As a mobile detailer Google reviews will sell for you. When a customer looks for mobile detailing near them your star rating and amount of reviews will be what they see first. Having some reviews that are up to date will help your Google profile look more trustworthy.
If you have satisfied customers there is an easy way to get them to leave a review. However some of these ways will violate Google’s rules and one breaks an FTC rule.
How to properly ask for a review
Once you have a Google Business Profile you will be given a link to have customers leave you a review. Always use this link when asking for a review.
You must be logged into your business profile on your computer to do this. Here is how:
- Log into your Business Profile
- Select Read Reviews and Get More Reviews
- Copy the link or QR code
Have this saved somewhere on your phone so you can quickly send to your customers.
Ask them when they see their car
When a customer sees their car after you’ve detailed it they are going to be very happy. Take this opportunity and ask them to leave you a review.
- Show the customer their car and walk around it with them.
- Ask them if they like it and make sure they are satisfied.
- Let them know that you will text them a link to leave you a review. Tell them it means a lot to your small business.
- Text the customer the link to your review before you leave.
If the customer wasn’t home when you completed the job you can always text them a picture of the car and the link.
Text them
Let them know how you felt about their vehicle. And ask them to leave you a review.
Do not spam them if they don’t leave a review.
Things not to do when getting reviews
There are many things that you should not do when trying to gain reviews.
Do not give an incentive for leaving a review.
Google states that you cannot give any type of incentive for a customer to leave a review. Do not offer coupons or free services for leaving you a review.
Do not ask only satisfied customers.
Only asking your satisfied customers is against Google’s policy. Ask all of your customers to leave you a review.
Do not pressure customers to leave a review.
Another thing that Google does not like is if you pressure a customer to leave a review on site. Make sure you are not doing this.
Do not get fake reviews.
Fake reviews from family members or friends are against Google’s policy. Also you can not buy reviews.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Starting October of 2024 the FTC’s rule bans fake reviews and paying or incentivizing customers to leave positive or negative reviews. The FTC can fine businesses that knowingly break it.
Always reply to your reviews
Whether they are good or bad always reply to your customers. For good reviews simply thank the customer and maybe throw their name in. If you receive a bad review make sure to reply with a friendly tone.
Display reviews on your booking page
Many of your customers will find you through social media. It’s nice to have reviews on your booking page as well. With Bookr you can display reviews from your customers on your page. Simply add them to your page from your dashboard.
They will appear under the Reviews tab on your page.
Questions
Can I give my customers a coupon for leaving a Google review?
No you cannot give an incentive for a customer to leave you a review. The FTC rule also bans incentives tied to positive or negative reviews.
Can I ask only my happy customers to leave me a review?
No. You can not only ask your happy customers to leave a review. Ask all of them.
How do I get my Google review link?
Log into your Business Profile on your computer. Select Read Reviews and Get More Reviews, then copy the link.