IFTS, Inc. Blog

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.

Facebook Page Scheduled For Permanent Deletion Scam: DO NOT CLICK…

In the digital age, where social media platforms have become an integral part of our lives, it’s not uncommon to receive notifications about our accounts. However, there’s a recent wave of spam notifications circulating on Facebook, causing panic and confusion among users.

These notifications claim that your account has been flagged and prompt you to click a link, often leading to malicious websites or phishing scams.

What’s more concerning is the tactic scammers are now employing: leaving fake reviews on Facebook pages with alarming text to further bait unsuspecting users into their trap.

Looking out for the latest Facebook scam tactic

One of the latest tactics used by scammers is to leave fake reviews on Facebook pages, further adding to the illusion of legitimacy.

These reviews often mimic the language used in the spam notifications, urging users to click on suspicious links or provide personal information under the guise of resolving an account issue.

Here are some examples of fake reviews that are being left with spammy messaging.

So, why should you not fall for these scams?

First and foremost, Facebook does not communicate issues with your account through unsolicited notifications or reviews left on pages. Legitimate communications from Facebook regarding your account will typically be sent through official channels within the platform or via email. Therefore, any unexpected messages or reviews should be treated with skepticism.

Another key giveaway that these reviews are coming from spam accounts is the name of the account that posts the review.

Clicking on links provided in these spam notifications or reviews can lead to a variety of malicious outcomes, including phishing attempts to steal your personal information, installation of malware on your device, or even hijacking your account altogether.

By clicking on these links, you’re essentially handing over control to the scammers, putting your privacy and security at risk.

What should you do if you encounter these spam notifications or fake reviews?

Do not click on any suspicious links: Exercise caution and refrain from clicking on any links provided in unsolicited notifications or reviews.
Report and remove fake reviews: If you come across fake reviews on your Facebook page or any other page, report them to Facebook immediately. You can do this by clicking on the three dots next to the review and selecting the appropriate option to report it.
Monitor your account for suspicious activity: Regularly check your account for any unauthorized changes or activity. This includes monitoring your login history, reviewing recent posts or messages made on your behalf, and keeping an eye out for any unfamiliar friend requests or messages.
Stay informed: Keep yourself updated on the latest scams and phishing tactics circulating on social media platforms. Awareness is key to protecting yourself and your information online.

While receiving notifications about your Facebook account might cause concern, it’s essential to remain vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited messages or reviews.

By staying informed and taking proactive measures to protect your account, you can safeguard yourself against falling victim to scams and phishing attempts. Remember, when in doubt, always err on the side of caution and verify the legitimacy of any communication before taking action.

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