6 Ways to Get More Google and Yelp Reviews and Why Reviews Matter

Why Reviews Matter

Online reviews can make or break a business. The first thing we do when we need to hire a handyman, want to build a new home, or trust a company to move our belongings across state lines is find out what others' experiences have been. We need some assurance that our hard-earned money is well spent. 

A problem for reputable businesses is that human nature makes us more likely to leave a negative review after a single bad experience than a positive review after a hundred great ones. As human business owners, perfection is out of the question. Still, by following Surge Web Design’s six strategies, you can get more positive reviews, handle bad reviews effectively, and understand why reviews matter.

1. Set Up Your Google Business Page and Yelp My Business

Before you can collect reviews, you need to provide customers with a place to leave them. Setting up your Google Business Page and Yelp My Business profile ensures that your business:

• Appears in Google Maps and local search results.
• Is discoverable on Yelp, which Apple Maps and many consumers rely on.
• Has an easy way for customers to leave Google reviews for business and Yelp reviews.

How to Set Up Your Business Profiles:

• Google Business Page: Visit Google Business Profile and follow the steps to set up your Google Business page.
• Yelp My Business: Go to Yelp for Business to add your business to Yelp.

2. Make It Easy to Leave Reviews

The simpler the review process, the more likely customers will leave one. Your customers may have great intentions to look up your business online when they have time to leave a kind comment, but then they simply forget. Don't miss your opportunity for that great review. Here are a few ways to encourage reviews:

• Automated Review Requests: Send a follow-up text or email after a purchase, prompting customers with, "How would you rate your experience?"If they rate it highly, direct them to leave a review on Google or Yelp.
• QR Codes: Add a QR code to invoices, receipts, or business cards, linking directly to your review page.
• Website and Payment Portals: Include a direct link to your Google My Business reviews or Yelp page on your website and within payment confirmations.

3. Read and Respond to All Reviews (Good and Bad)

Someone should always be monitoring and responding to reviews; it's essential to maintaining a strong online reputation. If it is uncomfortable or too time-consuming, pull in a trusted employee or friend to help. 

How to Respond to Negative Reviews

• Read Carefully: Assess the situation objectively before responding.
• Stay Professional: Never argue with a customer. Instead, acknowledge their experience and invite them to contact you directly.
• Provide Context: If needed, politely share additional details for other readers.

Example Response: "We’re sorry to hear about your experience. We take feedback seriously and would love to make this right. Please contact us at [your email or phone number] so we can address your concerns."

How to Respond to Positive Reviews

• Express Gratitude: Thank customers for their feedback.
• Add Personalization: Mention specific details from their review.
• Highlight Your Business Strengths: Reinforce what makes your business great.

Example Response: "Thank you, [customer name], for your kind words! We loved having you and are thrilled you enjoyed [specific service or product]. Hope to see you again soon!"

4. Deliver Outstanding Customer Service

Going above and beyond pays off; exceptional service naturally leads to great reviews. Customers look for businesses that provide:

✅ Friendly Atmosphere

✅ Great Value

✅ High-Quality Products or Services

✅ Knowledgeable Staff

✅ Going Above and Beyond

✅ Honesty and Transparency

✅ Reliability and Follow-Through

If you’re receiving frequent negative reviews, welcome the opportunity to objectively assess where the disappointed customers are coming from. It's like checking a mirror to see if something is stuck in your teeth that you otherwise wouldn't detect. Aren't you glad you don't have to unknowingly walk around like that all day? Reviews encourage you to consider improving:

• Your customer service approach
• Your response time to inquiries
• Your staff training and professionalism

5. Case Studies: Businesses Excelling in Reviews

Albertson Construction

⭐ 5-star Google review rating – Their excellent service and attention to detail keep customers happy and willing to leave positive feedback.

My Treasure Valley Handyman

⭐ 5-star Google rating – They maintain a strategy of superior customer service and consistently responding to reviews, showing appreciation for each positive one.

Big Boy Movers (Shelley Location)

⭐ 4.8-star Google rating, Excellent reviews with one lower rating – The company handled the single negative review professionally by acknowledging the issue, explaining the situation, and offering a resolution.

6. How to Remove Bad Google and Yelp Reviews

Sometimes, a bad review is unfair, false, or violates platform policies. Here’s how to remove bad reviews from Google and Yelp:

Option 1: Ask Nicely

• If you recognize the reviewer, reach out directly and attempt to resolve the issue.
• After resolving the problem, politely request that they update or remove the review.

Option 2: Report the Review

If a review is fake, spam, or offensive:

• Google: Click the three dots next to the review, select “Report review,” and choose the appropriate reason.
• Yelp: Log in to Yelp for Business, locate the review, and click “Report review,” providing evidence if possible.

Option 3: Legal Action

If the review is defamatory and significantly harms your business, consider consulting a lawyer for further steps.

Invite, Invite, Invite Your Happy Customers to Leave Reviews

Positive reviews are a powerful tool for building trust and attracting new customers. Always remember, one great review can lead to many more. Start today by reaching out to a happy customer and inviting them to share their experience! The more you ask, the more reviews you'll receive—and those positive reviews will help your business grow.

✅ Get Google reviews by making the process simple.

✅ Encourage Yelp reviews for increased visibility.

✅ Respond to all reviews to show professionalism.

✅ Provide excellent service to naturally boost positive feedback.

By following these steps, you’ll grow your online reputation and attract more customers to your business! At Boise Idaho’s Surge Web Design, we are standing by to help you increase your Website traffic with our SEO website design services. Call (208) 391-3413 today to get started!