use Google Alerts to track your business name or even specific product names.
To set up a Google Alert, simply go to google.com/alerts and enter the keywords that you want to track. Then, select how often you want to receive alerts and your preferred method of receiving them.
Use Review Management Tools or Software
Another option for tracking your Google reviews is to use a review tracking tool, which can automate your online review management and reputation management. Some send real-time notifications every time a new review is posted — not just on Google but also on social media or other review platforms like Yelp and TripAdvisor.
There are a number of different tools available, some of which are free and some of which are paid.
One example is Broadly, an online reputation and review management platform that allows you to track your Google reviews, as well as star ratings, reviews, and testimonials from other review sites. On top of that, Broadly also lets users respond directly to reviews straight from the dashboard.
With all the options out there, be sure to do your research to find the one that’s right for your business.
Broadly Makes Customer Relationship Management Easy
If you want to stand out from your competitors, attract more customers, and improve your search ranking, you need to be proactive about managing your online reputation—and that includes monitoring your Google reviews.
Luckily, there are a number of different ways that you can keep track of your Google reviews. The best way is through Broadly.
With Broadly, you can access all your reviews in one place, allowing you to monitor and keep track of them easily. Broadly even has a web chat feature that will automatically engage your visitors in a conversation. This enhances the customer experience, improving their chance of leaving a review and enhancing your brand reputation.
Interested in what Broadly has to offer? Schedule a demo today to get started!
