How to Get Google Reviews For Your School

Google reviews can be a powerful tool for schools to build trust and credibility with potential new students and families. When someone searches for a business on Google, the star rating and reviews that appear can influence their decision to do further research, inquire or ultimately enroll in the academic institution.

However, getting Google reviews can be a challenge for many schools. In this post, we will offer tips and strategies that school administrators and marketing teams can use to encourage students, families, and community members to leave Google reviews, which will help to boost your school’s online reputation.

What Is Google My Business?

Google My Business is a free tool provided by Google that allows business owners and schools to manage their online presence across Google. This includes Google products like Google Search and Google Maps. It is an online directory that lists businesses, schools, non-profits and other entities, and provides information about them, such as their address, phone number, hours of operation and customer reviews.

Google My Business is the most popular review platform, with 57.5% of consumers saying they use it to read reviews, according to a 2021 survey by ReviewTrackers.

Schools can use Google My Business to improve their online presence and provide important information to parents, students, and the community. Here are some ways schools can use Google My Business:

1. Provide accurate information. Schools can list their address, phone number, website, and hours of operation on their Google My Business listing to ensure parents and students can easily find and contact them.
2. Share updates. Use the Posts feature to share updates about events, important dates, and news related to your school.
3. Showcase photos. Add photos of your campus, classrooms, or students to their Google My Business listing to give potential students and parents a glimpse into the school.
4. Monitor and respond to reviews. Monitor and respond to reviews on your Google My Business listing to address any concerns or feedback from parents and students.
5. Gain insights. Use Google My Business Insights to track how many people are finding your listing, what actions they are taking (such as visiting the website or calling the school), and where they are coming from. This information can help schools make informed decisions about their online presence and marketing efforts to support their school marketing strategy.

Setting Up a Google Account

Before you can use the tools for generating Google reviews for schools, you must first set up your Google account. Follow these steps to set up your account and claim your school’s profile.

Here are the steps to set up a Google My Business account:

1. Go to the Google My Business website ( https://www.google.com/business/ ) and click the "Manage now" button.
2. Sign in to your Google account or create a new one if you don't already have one.
3. Enter the full name of your school in the "Business name" field.
4. Choose a category that best describes your school.
5. Enter the address of your school.
6. Add your school phone number and website URL.
7. Choose a verification option. Google will need to verify your business information to ensure it is accurate and to prevent spam. You can choose to verify by mail, phone, email, or instant verification (if available). Be sure to let others in your organization know to be on the lookout for verification information, as many times this can accidentally be tossed out as junk mail.
8. Once your school is verified, you can add additional details such as your business hours, photos, and a description of your business.
9. Make sure to regularly update your Google My Business listing with any changes to your school’s contact information, offerings, or hours of operation.

How to Get Google Reviews for Your School

Now that you’re ready to start receiving reviews, how do you get them? Instead of sitting around and hoping that one will trickle in, try these tips for getting google reviews for schools.

1. Ask for reviews. Simply ask parents and students to leave a review on the school's Google page. You can do this through email newsletters (link to newsletter post - can’t find it on the website?), social media, or even in-person announcements. Almost 65% of consumers left reviews in response to a request.
2. Share a link. Use your direct link to the school's Google page and ask people to leave a review. This makes it easier for them to find the page and leave a review.
3. Make it even easier. Add a "Leave a Review" button on the school's website or social media pages that takes people directly to the Google review page.
4. Offer incentives. Consider offering a small incentive, such as a school t-shirt or other swag, for anyone who leaves a review. This can encourage people to take the time to leave a review.
5. Engage with reviews. Respond to reviews and thank people for leaving them. This shows that the school values feedback and is engaged with the community. It can also encourage others to leave a review, while also building trust with potential new students and families. Showing that you’re actually reviewing the feedback shows your commitment to improvements that will better serve your school and your students.

How More Google Reviews Can Lead to Increased Enrollment

When it comes to enrollment, any advantage your school can get can help! Whether that’s an increase in brand visibility, being easy to find compared to other schools in your area, or having more positive reviews than the competition. Here are a few ways that Google reviews can positively impact your school’s enrollment:

1. Increased visibility. The more reviews a school has on Google, the more likely it is to appear in search results. This can increase visibility and make it easier for prospective parents and students to find the school.
2. Improved reputation. Positive reviews can help build a school's reputation and make it more attractive to prospective families. Reviews can provide insight into the experiences of current and former students, parents, and staff, which can help build trust and confidence in the school.
3. Social proof. When parents and students are considering a school, they often look to the experiences of others to make a decision. Positive Google reviews can serve as social proof and provide validation for the quality of education and experience the school provides.
4. Differentiation. In a competitive education landscape, having more positive reviews than other schools in the area can differentiate a school and make it more appealing to prospective families.

Keep in mind that more doesn’t always mean better. Make sure the reviews that you are requesting and receiving are genuine, and not artificially inflated. Students, parents and community members will see through fake or spam reviews, which can negatively impact your school’s reputation. For help managing your school’s online reputation, marketing strategy and more, contact the team at SOLVED today!