Google Places – Respond To Reviews On Google Places To Enhance Your Local Business Reputation
The days where people use a paper based local business directory such as Yellow Pages to search for a local business are numbered.
Potential customers of all ages are much more likely to switch on their computer and key in a search engine query on Google or Bing for example.
To help businesses meet this new method of searching the search engine companies have enabled them to create business listings which will hopefully be returned whenever a search is made for a specific product or service and in a specific location.
The most popular of these is called Google Places and it enables businesses to list their geographic location, website, email and telephone details, methods of payment, opening hours, photos, videos, business categories and additional information. They can also offer coupons as customer incentives and invite customers to write reviews.
Google is starting to place increased emphasis on Google Places local business listings, an example of which is its recent enhancement allowing businesses to respond to reviews.
Businesses that handle reviews correctly, whether positive or negative, can really enhance their local reputation.
A simple thank you or a more personal message in response to a positive review reinforces your relationship with the existing customer and portrays a positive message to potential new customers.
Receiving a negative comment about your business is sometimes hard to take but if potential customers can see that you have offered a thoughtful response which acknowledged the problem and offered a solution they will be more likely to engage with you and your business.
Leaving responses to reviews shows customers that you care about their experiences, that you’re listening and that you’re keen to learn about what you did well and where you could do better.
By responding you can build much stronger relationships with existing and prospective customers.
