The Importance of Reviews on Google My Business

Published April 7, 2025
Megaphone with text bubble stating The Importance of Reviews on Google My Business by True Fit Marketing

Where do people usually search first on the Internet? Google is the first thing that pops in our head. “Just Google it!” is a common phrase. So when people are using Google as the search engine, wouldn’t it make sense that Google would want to rank its own platform users higher in searches? That is where Google My Business comes in. 

If Google could tell business owners one Google Business Profile ranking tip, it would likely be to get more business reviews. Reviews are one of the best ways to enrich your business ranking and Google is trying to make it even easier for people to leave reviews. 

In the marketing world, the first step is getting people to leave their reviews and the second step is optimizing those reviews to their fullest potential. Find out how you can maximize your business profile reviews to improve your ranking, build trust and attract new and returning business.

How to Get More Reviews on Google

The hardest part of the Google review process is actually getting the customers to do their part and make the review.  According to a 2019 GlobalWebIndex survey, only 47% of consumers have ever left an online review after using a product or service. The percentage goes up to 69% when the consumer is asked by the brand to leave them a review. 

Google’s new QR code feature makes it easy for consumers to leave a review. Here is how to find your business’s QR code:

  • On a desktop, search for your business name in Google.
  • Click on “Ask for reviews.” Alternatively, go to your review section and click “Get more reviews” to generate a QR code.

Once you have your QR code, use it on all of your print materials. There is also a review link that you can share on your digital materials. 

How to Obtain Google Reviews

It is common knowledge that Google uses keywords when it comes to search criteria. That is why it is important to get your keywords into the reviews left by your consumers. It is perfectly fine to ask your customers to leave detailed reviews, including your business name, the product or service they received, where the business is located, and how they used the product. Reviews that have your keywords in it will help boost search visibility. Not only that, but it is still a more helpful review than just, “Great service. Will be back again.” While that is great, no one knows what service the user had and which location they will be going back to.

Beyond just asking customers to leave a text review, ask them to take pictures and post those as well. This is easy for restaurants as people have the food and beverages to post, but for other businesses, it might not be as easy. Encourage your customers to take before and after photos, a photo of the product or the result of using the product to post with their review. Don’t be afraid to ask them to do this because they may not think of it ahead of time and by the time they are done eating their lunch, the proof of the food is…well…gone.

Finally, getting reviews from different locations, if you have businesses in multiple locations, can help Google consider the location of the reviews when ranking businesses. We mentioned this a bit earlier, but having the consumer state where they made the purchase, beyond your business name, can help when users are searching for “restaurants in Pittsburgh, PA”. When a business is starting out, this is a great way to help spread the word of your new location.

What to Do With the Reviews

If you are reading this part, congratulations! You must have received a review! There are several ways you can use this review to your advantage as a business owner.

First and foremost, reply to the review. Use your keywords in your reply and try to be very specific about the product or service. Maybe provide a helpful tip that someone wouldn’t think about after using the product or service. Back to the restaurant example, if someone ordered chicken tacos, let them know they could try the chicken as a burrito or quesadilla next time. Suggest maybe even a drink to go with it. Don’t forget to say something like, “We hope to see you back again in Pittsburgh soon!” Get that location posted with your reply!

You can then take that review and share it to all of your social media channels. Sharing a review shows that you are doing good business and you appreciate the time it took for customers to share their experience. You can also share the review on printed materials as quotes and feature it in any newsletters or emails you send out. 

If you happen to receive a negative review, don’t stress. Reply to the review and ask questions about what happened and how you can improve or make the situation better. Show others that you care about your customer’s concerns and are willing to make an effort to fix the issue. 

Mega phone with The Importance of Reviews on Google My Business, True Fit Marketing

The Bottom Line

Google has made it easier than ever to collect reviews, but optimizing them is key. It ends up being a numbers game because the more reviews you receive, the higher your rankings, the better trust your customers have, and potentially increase in your sales volumes due to positive feedback. Continue to ask for open and honest Google reviews and see what happens! 

The Countdown is On: Preparing for the Biggest Shopping Time of the Year

Published November 7, 2024

With Black Friday and the Christmas shopping season just around the corner, brands and consumers alike are gearing up for what promises to be the most competitive retail period of 2024. While holiday shopping always brings a rush, this year’s trends show that financial concerns and early shopping are key factors in shaping consumer behavior. As we approach the holidays, it’s crucial for businesses to understand these shifts to make the most of the shopping frenzy.

3 Shopping Trends We Are Seeing in 2024

As we look at the forecast for the 2024 holiday season, several emerging trends stand out. These trends are driven by both economic pressures and changes in consumer expectations, offering brands an opportunity to tailor their strategies.

  1. Budget-Conscious Shopping
  2. Early Shoppers Are On the Rise
  3. Seamless Omnichannel Experiences

1. Brands Must Be Mindful of Pricing and Consumer Financial Difficulties

While it’s tempting to push for high-margin products during the holidays, brands need to be conscious of the financial strains many consumers are facing. Shoppers are more aware than ever of their spending habits, particularly when their budgets are stretched. Offering a range of price points is key. Brands that can provide affordable options alongside premium ones are more likely to retain customers.

Discounts and promotions are expected, but they shouldn’t sacrifice perceived value. Instead, focus on highlighting how your products are worth the investment—whether it’s through quality, durability, or added benefits such as extended warranties or sustainable features.

Additionally, offering flexible payment options like buy-now-pay-later can make your products more accessible to consumers facing financial challenges. This gives shoppers the confidence to make purchases without feeling the immediate financial strain, increasing the likelihood of completing the sale.

2. Shopping Early: The Best Move for Everyone

Encouraging early shopping is beneficial for both brands and consumers. For consumers, shopping early means having access to the best deals and avoiding the holiday rush, while brands benefit from smoother inventory management and reduced pressure on fulfillment systems.

We’ve all heard the stories of shoppers waiting anxiously for UPS deliveries on Christmas Eve, hoping their gifts arrive on time. Shopping early helps avoid the headaches of shipping delays, out-of-stock items, or settling for something less than perfect because your original gift idea wasn’t available. Brands that promote early shopping through reminders, countdowns, or early access deals will position themselves as helpful partners in reducing holiday stress.

From a brand perspective, early shopping allows for better logistical planning. Businesses can spread out orders, reducing the risk of bottlenecks and shipping delays that often plague the holiday season. Promoting early bird deals or exclusive pre-holiday offers also creates excitement and drives early conversions, reducing the reliance on steep last-minute discounts.

3. Seamless Omnichannel Experiences

Consumers are expecting a smooth transition between online and in-store shopping. Brands that can blend digital and physical shopping experiences, offering flexible pickup and return options, will capture the attention of customers seeking convenience. Personalized recommendations based on browsing and purchase history will also play a significant role in increasing sales.

Additionally, integrating mobile technology into the shopping experience is becoming essential for brands aiming to enhance omnichannel experiences. Mobile apps that offer features like in-store navigation, real-time inventory checks, and mobile payment options bridge the gap between digital and physical interactions. By enabling customers to easily switch between browsing on their devices and shopping in-store, brands can offer a seamless, consistent experience that keeps shoppers engaged and satisfied.

The Bottom Line

The 2024 holiday shopping season is set to be unique, shaped by emerging consumer trends and ongoing economic pressures. Brands that recognize the importance of budget-conscious shopping, sustainability, and omnichannel experiences will stand out from the crowd. By encouraging early shopping, businesses can ensure a smoother, more enjoyable shopping season for everyone involved. The countdown is on—are you ready for the biggest shopping time of the year?

Mixing Politics and Business: The Pros, Cons, and Facebook Advertising Rules for This Election Year

Published October 3, 2024

Business owners often face a tough decision on whether to mix politics with their brand. The impact can be significant, both positively and negatively.

Pros

  • Engaging Customers: Aligning with certain values can deepen customer loyalty.
  • Brand Differentiation: Taking a stand can distinguish your business in a crowded market.

Cons

  • Alienation Risk: You risk losing customers with opposing views.
  • Reputation Damage: Political stances may overshadow your product or service.

 

Election Year Rules

Platforms like Facebook enforce strict advertising regulations during election years. For instance, there’s a restriction period for political ads, requiring businesses to comply with transparency rules and limits on ad targeting. Ensure your ads follow these policies to avoid disruptions. For more details, check Facebook’s Election Ad Guidance.

What Can You Post

Here are some “Switzerland” election posts that businesses can use to encourage voting without taking a political stance:

  1. “Your Voice Matters”:
    “Voting is a privilege and an important way to have your voice heard. No matter where you stand, make sure to cast your vote this election!”
  2. “Celebrate Democracy”:
    “Voting is the heart of democracy. Let’s come together and celebrate this important right. Don’t forget to vote!”
  3. “Your Civic Duty”:
    “Voting is not just a right, it’s a responsibility. Exercise your civic duty and make sure your vote counts this election.”
  4. “Freedom to Vote”:
    “The freedom to vote is one of our nation’s most valuable rights. Take part in this democratic process and make your voice count.”

You may have to police posts should there be a comment about either side, but overall, general reminders to vote can be a nice way to connect to your community and clients.

The Bottom Line

Unless your business truly depends on the outcome of an election, it would probably behoove your brand to stay neutral in all social media posts. Remember that even if a social media post gets deleted, it still lives on forever, somewhere on the Internet.

Nostalgia Marketing: The Power of Memories

Published April 24, 2024

In a fast-paced world where trends come and go in the blink of an eye, nostalgia remains a steadfast beacon of comfort and familiarity. Nostalgia marketing, a powerful tool in the marketer’s arsenal, taps into this timeless emotion to evoke fond memories of the past while promoting present-day products or services. In recent years, it has gained traction as a potent strategy, especially with older audiences who are keen to revisit the cherished moments of their youth or even just from a decade ago.

What is Nostalgia Marketing?

Nostalgia marketing is the art of leveraging sentimental longing for the past to create a connection with consumers. It involves incorporating elements from previous decades or iconic cultural references into advertising campaigns, product designs, or brand messaging. By evoking feelings of nostalgia, marketers aim to establish an emotional bond with their audience, leading to increased brand affinity and consumer engagement.

The Power of Nostalgia

Nostalgia is a uniquely powerful emotion that can transport individuals back in time, eliciting warm feelings of happiness, comfort, and security. Research in psychology suggests that indulging in nostalgic memories can alleviate feelings of loneliness, boost mood, and even enhance self-esteem. Moreover, nostalgia fosters a sense of continuity and belonging, making people more receptive to messages that resonate with their past experiences, thus letting them part with their money and spend it with whoever is advertising to them.

 

Effectiveness with Older Audiences

Older audiences, in particular, hold a treasure trove of nostalgic memories spanning several decades. For them, nostalgia marketing serves as a poignant reminder of their youth, triggering memories associated with significant cultural touchstones, music, fashion, and pop culture icons of their era. By tapping into these shared experiences, brands can forge a deep emotional connection with older consumers, fostering loyalty and trust.

Nostalgia marketing doesn’t necessarily need to span back 50 years. Even marketing from the past decade can prompt the same feelings as memories from years beyond. And even if someone wasn’t born during the initial promotion, they still may be familiar with the advertising and can still relate. Think of advertising with big name athletes and celebrities as those people still may be relevant in today’s world. 

Strategies for Success

To effectively leverage nostalgia marketing with audiences, brands should adopt several key strategies:

  1. Research and Understand the Target Audience: Gain insights into the cultural references, trends, and experiences that resonate most strongly with the target demographic. Understanding their nostalgic triggers, like music, colors, fashion, etc., is crucial for crafting authentic and relatable marketing campaigns.
  2. Tap into Iconic Symbols and References: Identify timeless symbols, icons, and moments from the past that hold enduring appeal. Whether it’s retro packaging, historical symbols, or vintage aesthetics, incorporating these elements into marketing materials can evoke powerful feelings of nostalgia.
  3. Create Authentic and Meaningful Content: Authenticity is paramount in nostalgia marketing. Rather than simply capitalizing on nostalgia for its own sake, brands should strive to create genuine connections by aligning their messaging with the values and sentiments of the target audience.
  4. Strike a Balance Between Past and Present: While nostalgia marketing relies on evoking memories of the past, it’s essential to strike a balance by infusing modern elements into the narrative. By blending the familiar with the contemporary, brands can appeal to older audiences while remaining relevant in today’s market.
  5. Engage Through Multiple Channels: Embrace a multi-channel approach to reach consumers across various touchpoints. From social media platforms to traditional advertising channels, diversifying the marketing mix ensures broader exposure and maximizes engagement.
  6. Use What Previously Worked: If you are using nostalgic marketing, re-brand in a way that you know it worked before. As the saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

The Bottom Line

We are sure you are now thinking about the marketing that meant something to you in years past. Nostalgia marketing holds immense potential for brands seeking to connect with audiences on a deeper emotional level. By tapping into cherished memories of the past, brands can evoke feelings of warmth, joy, and belonging, fostering long-lasting relationships with consumers. In the realm of marketing, the power of nostalgia continues to thrive, serving as a timeless beacon of connection in an ever-changing world.

 

The Search To Find The Perfect Marketing Agency

Published October 17, 2023

So you’re interested in working with a marketing agency! That is great to hear. First off, simply because you are reading our blog post and we happen to be a marketing agency, but also because we want to make sure that you find an agency that is the perfect fit for your business. It may not be us and that is OK! But what we want to do is make sure you have the tools and resources to find that perfect agency. Here’s how.

What is a Marketing Agency?

A marketing agency is a company that provides various marketing services to businesses and organizations. These services can include:

  • Market research
  • Advertising
  • Branding
  • Video production
  • Photography
  • Social media management 
  • And so much more! 

Marketing agencies work with their clients to develop strategies and campaigns that will help them reach their target audiences and achieve their marketing goals. They should also provide analytics and reporting to help their clients measure the effectiveness of their marketing efforts. 

Some marketing agencies specialize in specific industries or types of marketing, while others offer a wide range of services to clients in various fields. Overall, the goal of a marketing agency is to help its clients promote their products or services and increase their brand awareness and sales and become one with their client’s brand.

How Working With An Agency Can Benefit Your Business

Working with a marketing agency can provide many benefits for your business. Since a marketing agency is a team of professionals who specialize in promoting and growing businesses through various marketing channels, you not only get one person but a whole team to work on your account. Here are some reasons why you should consider working with a marketing agency:

  1. Expertise: Marketing agencies have a team of experts who specialize in different areas of marketing, such as social media marketing, search engine optimization, content marketing, and more. By working with a marketing agency, you can tap into their expertise and get access to the latest marketing strategies and techniques.
  2. Cost-effective: Hiring an in-house marketing team can be expensive, especially for small businesses. By working with a marketing agency, you can get access to a team of marketing professionals at a fraction of the cost of hiring an in-house team.
  3. Save time: Marketing can be time-consuming, especially if you don’t have the expertise or resources to do it effectively. By working with a marketing agency, you can free up your time and focus on other important aspects of your business.
  4. Results-driven: Marketing agencies are focused on delivering results for their clients. They will work with you to set goals and create a customized marketing plan to help you achieve those goals.
  5. Stay ahead of the competition: A marketing agency can help you stay ahead of the competition by keeping up with the latest marketing trends and tactics. They will ensure that your business is using the most effective marketing strategies to reach your target audience and grow your business.

Where Do I Look to Find A Marketing Agency?

Finding the right marketing agency can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be much easier. The first step is to determine your needs and goals for this agency. Then, you can begin your search by asking for referrals from colleagues or friends who have used marketing agencies before. You can also search online for marketing agencies in your area and read reviews from their past clients. Here are some top websites to start your hunt on:

Once you have a list of potential agencies, start by checking their website and social media networks to see if their style and expertise match your needs. It’s important to schedule a meeting or phone call with the agency to discuss your goals and evaluate their experience and approach. Be sure to ask about their pricing structure, timeline, and success rates with similar projects.

The Bottom Line

Overall, working with a marketing agency can be a great investment for your business. It can help you save time and money, while also delivering results and helping you stay ahead of the competition. Ultimately, the right marketing agency for you will be one that understands your business and can help you achieve your goals in a creative and effective way. Take your time and do your research to find the perfect fit for your needs.