The Power of Google Reviews for Your Shop
Stephen Alberts
Countertop Marketing Co.
You know that old saying a picture is worth a thousand words? Well, that’s one of the big principles behind today’s sales and marketing environment. Gone are the days of simply relying on word of mouth– today, you don’t just ask your friends about their contractors, you ask the whole world. And by “the whole world,” we mean the internet, and when you search online for anything, 91% of the time, you use Google. Google’s power is immense when it comes to search visibility, and if you’re smart, you will learn how to use it to grow your countertop shop. One easy way to do that is leverage your Google reviews.
Build Trust With Potential Customers
When a potential customer is searching for a countertop fabricator, the first place they’re likely to go is Google. Reviews act as modern-day referrals, giving prospective clients an inside look at what it’s like to work with your shop.
Google reviews build trust by providing authentic, first-hand accounts of past customer experiences. These reviews help to validate your reputation and offer social proof that your business is reliable. A fabricator with dozens of positive reviews will stand out to someone who is comparing local businesses.
Highlight Your Commitment to Quality
For countertop fabricators, quality is everything. Whether you specialize in natural stone like granite and marble or engineered options like quartz, the materials you offer represent an investment for your customers. Google reviews give you the opportunity to highlight that commitment to quality.
When customers leave reviews praising the beauty, durability, or craftsmanship of their new countertops, they help solidify your reputation as a fabricator who delivers amazing products. Positive reviews act as a portfolio of sorts, giving future clients confidence that your shop will meet their high standards.
It’s important to ask customers who are particularly happy with their countertops to share their experience in a review. (We’ll talk more about how to effectively solicit reviews shortly!) This is especially valuable for high-end projects, where attention to detail and material quality are paramount. Future customers will feel more comfortable choosing your shop if they see that others were thrilled with the final result.
Improve Your Search Engine Ranking
One of the lesser-known benefits of Google reviews is how they affect your shop’s visibility on the search engine itself. When you accumulate positive reviews, it helps boost your shop’s ranking in local searches. In other words, the more reviews you have, the more likely your business will appear at the top of the results when someone searches for a countertop fabricator in your area.
Reviews are a ranking factor for Google’s local search algorithm. This means that having more positive reviews can lead to more visibility for your shop, which ultimately increases the chances of new customers finding you online. In highly competitive markets, standing out from other shops can be the difference between getting that phone call or being overlooked.
Additionally, Google reviews can help you show up in “near me” searches. These are the local searches people make when they’re specifically looking for services in their immediate area, such as “countertop company near me.” When you have a strong review profile, Google is more likely to suggest your business in these searches.
Provide Valuable Feedback for Your Business
Beyond helping attract new customers, Google reviews can offer valuable feedback for your business. While positive reviews reinforce what your shop is doing well, occasional negative reviews can offer insight into areas where improvement is needed.
Responding to Google reviews, whether they are positive or negative, shows that you value customer feedback and care about their experience with your business. Taking the time to thank someone for leaving a positive review or addressing any concerns mentioned in a negative one can help you stand out as a company that prioritizes client relationships.
When responding to positive reviews, keep your tone genuine and professional. A simple “thank you” goes a long way in reinforcing the customer’s positive experience. If a customer mentioned something specific they appreciated, acknowledge it in your response to personalize the interaction even further.
For negative reviews, responding calmly and professionally is essential. Apologize for any issues the customer experienced and offer a solution where possible. Potential clients who see how you handle complaints will respect the transparency you bring to your business, which helps maintain your reputation even in less-than-ideal situations. Don’t use your Google reviews responses for the perfect “gotcha.” Be as courteous as possible and let your honesty and professionalism shine through.
Encourage Customers to Leave Reviews
Getting reviews doesn’t happen automatically. You need to actively encourage customers to leave feedback after completing their projects. This can be done in several ways:
Ask in person: After the installation is complete, take a moment to ask the customer if they’d be willing to share their experience on Google.
Follow up via email: Send a polite follow-up email thanking the customer for their business and including a direct link to your Google review page. Direct links are key; the easier it is for the customer to leave a review, the more likely they are to do it!
Include a request on invoices: Add a note to your invoices or project summaries asking for a review once the job is done.
To Wrap it Up
Keep the request simple, and emphasize that their feedback helps other homeowners find reliable, high-quality fabricators.
Google reviews have the power to transform your countertop shops and bring in more leads. They build trust with potential customers, demonstrate your commitment to quality and service, and help improve your online visibility. By actively encouraging and responding to reviews, you can enhance your reputation and attract more clients.
Stephen Alberts is the owner of the Countertop Marketing Co. and STONE ENGAGE. They specialize in helping countertop companies grow the retail side of their business outside of word-of-mouth and referrals. They also offer software to help you engage more with customers and close more countertop projects. To learn more, visit countertopmarketingco.com or stonengage.com .
You can also email Stephen at steve@countertopmarketingco.com.