In today's world, online reviews can make or break a restaurant. Potential customers often rely on Google reviews to decide where to eat or get that fast caffeine fix before an important meeting.
However, gathering more Google reviews is a challenge. It's crucial not only to increase the number but also to maintain the quality of your reviews. It often feels like dissatisfied customers are the loudest, skewing the overall rating of your restaurant compared to the actual experience within your walls. However, satisfied customers are not usually lazy to leave a review, they simply just forget.
In this article, we'll explore ethical and effective strategies to remind them to give you a review and boost your restaurant's online presence and star rating.
Before we start, let's address a common pitfall: fake reviews. While it might seem like a quick fix, it will be more hurtful than helpful. Fake reviews will get you in trouble with Google and absolutely tank your online visibility. It basically means that people looking up a place to eat in your area won’t even see your restaurant appear on the list, that’s pretty bad, right? Authenticity is absolutely crucial when it comes to online reviews so let’s dive into some legit ways for gathering more Google reviews for your restaurant.
The most efficient and ethical way to encourage more Google reviews is by reminding your satisfied customers to actually do so. Revuu streamlines the process of leaving a review for both business owners and customers. It generates a unique QR code that is placed on a nice-looking business card or a sticker - then you just hand the card together with the bill or place the stickers in convenient places and the QR code directs your guests to a simple feedback form.
That’s when and where the magic happens - positive feedback goes straight to Google, leaving you with more positive reviews. While negative feedback and constructive criticism remains in your kitchen, enabling you to learn from it and enhance your services.
Your social media channels are not just for posting mouth-watering pictures (keep doing that though). They can also help you nudge your satisfied customers, who’d otherwise forget, to leave a review. Share customer stories, highlight special moments, and occasionally remind your followers how much you appreciate their feedback and reviews on Google.
You can even post a picture of an actual review once a week with some words of gratitude. It shows that you care about customer feedback while also reminding people to leave a review of their own. Subtle, right?
Whether it’s appreciating a positive review or addressing a negative one, your response shows that you take your time listening and actually care what people say.
Personalizing your replies, maybe by mentioning something specific they enjoyed or addressing a concern they had, can significantly enhance customer perception and encourage others to share their experiences too. Every response is an opportunity to showcase your gratitude and to gather even more reviews.
A simple “Thank you, Johan” instead of just “Thank you” can go a long way.
Sending a follow-up email after a customer's visit is a wonderful way to keep the connection going. Start by building your email list – collect emails when customers make reservations or use your Wi-Fi. Make sure to always keep it optional though to not be too invasive. Not everyone loves giving out their email address like this.
Then, time your follow-up email just right, perhaps the next morning, to give them a nudge to share their experience on Google. It's a personal and effective way to remind them to leave a review. You can even offer a small incentive like a free dessert or a small discount on their next meal.
Freshen up your “Google My Business” profileThink of your Google My Business profile as your restaurant's online front window. Keep it clean, update it with fresh photos, menu items, and exciting events. Keeping your profile vibrant and up-to-date not only attracts new customers but also encourages past visitors to leave a review.
Regular updates or posts about special happenings keep your business active in the digital world and subtly remind customers to share their experiences.
Your journey to more Google reviews is all about connecting with your customers in a genuine way - shortcuts like buying fake reviews will only hurt your restaurant in the long run.
With revuu, you have a sidekick to make the technical process super simple for both you and your customers. However, it's you and your restaurant that are truly responsible for all the glowing reviews. We’re only here to help you gather more of those. Good luck!
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