How to Create an Effective Google Review Request Letter for Property Management
Imagine having the perfect tool to boost your property management business’s online reputation—a carefully crafted letter that encourages your clients to leave glowing Google reviews. Just like the right equipment can elevate a team’s performance, a well-written review request letter can significantly enhance your Google review strategy, driving more traffic and trust to your business.
The right tools and resources are essential for success, and one of the most powerful tools you can equip your team with is a well-crafted Google review request letter. A thoughtfully designed letter not only increases the likelihood of receiving reviews but also ensures that the feedback aligns with your business’s mission, vision, and values.
In this article, we’ll break down how you can create your own Google review request letter, using an example similar to a letter I used to send out. By following these steps, you’ll be able to equip your team with an effective tool that encourages clients to leave reviews that positively impact your online presence.
Step 1: Setting the Stage with a Personal Introduction
The first step in creating a compelling Google review request letter is to personalize the introduction. Your letter should start with a warm, professional greeting that acknowledges the client’s current status with your company. This establishes a connection and reminds the client of the positive relationship they have with your business.
Example from the Original Post:
“Hello Mr./Ms. Landlord,
Your rental property is currently occupied with a good, rent-paying tenant. However, within the next few months, the tenant’s lease will expire.”
Breakdown:
Personalization: Address the recipient by name to create a direct and personal connection.
Current Status: Acknowledge the current relationship, such as the tenant being in good standing or a recent service provided.
Future Outlook: Mention any upcoming events or milestones, like a lease renewal, to set the context for why their feedback is important.
Step 2: Explain the Importance of Reviews
Next, your letter should explain why Google reviews are important, not just for your business, but also for the client. This helps the client understand the value their review brings and how it can benefit them indirectly.
Example from the Original Post:
“We will work hard to renew the lease at a rent rate that is beneficial for you, using the current market conditions at that time. However, if the tenant elects to vacate, we will have to begin marketing the property on the open market. Google considers companies with more reviews to be of higher value and ranks company websites like ours using reviews as part of their search algorithm.”
Breakdown:
Mutual Benefits: Explain how reviews help your business attract more clients, which in turn benefits the client by increasing the demand for their property.
SEO Impact: Highlight how Google reviews contribute to your company’s visibility online, leading to better outcomes for property owners.
Market Positioning: Discuss how reviews can help position your business—and by extension, the client’s property—more favorably in the market.
Step 3: Use Examples to Illustrate the Value of Reviews
To make the benefits of Google reviews more tangible, include specific examples of how positive reviews have led to better outcomes for other clients. This can make the request more compelling by showing the real-world impact of their feedback.
Example: “If a property rents for just $50 more each month because of additional interest in the property from positive reviews and increased search engine traffic the landlord has made an additional $600 of rent over a 12 month lease.”
Example: “If a property that is currently renting for $2,000 can eliminate 1 week of unnecessary vacancy between tenants because of additional interest in the property from positive reviews and increased search engine traffic then the landlord earns roughly $500 in additional rent that would not have been earned due to vacancy.”
Breakdown:
Concrete Examples: Provide specific scenarios where reviews have directly contributed to financial or operational benefits for clients.
Quantifiable Impact: Use numbers to show the potential return on investment (ROI) of leaving a review, making the benefits more relatable and persuasive.
Relevance: Ensure the examples you use are directly relevant to the recipient’s situation, reinforcing the letter’s personalized tone.
Step 4: Provide Clear Instructions for Leaving a Review
Once you’ve laid out the importance of reviews, it’s crucial to make it easy for clients to follow through. Provide clear, step-by-step instructions on how they can leave a Google review, including direct links and any necessary details.
Example: “Please help us generate the most income possible for you by providing your honest feedback. If you feel you can provide us with a 4.5 or 5-star review, please use one (or both) of the following links to do so:
Google: [Link]
Yelp: [Link]”
Breakdown:
Call to Action: Clearly ask for a review, specifying the rating you’re hoping for (e.g., 4.5 or 5 stars).
Direct Links: Include clickable links to your Google Business page or Yelp page, making it as easy as possible for clients to leave a review.
Multiple Platforms: Offer options for different review platforms, but keep the focus on the platform that’s most important to your strategy, such as Google.
Step 5: Address Potential Concerns and Offer Support
To ensure your request is received positively, it’s important to acknowledge that not all clients may be ready to leave a positive review. Offer a way for them to share any concerns privately before posting a review, showing that you value their feedback and are committed to resolving any issues.
Example: “If you do not feel you can honestly provide us with a 4.5 or 5-star review, please email me immediately so that we can resolve any issues you may have and make sure you receive the 5-star service you deserve.”
Breakdown:
Alternative Feedback Options: Offer an alternative for clients who may not be fully satisfied, allowing them to express concerns privately rather than posting a negative review.
Commitment to Resolution: Show a willingness to address and resolve any issues, reinforcing your dedication to client satisfaction.
Personal Contact Information: Provide direct contact details so the client knows who to reach out to for help, adding a personal touch.
Step 6: Include a Thank You and Token of Appreciation
Ending your letter with a thank you shows appreciation for the client’s time and feedback. Offering a small token of appreciation can further encourage them to leave a review, as long as it complies with Google’s guidelines.
Example: “Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and to review our service… Once we receive your review, look for your gift in the mail.”
Breakdown:
Express Gratitude: Thank the client for their time and their business, reinforcing the positive relationship.
Non-Incentivizing Gifts: If offering a gift, ensure it’s framed as a thank you for their time, rather than a direct reward for the review, to comply with review platform guidelines.
Follow-Up: Mention that you will follow up after the review is posted, which also helps reinforce the action you’re requesting.
Are you ready to craft your own Google review request letter? Download our free “Google Review Request Letter Template” to start creating a letter that generates reviews and encourages your clients to leave valuable feedback.
Conclusion:
A well-crafted Google review request letter is an essential tool for any property management business looking to enhance its online reputation. By following the steps outlined above, you can create a personalized, effective letter that not only increases the likelihood of receiving positive reviews but also strengthens your relationship with your clients.
Equip your team with this powerful tool, and watch as your online presence—and your business—grows stronger.
Remember, the right letter can make all the difference in gathering valuable feedback from your clients. Take the time to craft a message that resonates, and equip your team to use it as a key tool in your review strategy.
