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Updated October 26, 2023
Author Josh Ridley

How to get more positive reviews on Google

Positive reviews are the backbone of a thriving online presence for restaurants.

These reviews not only create a favourable impression but also play a crucial role in attracting new diners, enhancing your visibility on search engines, and building unshakeable trust.

If your goal is to amplify the number of positive reviews on Google, you've landed at the right place. In this guide, we'll unveil actionable strategies to achieve that, powered by the Smart Reviews feature of WOWAPPS.

The Impact of Positive Reviews

Positive reviews offer a variety of advantages;

  • Attracting New Diners: A glowing review can be the deciding factor for someone choosing where to eat.
  • Elevating Search Engine Ranking: Google values businesses that are valued by their customers. The more positive reviews, the higher the likelihood of topping search results.
  • Cementing Trust: In the digital age, online testimonials often hold more weight than personal recommendations.

Consider this: A prospective diner comes across a review that reads, "The ambience was perfect, and the dishes were a culinary delight." Such feedback can instantly tilt their decision in your favour, making them more inclined to dine at your restaurant.

A positive review isn't just words; it's an endorsement by someone who experienced what you offer. And in a world dominated by online interactions, these experiences expressed online are what define perceptions.

So, the pressing question remains: How can you harness WOWAPPS to boost your positive Google reviews?

SmartReviews: Your Recipe for Review Success

WOWAPPS SmartReviews is more than just a tool; it's your strategic partner in creating an unbreakable online reputation. 

Here's why SmartReviews is an essential asset for your restaurant:

  • User-Friendly Interface: Our intuitive design ensures easy feedback submission, making the process hassle-free for diners.
  • Higher Chance of Positive Reviews: Collecting feedback post-dining captures fresh, genuine emotions, leading to more positive reviews.
  • Filter & Channel Reviews: SmartReviews directs negative feedback to your email, safeguarding your online reputation while allowing direct resolution.

Harness the power of genuine, timely feedback with WOWAPPS SmartReviews and let your restaurant shine in the best light online.

Step 1: Activate WOWAPPS SmartReviews Feature

To begin leveraging the SmartReviews feature on WOWAPPS:

  1. 1
    Create a WOWAPPS Account: If you haven't already, sign up here.
  2. 2
    Access Settings: Upon logging in, navigate to the 'Settings' section of your dashboard.
  3. 3
    Proceed to Notifications: Within settings, find and click on the 'Notifications' tab.
  4. 4
    Choose Your Service: Use 'Ordering', 'Booking', or a mix of both. Select accordingly.
  5. 5
    Activate Thank You Email: Toggle the 'Thank You Email' option to 'On'.
  6. 6
    Pick Your Template: With multiple feedback templates at your disposal, select the one that aligns with your needs.

Once set up, you'll have the flexibility to determine where each rating redirects — be it directly to Google or privately to your email, ensuring you maintain a stellar online reputation.

Step 2: Channel Your 4-5 Star Reviews to the Right Platforms

To maximise your online presence, WOWAPPS allows you to guide positive reviews to platforms like Google and channel feedback requiring attention directly to your email. 

Setting this up is simple:

  1. 1
    Navigate to Settings within your WOWAPPS dashboard.
  2. 2
    Proceed to the Notifications section.
  3. 3
    Select either 'Ordering' or 'Delivery' based on your requirement.
  4. 4
    Activate the 'Thank You Email' option.
  5. 5
    Each star rating can be hyperlinked to a specific location:
  • Click on a star.
  • Use the hyperlink button to define the redirection for that particular star rating.
  • For higher ratings (4 and 5 stars): Redirect to Google Reviews or your chosen review platform.
  • For ratings of 1 to 3 stars: Redirect them to your email, allowing you to handle feedback internally and protect your online reputation.

By adopting this approach, you're not only leveraging the power of positive feedback but also proactively addressing potential issues. This ensures a bolstered online reputation and offers an avenue for genuine feedback-driven improvement.

Step 3: Set-and-Forget Review Collection Post-Dining

With WOWAPPS, collecting feedback is straightforward and automated. We leverage the power of post-experience emails to gather valuable insights from your diners. Here's how it works:

  • Order or Booking Completion: After a diner finishes their meal or places an order, the system triggers an action.
  • Automated Thank You Email: This action sends an automatic 'Thank You' email to the diner.
  • Feedback Prompt in Email: Within this email, a friendly prompt encourages the diner to leave a review about their experience.
  • Simple Review Process: Diners can easily click through and provide their feedback, ensuring the process is user-friendly and hassle-free.
  • Positive Reviews: These Reviews will be channelled directly to your desired review platform
  • Negative Reviews: These reviews will be channelled through to your email to help proactively address potential issues

The beauty of this system is its set-it-and-forget-it nature. Once you've activated the SmartReviews feature, everything runs in the background, seamlessly collecting feedback without any manual intervention.

Encountering any hiccups or need further assistance setting things up? Don't hesitate to get in touch with our support team!

Optimal Strategies to Amplify Your Positive Reviews

Besides the robust capabilities of WOWAPPS, there are several other strategies to enhance your restaurant's online reviews on Google:

  • Direct Engagement with Customers: One of the most effective methods is simply asking! Politely request customers to leave a review at the end of their meal or even engage them through social media platforms.
  • Prompt Responses to Reviews: When reviews pour in, acknowledge them. A swift and courteous response to a review, be it positive or negative, showcases your dedication to customer satisfaction. Thank them for their time, and if it's constructive criticism, assure them of improvements.
  • Deliver Consistent Quality Service: It's a no-brainer, but it can't be emphasised enough. The most genuine positive reviews stem from impeccable service. Friendly, attentive and efficient service can transform a first-time visitor into a regular, and even a brand advocate.

If you're on a mission to maximise positive reviews on Google, integrating the WOWAPPS SmartReviews feature is a strategic decision. Its seamless combination of automation and personalization makes review collection effective and genuine.

Conclusion

Positive reviews are more than just a badge of honour; they're the foundation of a restaurant's thriving online presence. They not only create a glowing reputation but also play a pivotal role in drawing new diners.

By implementing the strategies and tools highlighted in this guide, you're gearing up to boost positive feedback and solidify your restaurant's online image.

Key Insights:

  • Positive reviews are the digital age's word-of-mouth, crucial for online success, drawing diners, and fostering trust.
  • WOWAPPS SmartReviews streamlines the feedback collection, increasing the likelihood of positive reviews and providing a mechanism to address feedback requiring attention.
  • Additional strategies, like direct customer engagement and consistent quality service, go hand-in-hand with technology to garner positive feedback.
  • Embrace and prioritize positive reviews to bolster your restaurant's online reputation and drive growth.
  • Utilise WOWAPPS and its suite of features to navigate the digital landscape effortlessly, ensuring your restaurant always shines in the best light online.

FAQ:

Do Google reviews affect rankings?

Yes, Google reviews play a significant role in local SEO. Positive reviews can enhance your online visibility and increase the likelihood of potential customers visiting your restaurant. Reviews are a strong signal to search engines that your business is trustworthy and provides a good customer experience.

How can I handle fake or spammy reviews on Google?

If you believe a review is fake or violates Google's review policies, you can flag it for removal. However, it's essential to approach this judiciously and ensure you're not flagging negative reviews simply because they're unfavourable.

Should I incentivise customers to leave Google reviews?

 While it might be tempting, it's essential to ensure that reviews remain unbiased and genuine. Google's policies discourage offering incentives for reviews. Instead, focus on providing excellent service and a memorable dining experience, which will naturally encourage positive feedback.

How do Google reviews compare in importance to reviews on other platforms?

While reviews on all platforms are valuable, Google reviews can have a more direct impact on local search rankings and visibility. Given Google's dominance as a search engine, its reviews are often the first ones potential customers see.

Ready For More Positive Reviews?

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