There is no doubt that many businesses will emerge from the current crisis to face pent up demand, from everyone from home sellers to those needing a much-needed break from isolation. So which businesses are going to get that trade? Most important of all, are the right businesses going to benefit?
It is now beyond argument that a great Google
score plus a good number of reviews influence consumers in every walk of life.
This might be a core decider - the type of person who says 'I won't use a
business unless it scores at last 4.5 out of 5' or a marginal influence, for
example: where a home seller says 'I chose agents A and B because I know their
local reputation and they have been recommended by friends but I also
invited agent C to pitch because they looked so impressive on Google.'
Like this...
So how can you help a local
business in these stressful times? The answer is simple: write one - or more -
Google reviews.
How?
You will either be signed up to Google already,
in which case you will see this (with minor differences depending on whether
you are on mobile/tablet or desktop)...
And you can go right ahead and enter your rating
- from one to five stars - and continue to write your review (and add a photo,
if relevant).
Or you will be new to Google reviews, and you
will see this...
Click 'Create account' bottom left and you are a minute away from
writing your first review!
And if you enjoyed doing that (you can be sure
the business you review will enjoy receiving it*), you may even consider
becoming what Google calls a 'Local Guide', it's a way for everyone to
identify reviewers who add more value for those seeking out really great local
businesses.
*Google has temporarily suspended publishing
reviews - but don't let that put you off writing them, they will be published
as soon as Google works out a way for its moderators to access the relevant
systems from home.