Part 1 | Increasing Positive Google Reviews for Senior Living Communities: A How to Guide
Part 1: The Power of Google Reviews
Online reviews have become an integral part of the consumers’ decision-making process in selecting a senior living community. For communities, establishing a strong online presence is crucial in attracting potential residents and their families. One powerful tool in achieving this is through Google reviews.
Google reviews offer a platform for satisfied residents and their families to share their positive experiences, providing invaluable social proof for your senior living community. In this three-part series of blog posts, we will explore the importance of Google Reviews, when to ask for a review and how to do so effectively, with advice tailored specifically to senior living communities. Part 1 of this series discusses the powerful impact of google reviews in cost effectively boosting occupancy.
Fostering Trust and Reputation
In today’s digital landscape, potential customers lean heavily on online reviews when selecting local services. Millennials, as a generation, rely heavily on internet reviews and social proof in their decision making, and this demographic is increasingly playing a major role in community selection for their parents. Recent data reveals a significant surge in mobile searches for “best” and “reviews”, indicating a shift towards trust in peer recommendations. Notably, a compelling 86% of consumers actively seek reviews when in need of a service.
However, senior living communities shouldn’t sit back and hope the reviews come in. Reviews need to be actively sought. A 2019 study demonstrated that over three quarters of consumers who were asked for feedback indeed provided it. Furthermore, recent research underscores that asking for reviews results in higher average review scores, emphasizing their impact on reputation building.
Extracting Valuable Insights
Requesting reviews isn’t just about garnering positive testimonials; it’s an opportunity to glean invaluable feedback. This feedback provides a window into how residents and their families perceive your community. It serves as a guide to fortify strengths and address areas for enhancement, ultimately leading to an elevated standard of customer service.
Prolonged Influence and Weight of Google Reviews
Unlike transient social media posts or other review platforms, Google reviews possess a prolonged influence, remaining prominently visible to those that search for your community. This sustained visibility allows the positive experiences shared by residents to continue influencing potential customers.
Additionally, Google’s algorithm provides significant weight to recent reviews for local SEO and search rankings. A substantial collection of quality and diverse reviews enhances the credibility and trustworthiness of your senior living community and boosts its search visibility.
Empowering Reputation Management
The initial step towards managing your online reputation is claiming your Google My Business listing. This empowers you to proactively respond to reviews, especially negative ones. Addressing concerns promptly and professionally demonstrates your unwavering commitment to resident satisfaction and can transform a negative experience into a positive one.
Transforming Happy Residents into Advocates
Content residents are the linchpin of your community’s success. Encourage them to share their positive experiences on Google, not only bolstering your community’s reputation but also culminating in invaluable referrals. These referrals represent an organic form of marketing, as delighted residents actively champion your community.
Google Reviews are a Beacon of Trust and Credibility
Harnessing the power of Google reviews is paramount for senior living communities striving to thrive in the digital age. These reviews serve as a beacon of trust and credibility for potential residents and their families, guiding them towards the best possible choice in senior living.
In the subsequent parts of this series, we will delve deeper into the strategies and techniques specifically tailored for senior living communities to effectively solicit Google reviews, ensuring that your community stands out as a trusted choice in the senior living landscape. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we will explore the optimal timing for requesting reviews and how to identify those who will leave positive reviews.