The latest Google and Your Business Forum Wrap-up and the Skype roar of frustration about missing Google reviews earlier this week brought to mind this fab comicgraphic from Nifty Marketing.
Business owners who have jumped through the hurdles and hoops trying to get reviews only to have them disappear will know just how close to the truth this comicgraphic is!
Why Small Businesses Hate Google+ Local
Here’s the Google+ Local Review Comicgraphic, shamelessly borrowed from the Nifty Marketing blog. 
Google+ Local Review Tips
- Don’t try to game the system by buying reviews
- Don’t use a review service to enter reviews from surveys and review cards
- Don’t use on-site review stations
- Don’t encourage people to create a Google Plus account just to leave you a review
- Space out reviews. Reviews in waves can trigger the spam filter
- Encourage Google+ Local reviews through a mobile device
- If your customer doesn’t have a Google Plus account, ask for reviews other third-party sites such as Freeindex, Qype, Yelp and others
Does the comicgraphic reflect your experiences with Google+ Local reviews? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Why Small Businesses Hate Google+ Local [Comicgraphic] by Jan Kearney
Grab your guide to local search and learn:
- What elements are important on your website
- How to set up your Google My Business Local Page
- How Google Plus can help you zoom past your competitors
- Two things you should not neglect if you want to rank in the local search pack
- How to power past your competitors and dominate your area
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I haven’t used them but if this is what I’m in for, staying far far away.
Love the humor!
Hi Debbie, there’s a saying around here, “Many a true word spoken in jest!” The comicgraphic is close to truth for many small businesses at the moment. That said, when things go right, Google+ Local brings in business – so it’s one to try but follow the guidelines and cross everything. Thanks for popping in and taking the time to comment 🙂
Hi Jan
This seems more aimed at the small business market but was a very entertaining read I must say … Not your average blog post which made it good as it was funny and visual.
Learning a thing or two here as your blog is a great place to visit 🙂
cheers Carl
Thanks Carl 🙂 You’re saying you don’t have a G+ Local page yet? You’re missing out 🙂
Hi Jan,
Your post made me giggle… Really funny, love the humour. The point is serious of course – why would a customer bother to leave a review for any business if they have to overcome all these hurdles! I understand that it is for the business to set it up so that the process is as simple as possible (not for Google)? It beggars belief though that any business would want to make it so complicated when it is they who want the favour, and the customer spends their precious minutes leaving a review… Amazing stupidity!
Will share the post now! 🙂
Galina
Hi Galina – Google just want everyone on G+, requiring a sign up to review is one way of getting it. They couldn’t care less if people actually used the platform, it’s data that’s all – another ad opportunity. Perhaps I am getting cynical in my old age!
Thanks for stopping by again, much appreciated 🙂
Jan,
I think Google is getting too big for their britches… it’s time another search engine came in and gives them a run for their money.
I’m tired of all their shenanigans. Aren’t you?
– Bonnie
Hi Bonnie, any other search engine will have it’s work cut out especially here in the UK. Google IS search, they provide around 90% of the search volume here. But there’s more to the web than search, we just need to keep reminding people of that!
Thanks for popping in 🙂
So funny Jan and so true!
I remember a time when I could practically guarantee a first page listing on Google Places – not so sure about that any more.
Also used to tell business owners how eager their satisfied customers would be to give them a review – not so sure about that any more either!
Sue
Hi Sue, getting those Places rankings isn’t as straight forward as it used to be is it? Since Google have changed reviews and require a login, it’s definately not easy getting them!