So you finally decided to Google your company…

First search result: Your company’s website. *check*
Second search result: Your company’s Facebook Fan Page. *double check*
Third search result: A listing for your company on Yelp.com - arguably, the most popular online consumer review site… *Rut’ro, Scoob!*

You do a little scanning and find that there are absolutely no negative reviews written about your business.  *nice!*

Bad news is that there are no reviews at all. *hmph*

So what do you do?

Not this:

Paying people to write reviews for you is not only unethical, but it’s also illegal. You could get into a world of trouble if the FTC finds you breaking this very simple rule.

So what CAN you do to get the reviews flowing in?

First step, make sure your product or service is buzz worthy.  Would you want to talk about your business?

Second, go above and beyond to make sure your customers remember you. You may only get one shot to capture their attention - make sure every moment is memorable.

Third, put the reviews in their hands. This is arguably the simplest, yet most passed over means of acquiring new reviews. If they’ve had a good experience with you, your customers will be willing to buzz about you - they just need to know how and where to do so. Tell them where to go to review your business. It’s as simple as that.

And always remember that writing online reviews can take a considerable amount of time. Consumers have to find a review site with a listing for the appropriate business, create an account and then craft a well-written review….so don’t take their reviews for granted!

- Ryan, @ryanatmgh

*Image courtesy of Gawker.com*