How to Use Reviews to Boost Your SEO

We are trying to get the popcorn ceiling in our home removed and I have been going down the rabbit hole of trying to decide if we DIY it or hire somebody. In my search for a painter to give us a quote, I have been relying heavily on online reviews. I found that companies with ratings and reviews ranked higher in my search and I was also more likely to contact the company based on the amount of reviews they had.

Some studies suggest that consumers trust online reviews as much as they would a personal referral. That’s a gold mine for business owners! By simply having people rate and review your business online, consumers are more likely to inquire about services with you AND you’ll rank higher in search engines.

There are a few main places I recommend putting your energy when asking your past or recent clients for a review: Yelp, Google and Facebook. There may also be more specific industry related review sites for your business but I recommend adding focusing on at least these three.

First you’ll need to claim the business as your own there are instructions for each below:

Claim Ownership of Your Business on Yelp

Claim Ownership of Your Business on Facebook

Claim Ownership of Your Business on Google

Claim Ownership of Your Business on Google (No Physical Address)

After you claim your business it’s time to start asking for reviews. I recommend asking the clients you know are willing to take the time to write a review (An incentive also helps, try offering a coffee or amazon card!). Be sure to provide a prompt and direct link to the site you want them to review for you.

Related: How to Ask For A Testimonial

Asking clients for a review

***

Hi [NAME],

I hope you’re well!

I am wondering if you would be willing to provide a testimonial about your experience with [PROJECT\PRODUCT NAME]? I am in the process of setting up my online reviews and would love to have you contribute.

You can write a review on any of these pages: Facebook, Yelp, Google [Link each one directly to your business page]

Feel free to write whatever you'd like but if you need a prompt, please consider some of the following questions.

1. Before you started working with me, what problem did you need solved?

2. What prompted you to work with me/buy my product?

3. How did my service/product help you solve your problem?

4. What results did you see after using my product/service?

5. Would you recommend my business to others?

Thanks so much!

***

Another way to get reviews is build it into your project process. At the end of each project, send a follow up email asking for feedback after the project is completed and the final invoice has been paid. You can word the email like this.

Asking for a testimonial at the end of a project:

***

Hi [NAME],

I hope you are enjoying your [PROJECT/PRODUCT NAME]. I wanted to check in about any feedback you might have. Your opinion is valuable to me, please be honest with your feedback as I use it as an opportunity to grow and improve my business. I also invite you to review me on Yelp [INCLUDE LINK], Facebook, [INCLUDE LINK] or Google.

Feel free to write whatever you'd like but if you need a prompt, please consider some of the following questions.

1. Before you started working with me what problem did you need solved?

2. What prompted you to work with me/buy my product?

3. How did my service/product help you solve your problem?

4. What results did you see after using my product/service?

5. Would you recommend my business to others?

Thanks so much!

***

After they have given you the testimonial always make sure to say thank you and let them know how much it means to you.

Add testimonials to your site

Once you start receiving testimonials from clients it’s also a great idea to add them to your website, place them next to corresponding products or services.