Why reviews matter so much
Parents are trusting you with their children's party, so reviews carry a lot of weight. They help you show in the Google map results, they persuade people who are comparing companies, and they give you real words from real customers to use on your website.
The good news is that bouncy castle customers are usually happy to leave a review. Most businesses simply don't ask often enough, or make it too awkward to do.
Make asking part of every job
- Ask on collection. The best time is when you collect the castle and the customer is still happy about the day.
- Follow up the same day with a short message and a direct link to your Google review form. You can get this link from your Google Business Profile.
- Make it quick. One link, one tap. The fewer steps, the more reviews you'll get.
- Ask everyone. Google doesn't allow you to only ask customers you think will be happy, or to offer discounts or prizes in exchange for reviews.
Reply to every review
- Thank people for good reviews, and mention something specific about their party if you can.
- Reply calmly to bad reviews. Acknowledge the problem, explain what you've done about it and offer to talk it through. Other parents will read your reply as much as the review.
- Never argue online, even if a review feels unfair.
Use reviews on your website
- Show a few reviews on your home page and on relevant product and town pages.
- Link to your Google reviews, so people can see the full picture.
- Turn great reviews into short case studies, with photos from the party if the customer is happy for you to use them.
What not to do
- Don't buy reviews or write them yourself. Google removes fake reviews and can restrict your profile.
- Don't swap reviews with friends' businesses.
- Don't copy Google reviews onto your site as if they were written there. Show them as Google reviews and link to them.
Frequently asked questions
How many reviews do I need?
There's no set number, but you want a steady flow of recent reviews, not a burst a few years ago. Compare yourself with the businesses that show in the map results for your main town.
Do Facebook reviews count?
They help people who find you on Facebook, but Google reviews matter most for showing on Google. Ask for Google reviews first.
Can I report a fake review?
Yes. You can flag reviews that break Google's rules from your Google Business Profile. Reply politely as well, in case it isn't removed.
For more on your profile, see my Google Business Profile guide. You'll find the rest of my guides on the bouncy castle SEO guides page.
Let's talk
Email info@kevinburkeservices.com or use my contact page.
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