We all use Google to find what we’re looking for these days. And, when it comes to shopping online, many of us rely on Google reviews to determine whether we want to do business with a particular company or not. 

The same goes for the prospects you’re currently targeting to grow your business. They’re online shopping for insurance, and they’re checking out reviews to see how your brokerage stacks up to the one down the street. But, what exactly will they find when they look up your business? Are your reviews good or bad? Do you even have any?

If the answer to the last question is “no”, don’t worry. This article will help you change that in 4 easy steps. 

Step 1: Set Up Your Business Listing

Hopefully, you already have an active Google profile where customers can find you online, but if you don’t, creating one is quick and free. Just go to google.com/business and sign in with your Google account. If you don’t have a Google account, you can create one on the spot.  Then, enter your company name or business address to create or claim your business listing. Once your listing is up and running, you can add team photos and interesting details to showcase your business culture and attract prospects. Next, you’ll want to start collecting some 5 Star Reviews.

Step 2: Ask for the Review at the Perfect Time

When it comes to getting glowing reviews on your Google listing, timing is key! You have to ask customers for the review when they’re the happiest with your services. In our experience, that’s typically right after they renew their policy with you. Another good time to ask is after a positive customer service interaction with someone on your team. Taking advantage of these natural opportunities to ask customers for a review lets them know you care about their feedback and helps build your online brand awareness.

Step 3: Make Leaving a Review Easy

When customers are nice enough to agree to write a review, the least you can do is make it super easy for them. We recommend creating an email template that includes a short link to your review page. If you want to avoid negative reviews, it’s a smart idea to send clients a simple survey like the one-question Net Promoter Score^® survey first. Then, send the link to your review page for promoters only. Pathway’s Marketing Bot plan automates this entire process for you with a built-in workflow for Online Reviews that is specifically designed to increase the number of positive reviews on your Google listing.  

Step 4: Respond to Your Reviews

Be sure to engage with customers who do leave a response on your Google business listing. Whether you’re thanking them for their kind words, or addressing a concern they’ve expressed, responding to your reviewers lets both customers and prospects know that you value feedback and care about your customers’ satisfaction.

Now that you know the steps to snag more 5 Star Reviews for your Google listing, all that’s left to do is put your plan in action. Remember, consistency is key when it comes to building a strong online presence that supports growth. So be sure to include online review requests in your email marketing strategy, and if you need help with automation, talk to a Pathway client success manager today!