When you consider that Google is the number one site on the world-wide web, there is no denying that Google can be a very powerful marketing tool for your business . . . and there is no reason for you not to set up shop on Google’s business block – Google Places. One feature of your Google Places listing that can exponentially increase your customer base is Google Places Reviews. Want to know how Google Places Reviews works? Here is a guide:
What is Google Places Reviews? First, it helps to understand what Google Places is. Google Places can be thought of as an extension of Google Maps – or a way of increasing Google Maps interactivity. Basically, every location on Google Maps links to its own Google Places page, so that you can access everything you need to know about a business simply by clicking on its corresponding spot on Google Maps (or by clicking the Places page link in Google Search results). A Google Places business listing is like a yellow pages listing on steroids, including not just business information, but also everything from driving directions to videos about your business. Google Places Reviews is just what it sounds like: the area of your Google Places listing where your customers can post their reviews for all the virtual world to see.
Where do reviews come from? Of course, you may direct your customers to post reviews directly to your Google Places page. However, Google goes one step further and does some footwork for you by aggregating reviews from a number of third party review sites (Yelp and Bing, for example).
Can you edit or remove reviews? It is inevitable that there will come a time when your business will have to face a negative review. While it may be tempting to correct or remove the review, Google does not allow for this practice. However, if you feel that the review is incorrect, illegal, or irrelevant in some way, you can flag it for Google’s review. Google will then determine whether or not the review can stand, and will either leave it or remove it.
Online reputation management is a complex process, but it is also tantamount to your business success. To make the most of your online reputation, you may want to enlist the help of qualified and competent professionals like us. We can be reached by phone, at 617-454-1234, or here.