{"id":253,"date":"2015-08-12T16:04:07","date_gmt":"2015-08-12T20:04:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/harrisweb.ca\/blog\/?p=253"},"modified":"2016-02-22T12:37:01","modified_gmt":"2016-02-22T17:37:01","slug":"writing-google-reviews-a-helpful-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.harrisweb.ca\/blog\/writing-google-reviews-a-helpful-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to Writing Google Reviews – updated 2016"},"content":{"rendered":"

How to Write a Google Review to Help Local Business<\/h2>\n

How to write a Google Review because some quaint, out-of-sight diner exceeded your expectations, or maybe you found a fake nail in your over-salted, far-too-expensive garden salad. A utopia where all deserving businesses get their fair share of praise (and all undeserving businesses are shamed into shaping up) does not yet exist – but by leaving an honest and detailed\u00a0<\/strong>review, you have taken a step in helping exceptional businesses prosper while providing a much needed community service to your fellow patrons!<\/em><\/p>\n

So how\u2019s it done? Our helpful guide begins\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

1. It\u2019s all in the details<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"All<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

First and foremost, the reader would like an idea of what your experience entailed. Did you have your eyebrows waxed or your nails done? Did you order the restaurant\u2019s buffet special or a bowl of rice to go?<\/p>\n

Go into the details of when\/where\/what took place that made you want to share it with the Internet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

2. Be specific<\/strong><\/h3>\n

What was good? What was bad? Why?<\/strong><\/p>\n

As a side note, try to include both the strengths and the weaknesses. Nothing is perfect, and listing both the pros and cons will convey a more genuine, personal, and relatable experience.<\/p>\n

3. Spelling and Grammar<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The earth won\u2019t collapse if you misspell \u2018peculiar\u2019 or accidentally write \u2018the\u2019 twice \u2013 just try to keep your level of grammar above that of the average Jersey Shore (or Soprano’s) cast member’s. An intelligent feel will fashion a greater level of trust from your readers.<\/p>\n

And of course, as with everything, give a quick read through before hitting Enter.<\/p>\n

4. Be Bold*<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Be<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

Literally. Bold anything particularly extraordinary or noteworthy. \u00a0Often readers scan reviews in a hurry, and bolded text will speak louder.<\/p>\n

And yet\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

5. Don\u2019t be afraid to write longer reviews<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If a consumer wants to make a truly informed decision they will gladly read your (well-written) 5-paragraph essay. Some read every word, some glance. It all depends on who your readers are, which leads to\u2026<\/p>\n

6. Identify your audience <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Who are you writing the review for? Truck lovers? Cat lovers? Newlyweds moving into an apartment in dire need of a renovation? Various businesses offer various services and your review should name names.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re captivated by the fact that this PetSmart has an exceptionally\u00a0sizable\u00a0cat sweater selection, make it one of your first points so as to attract the attention of your particular audience.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And there you have it.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Writing detailed and relatable reviews<\/strong> – whether for local, national, or international businesses is a way for you to take an active role in improving the market of goods and services available \u2013 all through praising the positive, alerting of the negative and, once again, moving a step closer to that earlier mentioned utopia we all dream of.<\/p>\n

Video: How to Post a Review on Google<\/h3>\n

This video will provide you with step-by-step instructions on posting your reviews.<\/strong><\/p>\n

There\u2019s no sense in writing good reviews if no one sees them!<\/em><\/p>\n

How to Post a Google Review – updated 2015<\/a><\/p>\n