Overview
Google Business reviews are without a doubt the most impactful reviews you can gather! Despite that, we find that many fitness business owners don't have their Google Business listing squared away.
In this article, we'll cover exactly how to do that, culminating with a short tutorial on how to create a short link for your customers to leave you reviews.
Instructions - The Easy Method
Step 1: Google your gym
Yes, that's right - literally google it! If your business shows up on the right such as the image below, you're good to go with the "Easy Method"!
Step 2: Click the Reviews link
It's the blue link on the right hand area above that says "13 Google reviews". When you click it, it'll pop up an overlay that looks like this:
Step 3: Copy the URL (web address)
With the overlay still showing, copy EVERYTHING in your web browser's URL bar. It'll look something like this:
https://www.google.com/search?q=crossfit+gettysburg&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS696US696&oq=crossfit+gettysburg&aqs=chrome.0.69i59j69i60j0l2j69i60j69i61.1715j0j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#lrd=0x89c9ac8c1f561d0f:0xb94733b336408ee5,1,,,NOTE: Don't worry that it looks a little crazy. Just use it! It'll take people to your Google listing and automatically launch the overlay.
Instructions - The More Involved Method
Step 1: Set up your "Google My Business" listing
If you have not yet setup your Google My Business listing, this is the first step. Head over to https://business.google.com/, create your business listing, and verify your address.
Note: The verification process involves Google mailing you a postcard, which can take up to five days.
Step 2: Create a "short name" for your business listing
A "short name" allows Google to generate a quick link that drives directly to your Google My Business listing.
Instructions From Google: https://support.google.com/business/answer/9273900
Step 3: Grabbing the Reviews link
Inside the Google My Business listing, there is a link that you can copy that drives people directly to your Reviews area.
Instructions From Google: https://support.google.com/business/answer/7035772