Building Customer Relationships

Boost Your Business Part 2: Easy Steps to Get More Google Reviews with a Custom Business Card

In today’s digital age, online reviews play a crucial role in shaping the reputation and success of businesses. Positive Google reviews not only build credibility but also attract more customers to your doorstep. So, how can you make it easier for your satisfied customers to leave glowing reviews? The answer lies in a simple yet powerful strategy: custom business cards.

In our previous blog post, we showed you how to get a shareable Google Business review link and how to turn that link into a QR code using Bitly.

Now, we’re going to show you how to leverage the power of Canva to create custom business cards with your Google review link that drives even more Google reviews to your business.

Why Google Reviews Matter

Before we dive into the tutorial, let’s briefly discuss why Google reviews are so important for businesses.

Credibility: Positive reviews from satisfied customers build trust and credibility in the eyes of potential customers.
Visibility: Higher review ratings and greater numbers of reviews can improve your business’s visibility in Google search results.
Customer Acquisition: A strong reputation with positive reviews can significantly influence a customer’s decision to choose your business over competitors.

Now that we understand the importance of Google reviews, let’s get started with the tutorial!

Sharing Made Easy With a Custom Review Card

These cards not only serve as a reminder for customers to leave feedback but also make it incredibly convenient for them to do so. By incorporating a QR code linked directly to your Google review page, you’re simplifying the process for your customers, ultimately increasing the likelihood of them leaving a positive review.

Let’s explore how you can create and utilize these custom review cards to further enhance your online reputation and attract more customers to your business.

Step 1: Designing Your Custom Business Card in Canva

Canva is a user-friendly design platform that offers a wide range of templates for various purposes, including business cards. Here’s how to create your custom business card:

Open Canva: Sign in to your Canva account or create one if you haven’t already.
Select a Business Card Template: Browse through Canva’s selection of business card templates and choose one that fits your style and branding.
Customize Your Design: Add your logo, contact information, and any other branding elements to personalize your business card.
Adding the Bitly QR Code: Now, it’s time to generate a Bitly QR code linked to your Google review page. Head over to Bitly and follow the instructions to create a QR code linked directly to your Google review page, or watch our tutorial here.
Incorporate the QR Code: Once you have your QR code, add it to your business card design in Canva. Ensure that it’s placed prominently and is easily scannable.

Step 2: Printing and Distribution

Printing: You can print your business cards at home if you have the necessary equipment, or use a professional printing service for a high-quality finish.

2. Strategic Distribution: Make sure to leave your custom business cards at your checkout counter, include them in packaging, or hand them out during events or networking opportunities. The key is to make them readily available to your customers.

Ready, Set, Go Get Those Reviews!

By following these simple steps, you can create custom business cards that not only represent your brand but also serve as powerful tools for boosting your Google reviews. Remember, the more accessible and user-friendly you make the review process for your customers, the more likely they are to leave positive feedback.

So, what are you waiting for? Start designing your custom business cards today and watch as your Google reviews soar, bringing in more customers and growing your business’s reputation.

If you found this tutorial helpful, don’t forget to share it with others who might benefit from it.

Stay tuned to our blog for more tips and tricks to help you succeed in the digital world.

Happy designing and here’s to more glowing Google reviews for your business!

Boost Your Business: Easy Steps to Get More Google Reviews

Are you looking to skyrocket your company’s reputation with minimal effort?

It’s a no-brainer that glowing reviews can significantly elevate your business’s online presence and credibility. But the big question remains:

How do you effortlessly encourage clients to leave those much-coveted reviews?

This comprehensive guide is your golden ticket to amassing an impressive collection of Google reviews, ensuring your business shines brighter than the rest.

Simplify the Business Review Process

The secret sauce to racking up reviews lies in making the process as straightforward as possible for your clients. Whether you’re a painter leaving a fresh coat of paint on a client’s walls or you’re an attorney that has just successfully navigated them through a complex legal battle, the satisfaction of a job well done is your prime moment to request a review.

Here’s how to harness that moment to your advantage:

Step 1 - Navigate to Your Company’s Google Business Profile

Start by accessing your Google Business Profile. You can do this by entering business.google.com in your browser or simply googling the name of your business.

Don’t have a Google Business Profile yet?

Check out this article on how to create one and this article on how to optimize it for everything that Google is looking for.

Step 2 - Locate Your Direct Review Request Link

Once on your profile, look for the “Ask for Reviews” option.

This is where the magic happens.

Google provides a direct link that simplifies the review process, leading clients straight to where they can sing your praises.

Copy this link and save it somewhere easy to access; it’s your new best friend.

Step 3 - Make Sharing a Breeze

Now, you want to ensure this link reaches your clients without any hassle. Transforming the link into a QR code or a shortened URL via services like Bitly makes asking for a review via email, text, or even in person as seamless as possible.

How to Use Bitly To Get More Reviews

Sign up for an account (you can use the free one to create everything you need and this is not an affiliate link)
Click on “Create New” > “Link”
Fill in the URL and the title
Create the “Custom Back Half” text for the bitly URL
Turn on the QR code and select the color (add your logo if you have the paid subscription)
Click “Create”
Download the PNG or JPEG version of your new QR code
Copy the bitly link and test it

Imagine you are a house painter and you have added this QR code to your final walkthrough paperwork. Once you do the final walkthrough and your client is thrilled with their new house, you can pull out the QR code and ask for a review.

Or, imagine you are an attorney. You could add the QR code to your final invoice or case documents. When your client is thrilled with you winning their epic legal battle, they will be more than happy to leave that review, and you have made it super simple.

Step 4 - Employ Psychological Strategies

When asking for a review, framing it as a favor can significantly boost your chances of success.

People inherently enjoy reciprocating kindness, and by doing something nice for them, you’re more likely to receive a positive review in return. This approach taps into the basic human desire to give back, making your request much more effective.

Beyond the Basics – Getting More Reviews

Taking it a step further, incorporating the QR code into various client-facing materials can substantially increase your visibility and the likelihood of receiving reviews. Whether it’s a business card, a brochure, or an email signature, every point of contact is an opportunity to prompt a review.

In the next installment of our guide, we’ll explore innovative strategies to leverage these QR codes and Bitly links even further, ensuring every satisfied client has the chance to share their positive experience.

Stay tuned and get ready to transform your business’s review-gathering strategy from mundane to monumental.

With these simple steps, your business will not only gather reviews effortlessly but also build a reputation that stands out amongst your competitors.

Cupid’s Key to Crafting Valentine’s Day Cards for Your Customers and Clients Using Canva

Valentine’s Day is a special occasion that businesses can leverage to connect with their clients or customers on a personal level. Sending a heartfelt Valentine’s Day card not only shows appreciation for their patronage, but it can also help forge stronger relationships and foster a sense of community. In this guide, you’ll learn how to use Canva, a user-friendly graphic design tool, to create a creative and professional Valentine’s Day card that will leave a lasting impression on your clients or customers.

Choose a Template or Start from Scratch

Canva offers a wide range of Valentine’s Day card templates that can save you time and effort. To access these templates, simply visit Canva’s website and search for “Valentine’s Day card” or a related keyword. Browse through the available templates and select one that best suits your company’s branding and the message you want to convey. If you prefer to start from scratch, click on the “Create a design” button and choose a custom size for your card. A popular choice for Valentine’s Day cards is a 5×7-inch (horizontal or vertical) format, but you can also opt for a standard 4×6-inch card size.

Add your Brand’s Style

Once you’ve chosen a template or started a new design, it’s time to customize it to reflect your company’s branding and the message you want to convey. Here are some tips to help you create a unique and eye-catching Valentine’s Day card:

Use your brand colors: Add your company’s colors to the card to make it instantly recognizable and reinforce your brand identity. You can do this by selecting the “Color” tool in Canva’s sidebar and choosing your brand’s primary and secondary colors.
Add your company’s logo: Incorporate your company’s logo to make the card more professional and memorable. You can upload your logo to Canva by clicking on the “Uploads” tab on the left-hand sidebar and selecting your logo file. Once uploaded, drag and drop it onto your card design.
Choose an appropriate font: Select a font that complements your brand and the message you want to convey. Canva offers a wide range of fonts, from classic and elegant to modern and playful. Experiment with different fonts and sizes to find the perfect combination for your card.
Add a personalized message: Write a heartfelt and personalized message that expresses your appreciation for your clients or customers. Keep the message concise and focused on the value they bring to your company. You can add text to your card by clicking on the “Text” tab on the left-hand sidebar and selecting a text box.

Customize with Team Photos and Selfies

To add a touch of camaraderie and a personal connection to your Valentine’s Day cards, consider incorporating team selfies into the design. This not only humanizes your brand but also showcases the people behind the business, fostering a sense of familiarity with your clients. To enhance the visual appeal of these selfies, utilize Canva’s background removal feature to eliminate any distractions. This ensures that the focus remains on the team members themselves. Take it a step further by injecting a dose of humor through the addition of fun photo backgrounds to use in your card. Canva’s extensive photo library provides a plethora of options, allowing you to customize the selfies with playful and lighthearted graphic “props” and backdrops. This creative touch not only brings a smile to your clients’ faces but also reinforces a positive and approachable image for your brand.

Add Some Sweet Stickers

Add Valentine’s Day-themed Elements To make your Valentine’s Day card more festive and engaging, consider adding themed elements such as hearts, flowers, or Cupid. Canva offers a vast library of Valentine’s Day-themed graphics and illustrations that you can use to enhance your card design. Here’s how to access and add these elements to your card:

Search for Valentine’s Day elements: On the left-hand sidebar, click on the “Elements” tab and type “Valentine’s Day” or a related keyword into the search bar. Browse through the available elements and select those that best suit your card design.
Customize the elements: Once you’ve added an element to your card, you can customize it by changing its color, size, and orientation. To do this, select the element and use the options in the top toolbar to make your desired changes.

Change out the Font For a Festive Feel

Typography can elevate the overall design of your Valentine’s Day card. Experiment with different fonts to find a combination that complements your message and aligns with your brand. Canva provides a variety of font options, including script, serif, and sans-serif styles. The possibilities are endless!

Signed, Sealed and Delivered

Take your Valentine’s Day card to the next level by adding a QR code that links to a personalized video message or a special offer. This interactive element adds a modern touch and engages your clients in a unique way. Canva allows you to generate QR codes and seamlessly integrate them into your design.

Once you’re satisfied with your Valentine’s Day card design, it’s time to bring it to life. Canva offers printing services, or you can download the design and print it locally. Consider factors such as paper quality and finish to ensure the final product meets your expectations.

Decide on the most effective way to distribute your Valentine’s Day cards to clients. If you have a physical office, hand-delivering cards adds a personal touch. Alternatively, mailing cards with a personalized note shows thoughtfulness and consideration. Canva also allows you to create digital versions that can be sent via email or shared on social media.

There You Have It!

Sending Valentine’s Day cards to your clients is a meaningful gesture that strengthens your professional relationships. With Canva’s user-friendly interface and versatile design features, you can easily create personalized and visually appealing cards that reflect your appreciation. Follow this comprehensive guide to craft memorable Valentine’s Day cards that leave a lasting impression on your clients and contribute to the growth of your business.

Need some help with your marketing strategy?

Give IFTS a call at 412-559-7177 or email us at si@iftsdesign.com