How to Set Your Business Up to Receive Google Reviews (and Why It Matters)
Imagine this: a potential customer searches for a business like yours on Google. They scroll through the results and notice that one business stands out with glowing reviews, a high rating, and detailed responses to customer feedback. Guess which business they’re most likely to trust and choose? That’s the power of Google Reviews. They can be an absolute game-changer when it comes to credibility, visibility, and relationship with customers. If you’ve ever wondered how to set your business up to receive Google Reviews, then you’re in the right place. In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of setting Google Reviews up for your business and share actionable tips to help you stand out on Google.
Why Google Reviews Matter
Google Reviews are a cornerstone of your business’s online presence, and for good reason. Let’s break down how they work in your favor, with some real-world examples to bring it home.
Increased Visibility
Google has a soft spot for businesses with active profiles and a steady stream of reviews. When a potential customer searches for services or products you offer, Google is more likely to show your business at the top of the results if your profile is thriving. Think about it—if someone searches “best coffee shop near me” and your profile has 50 glowing reviews while your competitor has only 5, who’s catching their eye first?
Let’s say you run a yoga studio in Abu Dhabi. If your Google Business Profile is rich with reviews that mention specific things like “peaceful atmosphere” or “helpful instructors,” not only will you rank higher in local search results, but potential customers reading those reviews might immediately envision your studio as their oasis.
💡 Pro Tip: Encourage customers to mention specifics in their reviews, like a standout product or exceptional service, to help with keyword relevance and visibility.
Customer Trust
A high average star rating is like a secret online handshake. It establishes trust before you even meet your customers. People, myself included, naturally gravitate toward businesses with positive, authentic reviews because it signals reliability and quality.
Imagine you’re searching for a tailor, as I was a few weeks ago when my favourite dress ripped… You see one with 4.8 stars and reviews raving about their “perfect alterations” and “friendly service.” Another tailor has 3.2 stars, with complaints about missed deadlines or unreasonable service fees. Which one would you choose? Reviews give your business a voice, personality, and, most importantly, credibility among your prospective clientele.
💡 Pro Tip: Responding to reviews, even brief ones, can amplify trust. A simple “Thank you for your kind words!” can make a customer feel valued and encourage others to leave feedback too. It also shows prospective clients that you are invested in the happiness of your service or product users, and might encourage them to solicit your offerings even more.
Valuable Feedback
Google Reviews act like your built-in focus group, offering real-time insights into what’s working and what isn’t. They’re a window into your customers’ experiences, often uncovering those little details you may have overlooked. You might discover recurring praise like, “The packaging is so thoughtful,” or constructive feedback like, “I wish they offered delivery.” The first tells you what’s resonating, and the second? A constructive roadmap for improvement.
For instance, a small bakery might notice customers raving about a specific pastry. Highlighting that item on your menu or marketing materials could drive even more business. On the flip side, if multiple reviews mention slow service during peak hours, you know where to focus your efforts to improve.
💡 Pro Tip: Use reviews to spot trends. Are people consistently complimenting your quick service? Double down on promoting that as a selling point. Hearing the same critique? Fix it fast and show your customers you’re listening.
By setting Google Reviews up for your business, you’re not just opening the door for customer feedback… you’re also inviting trust, credibility, and visibility to walk in, too. And when those three work together? That’s when the magic really begins to happen!
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Your Business Up to Receive Google Reviews
So how do you get yourself started? Here’s everything you need to know to get you well on your way to collecting and managing Google Reviews effectively.
Step 1: Create or Claim Your Google Business Profile (GBP)
Before you can start collecting those shiny Google Reviews, you need to establish your digital presence by creating or claiming your GBP. This is the foundation of your online visibility. Here’s how to do it, with some real-world examples to make it actionable.
Go to Google Business Profile
First things first, head over to Google Business Profile by searching the term in your browser and then clicking on it. Once you’re there, click “Manage Now” to get started. If you already have a Google account, you’re one step closer. If not, creating one takes just a few minutes.
Example: if you’re starting a bakery in Abu Dhabi, your profile would be your first point of contact for customers searching for “birthday cakes near me.” Even if you don’t have a physical storefront and operate out of a cloud kitchen, you can still add your business as a service-based location with a service area (e.g., delivery radius).
💡 Pro Tip: Use an email address tied to your business domain (e.g., hello@yourdomain.ae) for a more professional touch.
Enter Your Business Details
Once logged in, Google will prompt you to add essential details about your business. Be thorough here because every piece of information counts. You’ll be called upon to add:
- Your business name
- Your business type
- Your business category
- Address (or service area if you don’t have a physical location)
- Phone number
- Website URL (optional)
Let’s say you’re a personal trainer who works out of various gyms or clients’ homes. You can add your service area (e.g., Abu Dhabi City) instead of a fixed address to make it clear you’re mobile.
Choose the Right Business Category
As part of the setup, you’ll select a category that best describes your business. This helps Google understand what you do and match your profile with relevant searches.
For instance, a photographer might choose “Wedding Photographer,” while a hair stylist might select “Hair Salon.” Be as specific as possible to reach the right audience.
Is this your business?
Google may detect that your business may already have a business profile on Google Search or Google Maps. It may give you businesses to select from. If you notice that your business is included in that list, you may select it here.
Where are you located?
Google may prompt you to use the drag, zoom and position feature to pinpoint the exact location of your business.
Verify Your Business
Once you’ve entered your details, Google will ask you to verify your business. This is a crucial step, as it confirms to Google (and your customers) that your business is legitimate. Without verification, your profile won’t show up in searches or on Google Maps. Verification methods can include:
Postcard: Google mails a code to your address. Although with the prevalence of P.O. boxes in Abu Dhabi, this verification method is unlikely.
Phone or Email: Some businesses qualify for faster verification via phone or email. Google sends a verification code to your registered phone number or email address, allowing you to verify instantly.
Video Verification: In some cases, Google may request a video for verification. This method is often used for businesses that don’t have a physical storefront or operate from home. It helps Google confirm the authenticity of your business by assessing key visual details. This method may seem daunting or off-putting, but please don’t let it stop you from forging ahead. Even though it may seem scary, it’s relatively easy to achieve.
You’ll be prompted to record and upload a continuous video showing specific aspects of your business.
Google may ask for: (1) A clear view of your business location or workspace (e.g., a storefront, a sign on your home office door, or your work area). (2) Evidence of business operations, such as your products, tools, or equipment. (3) Proof of association, such as branding, business cards, or invoices with your business name. Your Abu Dhabi Business License would also work well here too.
Video Call Verification: For some businesses, Google offers live video call verification. During the call, a Google representative will guide you through the process and ask you to show specific details to verify your business.
You can expect a Google representative to schedule a time with you for the video call. During the call, you may be asked to show the interior and exterior of your business location, display products, equipment, or tools related to your business, and provide a close-up of branding materials, such as signage, packaging, or business documents.
💡 Pro Tip: Test your internet connection and ensure your camera works properly before the call. Prepare any materials or products Google might ask to see ahead of time to make the process smooth.
Once verified, your profile becomes visible to potential customers, opening the door to better visibility, trust, and engagement. Congratulations!
Step 2: Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Now that your Google Business Profile is live, it’s time to make it pop. This is your digital storefront, and just like your physical location, it needs to feel inviting, professional, and reflective of who you are. Here are a few insights on how to make it appealing to potential customers.
Add Your Business Hours, Contact Information, and Photos
This might sound basic, but you’d be surprised how many businesses miss the mark here. Think of this as the foundational layer. Your customers need to know when, where, and how they can find you. And you don’t need to stop there… you can add some photos to enhance your first impression.
A few examples for you:
If you are a jewellery designer, upload photos of your most popular items, your beautifully arranged storefront or market kiosk, or even a behind-the-scenes shot of you curating your collection. This gives potential customers a feel for your vibe.
If you own a cozy café, showcase your coffee art, comfy seating, and even a flat-lay of your most Instagrammable dishes. These visuals plant the “I need to go there” seed.
If you are a service-based business, such as a photographer, don’t just upload headshots… you can showcase your portfolio to give customers a feel for your photography style and subject matter expertise, like lifestyle and family photography, or corporate headshots. People trust what they can see.
💡 Pro Tip: Upload photos regularly to keep your profile fresh. Google loves an active profile, and so do customers.
Write a Compelling Business Description
Your business description is your elevator pitch, but instead of delivering it in person, you’re doing it on Google. This is your chance to stand out and show customers why you’re the one in 750 characters or less. Keep it keyword-rich but conversational.
Example: instead of saying, “We’re a hair salon in Abu Dhabi,” try this… “At The Wavy Scissors Hair Salon in Abu Dhabi, we specialize in full treatment packages that include colour, cut, and treatments that leave your hair looking and feeling its absolute best. Our expert, internationally trained stylists are here to deliver your hairapy in a relaxing, welcoming environment.”
Notice how it’s specific, warm, and packed with search-friendly terms like “hair salon in Abu Dhabi” and “keratin treatments.”
💡 Pro Tip: Put yourself in your customers’ shoes. What would they type into Google to find a business like yours? Use those phrases naturally in your description
Regularly Update Your Profile
Your profile isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it kind of thing. Keeping it current shows customers (and Google) that you’re active, engaged, and reliable.
Keep Your Holiday Hours Updated: by ensuring your holiday hours are posted ahead of time, you prepare your customers for what to expect, rather than leaving them feeling frustrated by unreliable information if they try and visit you at a time you are closed.
Post Your New Services: Are you launching a new service? Announce it on your profile! “Now offering delivery for all bakery orders… get your treats without leaving home!”
Announce Promotions or Events: Are you hosting an exclusive event for your loyal customers? Share the details on your profile.
💡 Pro Tip:Google loves consistency. Regular updates, whether it’s a new photo, an event, or a change in hours, signal that your profile is active and relevant.
By ensuring consistency with making these small but mighty tweaks, you’re creating an opportunity for your customers, existing and potential, and Google, to grow their trust in you and your enterprise. A Google Business Profile that feels polished, detailed, and up-to-date sets the tone for what customers can expect when they interact with your business in real life.
Step 3: Get And Use Your Review Link
Now that your Google Business Profile is set up and optimized, it’s time to make it easy for customers to leave you those all-important reviews. This is where your unique Google Review link comes into play. When you share it, you’re giving customers a simple, direct way to tell the world how awesome you are. Here’s how to generate and use it effectively.
- Log in to your Google Business Profile.
- Navigate to the Home or Get Reviews/Ask for reviews section in the dashboard.
- Copy the unique review link provided by Google.
When you invest the time to set your business up to receive Google Reviews, you’re creating opportunities to build meaningful connections with your customers, improve your offerings, and grow your reputation in the digital world.
You can think of your Google Business Profile as a living, breathing extension of your brand. By setting it up carefully, consistently keeping it optimized and up to date, and encouraging reviews from happy customers, you’re building loyalty and trust in both people and Google.
So, what’s next? Take that first step today. Create or claim your Google Business Profile, share your review link, and start engaging with your customers in ways that build lasting relationships. Remember, every review is a vote of confidence in your business. And with every thoughtful response, you’re showing potential customers why you’re the clear choice. Your customers are already talking, so make sure you’re part of the conversation too. Let your reviews speak volumes about your business, and watch how they open doors to new opportunities and clients. You’ve got this!
As always, I operate on a constant open-door policy. If you have any questions that were not answered here, please feel free to drop me a line! No questions are ever too small or silly.
