How to Rise to the Top of Search Engine Results

By PABCO. 

Follow these strategies to generate the best advertisements you can get: customer reviews.

It is no secret in this digital landscape that online customer reviews are increasingly more valuable than any ad you could buy. Being visible online can be the difference between whether or not you get the job, so staying top of mind, and more importantly, top of search engine results is a huge part of being successful as a roofing contractor. If you are looking to rise to the top, follow these strategies from PABCO on how to generate good reviews and what to do when you receive the occasional negative comment. 

Nobody’s perfect 

Homeowners are particular; our home is the most valuable asset we own for most of us. Even if you’re the best roofer with impeccable craftsmanship, someone might be unhappy. But there’s good news! Most homeowners weigh the excellent reviews over the bad reviews. So if there are more positive reviews they’ll lean your way. One homeowner we spoke to said, “I look at the bad reviews first to determine how bad it is. If the comment comes across as venting, maybe that person had a bad day.” Not all “bad” reviews are that bad, and other readers often look at the source of the comment. 

Consideration is key 

“Roof repair reviews near me.” is a popular online search term for homeowners. Although online reviews are free, they are also priceless, more valuable than any ad you could buy. Many homeowners use online contractor reviews to make that final decision. It can make you nervous reading comments about your roofing contractor business online. For inspiration, we’ve come up with a few strategies for generating positive reviews. Plus, how to deal with the occasional negative online comment. 

It’s how you respond to negative online reviews that count. The keyword here is “respond.” Your written response to the comment is a need not a choice. If you don’t respond in writing, someone might assume you don’t care about your customers. And try not to be defensive. Reach out to the customer to see if you can help solve the problem. Then respond to the customer’s negative comment with your solution. A negative review turned into a positive review is a great win. Hopefully, the customer will change their comment and appreciate your problem-solving abilities. If you’re responsive, you can turn that appreciation into a glowing recommendation. 

Positive actions get positive results 

It’s disappointing, but homeowners are more likely to take the time to leave a review if they are unhappy. So how can you get their attention without seeming pushy or desperate? Remember to you and ask for a review? Be sure to let the customer leave the review where you would like them. For example, if you want more Yelp reviews, leave the address to your Yelp profile to make it easy. 

Want to sweeten the gesture? 

Here are some other ways to encourage reviews: 

• Gift cards – A gift card for a cup of coffee, a quick lunch or a movie might influence your customer to leave a review. 

• SWAG – (Stuff we all get) Why not invest in a few hats or shirts with your company logo? You can drop them in a gift bag with a note asking for that review. 

• Surveys – Send your customer a follow-up email with an online survey after the job. You can create easy free surveys at SurveyMonkey.com. Ask for permission to use the survey results on your website with a review. 

Gather great reviews in the right places 

If you’re trying to increase digital reviews, make sure you get reviewed in: Google and Yelp. 

Google 

Google should be your priority. First, ensure that Google lists your business and information correctly by searching for your own business on Google’s search engine. Then make sure you claim your company’s Google My Business Listing. 

Since roofers serve local communities, Google’s geotargeting of local information like top-ranking Maps listings often have the most reviews. The more online reviews your roofing contractor business has, the more reputable Google will consider your company. And if you receive positive Google reviews, you will rank on the top of the search engine. 

Yelp 

Next, go to Yelp and make sure your business information is correct. Yelp is “category-based” and a go-to place for home improvement and remodeling customers. If you’re not listed on Yelp yet, you can do so by navigating to the Yelp Business page. 

Social media 

Check social media, especially Facebook, where homeowners sometimes leave bad reviews. If you have a company Facebook profile, you control if you want to share follower reviews. But, again, no response is the worst response. 

Be brave 

Don’t be afraid! Inviting people to tell the world what they think about your work might be a little daunting. Concentrate on three things: 

1. Work on generating good reviews 

2. Respond to negative reviews 

3. Show potential customers that you can solve their problems. 

Learn more about PABCO® in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit pabcoroofing.com. 

Original article source: PABCO Roofing