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How do you get Google Places reviews?

by abo28
19 replies
This question is for the offline consultants who build and optimize Google Places listings for your customers. Could you tell how you get reviews to improve rankings? Hire reviewers? Instruct customers on how to get reviews themselves?

By the way, a few days ago I sumbled upon a site that sells GP reviews. About $99 for 10 reviews, or something like that.

Thank you!

Bogdan
#google #places #reviews
  • Profile picture of the author rolltide
    Take a loot at Fiverr!
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    Make $150 everytime someone backs up their computer!
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    • Profile picture of the author abo28
      Originally Posted by rolltide View Post

      Take a loot at Fiverr!
      I see. Thanks!
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  • Profile picture of the author rafterman
    $99 for 10? what a rip

    fiverr or odesk.
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  • Profile picture of the author Nic Lynn
    See my reply in this thread...

    http://www.warriorforum.com/offline-...-uploaded.html
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  • Profile picture of the author Rob Richards
    Hello,

    Using Fiverr or any other service to gather GP reviews is against Google's TOS and is also blatantly dishonest.

    I'm not perfect, that's for sure - and I even use a few "grey hat" seo tactics myself, but those are for MY own sites.

    So what's the issue?

    I'm thinking more about the relationship that you have or are trying to build with your Business Owner Client. As a Consultant, your job is to provide a service, not just get results.

    Some Owners will definitley be put off by anyone suggesting under-handed methods of promoting their businesses. Their business is their baby and I'm sure most are very proud of their businesses, so of course they think they can get legit reviews.

    So help them.

    Show them how to interact with their customers/clients in order to get a review from them.

    Give them the tools they need to help make this happen (like fliers or cards with explicit instructions on how to leave a review - even from their Smart Phone).

    Build their website to be review friendly. Create a new Tab or page with explicit instructions for people to follow in order to leave a review.

    Create a simple video showing people how to leave a review, then post it for them on YouTube or place it on their site.

    Show them how to email their current clients asking for a review, while at the same time helping them build their relationships.

    In the long run, I believe your Clients will trust you more, believe in your abilities more and ultimately give you more money (and referrals) =) as you approach their legit business with legit solutions.

    Rob


    Originally Posted by abo28 View Post

    This question is for the offline consultants who build and optimize Google Places listings for your customers. Could you tell how you get reviews to improve rankings? Hire reviewers? Instruct customers on how to get reviews themselves?

    By the way, a few days ago I sumbled upon a site that sells GP reviews. About $99 for 10 reviews, or something like that.

    Thank you!

    Bogdan
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    Need Help With Your Google Places Results?
    Let Me Create 50/100 High PR Citations For You!
    Just $50/$100 - PM Me When You're Ready

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    • Profile picture of the author abo28
      Great advice, Rob! Thanks a million.
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      • Profile picture of the author robert_aus
        From what I know reviews do not play such a big role in the Google Places ranking. They are more for social proof. If you see a business that has 50 good reviews in the no. 3 slot or one with none in the no. 1 position you are probably going to deal with the one with the good reviews.

        A good way to get people to review is to educate the business owner to ask people to give reviews. Make a sign to put near the cash register.

        You could also see if it is possible to program the cash register system so that on the receipt you could have a link to the google places page and suggest making a review.

        Another option is to create a QR (quick response) code or 2d code and create a flyer to position in the shop. The QR code would take the user to the google places page so that they can leave a review.

        The best option with the QR code is to use a redirect link like Easy Redirect so that if you need to edit the link at a later stage you can easily do that and not have to reprint the QR code.

        If the business is a restaurant you could tell them to put the same QR code mentioned above on their takeaway menu handouts. Use a sticker if they already have thousands printed.
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  • Profile picture of the author jacquic
    There's not much to add to what Rob and Robert said, except to reiterate, DON'T use nefarious means to get reviews - it will come back to bite you/your clients in the bottom.
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  • Profile picture of the author SirThomas
    Sometimes, even if you offer special discounts and free services, customers will NOT go to review sites, register for the account, confirm by email or give away their personal data to write a friendly review...

    The simple solution is to collect their testimonial on a piece of paper and ask them for the permission to "conveniently" publish it online. That's it.


    Thomas
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    • Profile picture of the author abo28
      Originally Posted by SirThomas View Post

      The simple solution is to collect their testimonial on a piece of paper and ask them for the permission to "conveniently" publish it online. That's it.
      I see. Now I just wonder, how to publish them online in a PROPER manner, given that Google does not allow multiple reviews posted from the same IP? I know, there are workarounds for this problem, but I also know it's not good to try to cheat Big G...
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  • Profile picture of the author k60mall
    I agree with Thomas. I use my own software to do this.

    Use my software to post your reviews automatically from multiple IP addresses and user accounts.

    Local Business Listing Robot

    Keith
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    [FACEBOOK AUTORESPONDER] UNLIMITED LISTS/SUBSCRIBERS + 99.9% OPEN RATE = IM WET DREAM!

    Local Business Listing Robot Posts Reviews 24/7 While You Sleep - Now Open
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  • Profile picture of the author CapitalBCS
    One of the easiest ways is to use a local business directory like JudyBook, CitySearch, or Yelp -- as Google will typically pick up these reviews. Although Google likes to see some diversity from the places that reviews are coming from, I like JudyBook because it is the most customer friendly....NO signing up for an account is required (though they offer it), which makes it quick and easy. Provide your customers with the direct link to your listing and tell them to click the "Write A Review" link in the left column. The write their review and then are prompted for their email address and if they want to create an account, but don't have to.

    Just my 2 cents.

    Richard
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  • Profile picture of the author mellg
    I think social meida marketing is really good way to drive traffic from particular region. There are so many social media sites like fiverr on the web. 360.yahoo, spaces.live, MySpace, orkut, facebook & hi5 are the best social media sites for marketing....
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  • Profile picture of the author jsherloc
    Also, to add to what Thomas was suggesting above in regards to having your clients collect testimonials on paper and then asking their customers for permission to publish these testimonials online.

    I remember reading about a business awhile back that came up with a packet of somewhat "generic" yet specific-enough compliments/reviews that they would have laying out. People waiting could simply sign their name on the "sheet" that matched their "thoughts" regarding the establishment, thus giving the business the authority to post this review on relevant business directory websites. I think that is pretty creative if you can pull it off correctly.

    One thing I've learned. People are ALWAYS lazy. Figuring out ways to take advantage of this to benefit the business can be difficult in a lot of cases though.

    - Jim

    PS: Richard, thanks for mentioning that about JudysBook, VERY good to know!
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  • Profile picture of the author QuelThalas
    buy some services.hire people who can do that
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