Get better customer reviews on Google

adds: “Huge infrastructure schemes like Hinkley Point and HS2 entered new phases and created extra demand for skilled labour.

“With Brexit, we have said the impact would be felt gradually over time and now we are seeing the supply of skilled tradespeople from Europe wither on the vine. Europeans would always come here to work and then go home again but now nobody is replacing them. The routes for working visas are not practical for most construction companies and smaller businesses.

“These are the forces driving up labour rates. They are creating plenty of opportunities for the self-employed to earn a handsome living as the most productive and flexible part of the labour market.”

To help trade businesses become more competitive during the cost of living crisis, IronmongeryDirect is offering advice on how to stand out from the crowd by creating a strong Google Business Profile.

The online retailer has partnered with My Local Toolbox to analyse thousands of Google Business reviews and reveal exactly what it takes to improve an online presence.

According to a recent analysis of 10,000 reviews by My Local Toolbox, the traits customers talk about most in reviews are professionalism (42%), quality of work (34%), punctuality (13%), tidiness (7%) and perceived value (4%).

Climbing the charts

Here is the guide they came up with to help improve your reviews and climb the rankings:

1. Relevance – Make sure your profile closely reflects what you offer, as Google is all about relevance. If you’ve set your profile up properly (and in detail), you should be sending all the signals Google needs to understand what you offer and which searches to show your profile for.

2. Distance – Be specific about the areas you serve in your profile, so that you appear in the correct local searches.

3. Reviews and ratings – You will appear higher in the rankings if you have a large quantity of positive reviews, so be proactive in asking customers and give them a polite nudge if they don’t leave a review the first time you ask.

4. Engage with customers – Reply to customers when they leave a review, even if it’s just to say thank you. Acknowledge shortcomings and criticism in a professional and courteous manner. Remember your future customers may read the comments, so it’s important to show yourself in a good light.

Building a great review profile on any platform takes time, tradespeople are advised. Persistence and consistency are key to building a high number of reviews and climbing the rankings. If you stick with it, you should have a steady stream of enquiries coming through, which will bring lots of benefits to your company.

For more advice on how to market your trade business online, visit:

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