Google ratings in the craft sector

Hardly anything is as important to potential new customers as the experiences of others. No wonder, then, that around 94 percent of people say they are more likely to use a service if the company has positive ^reviews2. So it's clear: Positive Google reviews can push your company even further ahead. We show you how it works.

Frequently asked questions and answers about

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How important are Google reviews?

Google reviews reflect the experiences of other users and therefore have enormous relevance. Around 98 ^percent3 of people check the reviews of a company before they use a service there.

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Can Google reviews be deleted?

The short answer: No, they can't. Only if reviews are submitted without text, the users were never customers of the rated company or simply claim false facts, you can take action against it. To do so, simply report the review. 

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How do I get more good Google reviews?

Ask satisfied customers for a positive review in a short message, in which they share their experience with your company. Important: Don't just hand out stars, write a short text. Templates can help with this. 

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The fact that Google reviews have enormous relevance has now been confirmed by studies. Especially in local search, the experiences of other people have proven to be important. Positive reviews create trust: 69 ^percent4 of people prefer to buy from companies that have positive reviews. 

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Google is by far the platform that users trust the most. In addition, Google reviews influence the search algorithm and are therefore one of the ranking factors of your website. More good ratings therefore also mean more traffic on your site. So it pays to take care of your business reviews as a craftsman or craftswoman.

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One thing is certain: Positive Google reviews can catapult trade businesses to the next level. But how do you get more meaningful customer reviews? Above all, the right time is important. For example, you can ask your customers for a review when:

• they have acquired a new customer
• they have tagged your company on social media in stories or posts
• you have Jobed something for the second time
• they have used one of your services

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Your company's reviews are a valuable way to connect with your customers. Plus, customers are more than twice as likely to Job a service from you if you respond to reviews^.5 The good news first: you don't have to write a long response for every review. A template can also further facilitate the response^.6

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Answer positive reviews

For positive reviews, it might look like this:

1. Addressing the customer personally ("Hello Anna")
2. Thank you for the review
3. Pick up points from the review. This improves the ranking of your page in the long term ("Glad you liked our service X").
4. Ask customer for recommendation
5. Friendly "goodbye

Answer negative reviews

For negative reviews, it might look like this:

1. Address personally
2. Respond to criticism and apologize
3. Show empathy ("it must have been frustrating that it didn't work out").
4. Admit mistakes
5. Offer solution ("we correct the error free of charge")
6. Friendly "goodbye

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In principle, unpopular Google reviews cannot be deleted. But what if a review is simply based on false facts? If users have never been to your company or claim something untrue, you can report the review to Google and have it checked. Google will then remove these reviews after several days. If that doesn't work either, there's only one thing left to do: refute the review in a reply^.7

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In addition to the classic Google, there are several portals where customers can submit reviews for trade businesses. These include:

• Wirsindhandwerk.de: This portal is known for its high quality and wants to fight cheap labor and mass production.
• Bewertet.de: Similar to Google, you can register here and ask your clientele for reviews.
• golocal.de: Also strong similarities to Google. Offers the possibility to be embedded directly on your website.
• Yelp.de: Similar structure consisting of star rating and text field^.8

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For satisfied customers: the Meisterwerk app

Satisfied customers are the basis of every good rating. If your business is well Organised, your customers will feel it too. That's exactly what you can optimize with the Meisterwerk app. And does a customer want to know how far along the Job is at the moment? Then you have all the information and the current status at your fingertips in the Meisterwerk app. That way, you can provide information directly. 

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