Google has updated its Places for Business Dashboard to allow more functionality to reviews. The new update allows the user of the Google Places account the ability to see and respond to Google reviews, as well as to monitor ‘almost all their reviews from around the web’. We are aware that this is a welcome update for our practices, as some practice owners are concerned about reviews online and the extent to which they can be left unchecked. This feature provides those most concerned with the ability to regularly visit the dashboard and keep tabs on reviews sent.
It is true that anyone can leave a review about any service online nowadays, and certainly, this is still the case, but being able to read your complete Google review profile and respond accordingly takes the perceived risk out of garnering online reviews from patients.
The other features within this update include:
The new Review Widget for Google Places for Business is a major upgrade to Google Places dashboard, but it also is an important signal that Google is attempting to provide small/medium sized businesses– often using local SEO as a cornerstone to online marketing – with valuable tools to manage their business.
Whilst as yet the feature doesn’t yet allow mobile function, it means online businesses can confidently encourage users of their service to leave an online review armed with the capabilities to better manage their online reputation.
Reviews are by far a great way to extend your dental practices online presence, by verifying your Google Places for Business account, and reminding patients that they can leave a review online you are pro-actively taking charge of this online reputation. Now with the update to the dashboard, dental practices can become active in their presence on Google and respond to reviews, helping patients to notice that your dental practice values their input and therefore respond with more reviews.
To find out more about online reviews, the new dashboard features and online dental marketing, call 01202 677277.