In the recent past it has been a bit of a guessing game about whether users will have the ability to leave reviews via Google+. As of the time of this blog post, Google has again returned review functionality to Google+, but who can tell for how long?
Reviews continue to be an important aspect of online marketing, especially for local search, and businesses can benefit from positive reviews in a number of ways. So, even if reviews are not available through Google+, businesses can encourage users to use a method that has continued to work. Customers and clients (at least for now) can leave a review via Google Maps. They can do this using a laptop or desktop computer via Google Maps and via mobile from the Google Maps App.
Below are some helpful instructions for anyone attempting to leave a Google review for a law firm, or any other business for that matter, including how to:
- Use Google Maps to leave a review on a desktop or laptop computer
- Use the Google Maps App to leave a review with a mobile device
- Set up a Google+ account to be able to leave reviews
How to Leave a Google Review Via Desktop or Laptop Computer
Step 1: Go to www.google.com/maps
Step 2: Search the name of the business for which the review will be written.
Step 3: If the information box does not show on the left side of the screen, click the red map pin to make it appear.
Step 4: Scroll down the information box on the left side near the bottom and click “Write A Review.”
Step 5: Select Your Star Rating then write your review and click ”Post.”
How to Leave a Google Review Via a Mobile Device
Step 1: Open the Google Play Store and install Google Maps App, or skip to Step 2 if the app is already installed on a mobile device.
Step 2: Open the Google Maps App.
Step 3: Search for the business you’re looking to leave a review for.
Step 4: Scroll down and click the star rating you want to leave.
Step 5: Write your review and click “Done.”
How To Setup A Google+ Account
Whether a user wishes to use a desktop or mobile device, if he or she does not have a Google+ account already set up, one will be required to leave a review. In either case, if a user attempts to leave a review without being logged into a Google+ account, Google will trigger a screen to have the user either log in or create a new account.
Step 1 Click through the initial screen to begin account setup or click “Create an Account.”
Step 2 Fill in the requested information.
Upon completion of the requested information, the user should then have an active Google+ account that can be used to leave reviews.
The Importance of Reviews
Our consultant team understands the value and benefits of reviews for law firms and, when done in accordance with bar requirements and ethics guidelines, encourages attorneys to get more reviews for their firms. Many prospective clients use online reviews to help them determine which firms they will contact to discuss their case. Having a large number of reviews for your firm can make a Web user more confident that your firm is trustworthy and can help them with their situation.
If your firm wants to collect more reviews, download our free online reviews bundle. It contains information and resources that may be helpful to you and your firm in gaining additional reviews, or dealing with negative reviews, if you face that unfortunate situation.
