Understanding Google Reviews Integration
Whether it’s Google Reviews, Yelp Reviews or different platforms that are popular, integrating Google Reviews on your WordPress website is a good option to significantly influence your online reputation and search results.
It’s a great way for website users to gauge trust and one of the most effective ways for you to harness customer feedback.
Why it’s a Good Idea to Embed Google Reviews WordPress
Google Business Reviews bear substantial weight local businesses. As a WordPress site owner, embedding Google reviews translates to showcasing real time customer feedback directly on your site.
This transparency can build credibility with potential customers who often rely on positive reviews to make informed decisions and illustrate the value of your service or product.
How Google Reviews Impact Search Engine Optimization
Search engines, particularly Google, highly value relevant content and user-generated content like online reviews.
Featuring Google Places reviews can serve as a strong signal to search engines that your online business is active and reputable.
It’s an easy way to positively affect your search rankings, which means more website visitors to your site and as a result more of a chance to boost sales
Setting Up Google Reviews on WordPress
To effectively display Google Reviews on your WordPress site, you have a couple options, most review plugins require a Google Places API key, the other option which I think is the easiest way to embed Google reviews is to use a plugin called “Widgets for Google Reviews” by Trustindex.io as their requirements are just your Google Maps Location URL.
Before we go over both options, the first thing you will need a Google Account and a Google Business Profile.
Embed Google Reviews WordPress Detailed Instructions (Without Google API Key)
Begin with the following steps:
- Install the Plugin: Begin by logging into your WordPress dashboard. Navigate to the ‘Plugins’ section, click ‘Add New’, and search for the “Widgets for Google Reviews” plugin by Trustindex.io. Click ‘Install Now’, and after the installation is complete, activate the plugin.
- Connect Your Google Place ID: Once the plugin is activated, you need to connect it to your Google My Business account by entering your Google Places ID. This ID links your Google Rating directly to the widget. You can find your Google Place ID using the Google Place ID Finder.
- Customise the Review Widget Layouts: Access the plugin settings and choose a layout for your Google Review widget. Trustindex.io offers various predesigned layouts that you can choose from to best fit your website’s design. You can access additional features with the premium version.
- Choose the Review Widget Style: Select a style for your widget. You can pick different styles that range from minimalistic to more elaborate designs, depending on your preference and the look you want to achieve, examples include a single feed, masonry layout and more.
- Modify the Widget Settings: Adjust the settings of the widget to control which reviews to display and how they should appear. You can filter your best reviews by rating, define the number of reviews to show.
- Embed Code into Your Site: After customising your widget, you’ll need to embed it into your website. Trustindex.io provides you with a shortcode block that you can insert into the HTML of a specific page where you want the review section to appear.
- Preview and Adjust: Once you’ve inserted the code, preview your website to see how the widget looks. If necessary, go back to the plugin settings to make further adjustments to the widget’s appearance or functionality.
- Monitor and Update: Regularly check the plugin for updates to ensure it remains compatible with the latest version of WordPress and continues to function properly. Keep an eye on your reviews through the widget to ensure they reflect your business accurately.
Editorial Note: I personally think this free plugin is the best Google reviews wordpress plugin. I am not affiliated nor get commissions from the plugins developers.
Embed Google Reviews WordPress Detailed Instructions (With Google Places API Key)
Easy steps to obtain your Google Places API key:
- Visit the Google Cloud Platform Console.
- Create a new project or select an existing one.
- Navigate to the APIs & Services dashboard and click + ENABLE APIS AND SERVICES.
- Search for “Google Places” and enable it.
- Go to the “Credentials” tab and click on the CREATE CREDENTIALS button to generate your API key, make sure you restrict it so only you can use it.
Keep your API key confidential to prevent unauthorized usage and potential security risks.
The next step is to put the API Key in a popular Google Reviews Widget Plugin like “Reviews Feed” by Smash Balloon. Just use their free version unless you want more advanced features. Again I am not affiliated, I just think it’s one of the best Google Reviews Widgets.
Install & Activate Reviews Feed
Select the Add New Button in the All Feeds submenu under Reviews Feed
Add API Key to the Google Source Type
Finding Your Google Place ID
To locate your Google Place ID:
- Perform a Google Search of your business.
- Hover your cursor over the map section of your Google Business Profile.
- Right click and select “copy link address”.
- Paste that link into “Add Source Details”
Note: This ID is unique to your location and is essential for retrieving your Google Reviews.
Your Most Powerful Tool for Managing Google Reviews is Patience
Patience is your best option when it comes to effectively managing your Google Reviews. You want to bolster your business’s reputation and foster trust with your audience. Some business owners know they can have a hot temper especially when their dealing with a “Karen” type of client and hire a support team whose role is addressing negative feedback while promoting positive reviews to improve your brand’s online presence.
What Not to Do When Responding to Reviews You Disagree With
Here’s an example of what not to do when responding to reviews you disagree with…that yours truly did last year.
A lead reached out and wanted me to teach them “basic web designing” I recommended that rather than paying me that they should research the basics from the never ending trove of resources online.
They gave me a very counter productive response in my opinion and as a result of me being very tired, I was a bit rude, I quite easily got irritated at the prospect of someone wanting me to teach them and at the same time seem so unwilling to learn.
Shortly after our…productive discussion. I received my first bad review and I didn’t take it well. I wanted to provide context to the experience for leads in the future to see but I responded in a very passive aggressive manner that wasn’t constructive, because most people will recognise my pettiness and that’s not a great first impression to make, the review section is just not the right place. So what have we learned from this experience? Don’t be like past Ethan…be better!
Dealing with Negative Reviews
So learning from the case study of my mistakes, it’s in your best interest for when you come across negative reviews, to take a patient and proactive approach. It’s essential to:
- Respond promptly: Take the time to address each negative review with a thoughtful response.
- Be professional: Always keep your tone respectful and helpful, regardless of the review’s content.
- Resolve issues: If a legitimate concern is raised, offer a solution or some different ways to make it right.
An effectively managed Google My Business account allows you to monitor and respond to reviews, contributing to a higher overall star rating.
Encouraging More Positive Customer Reviews
To boost the number of reviews and enhance the positivity reflected in your review feed, you need to:
- Ask for reviews: At the end of a transaction, encourage satisfied customers to share their experiences.
- Make it easy: Provide links or simple instructions on how to leave a review.
- Show appreciation: Respond to new reviews, thanking customers for taking the time to provide feedback.
Landing Pages and Social Media Integration
Your landing pages and social media profiles are prime real estate for displaying Google Reviews.
They contribute to a cohesive web presence by extending social proof from your site to your social platforms. Here’s how to integrate reviews effectively:
- On Landing Pages: Feature a selection of positive reviews on your main landing pages to immediately convey trust to prospective customers.
- Via Social Media: Share standout reviews on your social media channels to engage your followers and encourage more interactions.
So there you have it you now know how to Embed Google Reviews using two free google reviews widget examples.
Want to test out the real-time updates of the plugin? Go to my Google Business, leave me some new testimonials and then come check to see the review! (This suggestion is purely educational of course…definitely not trying to improve my small business…nonsense!)
