In this blog series we’ve been discussing the importance of online reviews, how they impact your search rankings, and how they influence peoples’ decisions when selecting a church or business to visit.
Once you know How to Create a Direct Link for Google Business Profile Reviews, the next step is to ask people to post a review.
Some churches, ministries and businesses send emails, post requests to social media, and make announcements asking their members, supporters, or customers to take 2 minutes to post a positive review. These are all great ways to encourage folks to post a review.
However, do you want to know the easiest way to ask people to write a review for your church?
Put a link to your reviews on your website.
Surprisingly enough, most organizations don’t include this link on their website. And as a result…
When it comes to online reviews, you have not because you ask not. -Mark Steinbrueck
The next thing you might be wondering is…
What is the best place on our website to put a link to post a review?
We’ve got 4 recommendations for you.
1. Website footer.
The easiest place to place link visitors can click to post a review is either in the footer of the website. Many websites have links in the footer that serve as a secondary navigation menu. Putting a link in the footer ensures the link is visible on every page of the website without interfering with the message and focus on the content of those pages.
The text for the review can be as simple as, “Post a review!” and link that text to the Google Business Profile review URL.
The downside of putting a link in the footer is that it’s at the bottom of each page and will probably get overlooked unless someone is already looking for a way to post a review.
2. Website header
Placing a review link in the header is also pretty easy. It can even be added to the navigation menu.
The upside of putting the link in the header is it’s highly visible.
The downside is its not very visitor friendly. If the primary purpose of your website is to connect with new visitors who are looking for a church, school, ministry or business like yours, those visitors are not interested in posting a review.
It may also give the impression that you are more interested in what your visitors can do for you than what you can do for them. It’s similar to putting a big “Donate” button at the top of your site.
3. Below testimonials
We are big fans of posting testimonial on websites, either on the homepage or on their own page.
These testimonials are real quotes from real people who have experienced benefits from your church, school, ministry or business.
It totally fits to place a link just below these testimonials, saying “Tell others how [Your Org] has impacted your life!”
4. A “Spread the Word” page
No matter what kind of organization you’re a part of, you have a mission.
You’re not just looking for consumers – people to buy your product or attend your services. You’re looking for people to join your movement and advance your mission.
Some organizations dedicate an entire page to providing ways their people can do this. You could call this page “Spread the Word” or “Join the Movement” or whatever you like.
The page can include specific calls to action like:
- Invite a friend – to an upcoming event and a link where you can put a friends name and email into a form and send them an online invitation
- Share to social – a specific quote, article, or message
- Buy merch – if someone has been impacted by your org and wants others to experience the same thing, they can help spread the word offline
- Donate – yes, it’s ok to ask for money when it’s explained that their support helps to advance the mission
- Share your story – Posting a review is telling the story of how your organization has impacted their life so others can catch a glimpse of what is possible.
Comment & Discuss…
- Where are on your website do you already have a link or will add a link to post a review?
If your Christian church, school, ministry or business would like a trusted partner to help with website design, search engine optimization or online reviews, complete the consultation request form below (mobile) or to the right (desktop).
We look forward to talking with you!
For more info about online reviews read our free guide: The Ultimate Guide to Online Reviews
