Google reviews are invaluable for building social proof and enhancing your business’s credibility. But how can you consistently collect, manage, and utilise these reviews without adding extra work to your plate?
The answer is automation.
With a well-thought-out sequence, you can make the most of your clients’ positive experiences, ensuring reviews come in regularly and are put to good use.
Here’s a simple guide to setting up a Google review automation sequence.
1. Identify the Perfect Moment to Ask for a Review
Timing is everything when it comes to requesting a review. The best time to ask is when your client is at their happiest – right after a significant win or a positive interaction with your business. This could be.:
- After delivering a successful project.
- Following a review meeting with great outcomes.
- Once a client of yours has expressed satisfaction with your services.
If your business includes regular appointments, like six-monthly check-ins, these can be ideal moments to standardise your review request process.
2. Set Up the Automation
To automate your review requests, you only need two tools. You’ll need:
- A calendar booking system like Calendly, TidyCal, or another tool your business uses for scheduling.
- An email automation system connected to your booking tool.
Here’s how to set it up:
- Trigger the automation after a meeting is marked as complete.
- Add a delay of 1–2 days before sending your email to give clients a little breathing space.
- Draft a friendly email encouraging the client to leave a review.
Don’t know what to say in the automated email? Just keep it simple and friendly. Here is a sample email template – feel free to use it!
Hi [Client’s Name],
It was wonderful catching up with you recently! We’re thrilled to know you’re happy with [specific result/service]. If you’d like to help others find the same success, we’d greatly appreciate it if you left us a Google review.
[Insert direct link to your Google review page here].
Thank you so much for your support!
3. Capture and Manage Reviews
Once reviews start rolling in, you should automate their collection and storage. This may seem tricky, but it’s really quite simple. Plus, putting in some work now setting up an automation means less manual work later on. Here’s how you do it:
- Use a spreadsheet to automatically log incoming reviews. Tools like Zapier or Google Forms can connect review notifications to a Google Sheet.
- Update your CRM to flag clients who have already left a review to avoid repeat requests.
4. Use Your Reviews Effectively
Your reviews aren’t just there for goodwill, they are also powerful marketing assets. Here are some ways to make the most of them:
- Website Integration: Display reviews dynamically on your website for anyone and everyone to see!
- Social Media Graphics: You can create simple and beautiful review highlights and content in Canva for Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn (or whatever social media platform).
- Marketing Materials: These positive reviews are a great addition to brochures, email campaigns, or presentations.
5. Check Before Re-Requesting
Before asking a client for another review (e.g., at their next check-in), confirm whether they’ve already left one. You definitely don’t want to come off as pushy to your clients by asking them for reviews if they’ve done so already.
Your CRM can track this data, ensuring your follow-ups remain thoughtful and relevant!
By automating your Google review process, you’ll save time while consistently building social proof. With a steady stream of reviews and an efficient system for using them, you’ll elevate your reputation and make it easier for potential clients to trust your business.
Now, it’s time to get started—set up your automation and let your happy clients help spread the word!
Need help setting up your Google Review automation sequence? Book in a free Marketing Kickstarter chat with Abi today!