Google Local Reviews

My brother is a lawyer who works with clients who are...not tech-savvy. He wants me to boost his Google Local profile by talking to clients and then posting their reviews on Google Local for them. He also wants me to post their recommendations for restaurants on Yelp!, CitySearch, etc. so Google sees these people in two different locations.

I am worried that Google will see this as attempting to falsify our testimonials. Even though that could not be farther from the truth, it would be a lot easier now to take safeguards against being flagged than trying to rectify this situation with Google later. I can only assume that Google tracks from where the review was posted (ip address), and the e-mail address used (I do not know if they send out a validation e-mail).

My plan is to create a new e-mail address for clients who don't have one, use their e-mail address for posting reviews and for those clients who have an existing e-mail address, I will ask them to verify the listing through a validation e-mail (if that's what Google does). Any other advice?

You could have them give their reviews at other sites that do not require a login - such as judysbook.com. There are also others out there that allow you to do this. Google will require them to actually login to their google account - so unless you can get their password from them, too, you're out of luck.

Not to mention G does track your IP address and would know all these reviews are coming from the same location. But to get around that you could use public locations such as coffee shops, restaurants, or anywhere that offers internet access.

Still technically fraud if you're imitating someone else though - your brother should know that if he's any good at his job.

Solicited testimonials are better presented on the business website, plus they add unique content which will result in more traffic.

Restaurant reviews? What benefit would he get from that?

We are not imitating anyone; we just plan to transcribe testimonials on to our website--and Google Local--from an offline source. I live in LA, the testimonials will be mainly in the Seattle area. Is Google smart enough that it will say "Wait a minute...this ip address is in LA and the business is in Seattle..." and raise red flags?

I don't think what you're doing constitutes fraud. However, The Google is very smart. I wouldn't make any attempt to manipulate it's intentions.

Although your brother's clients aren't "tech savvy" can they follow instructions step by step? If they're extremely happy customers, they'll be willing to help your brother out. Leaving a review doesn't require anyone to be tech savvy. They need a google account and the ability to read and write.

Perhaps a better way to boost his rankings would be to add more "citations" of his business. Make sure he's submitted to virtually any and all local directories, SuperPages is one example. Anywhere his practice is featured should include the physical address and phone number. And as always, relevant keyword rich copy is important.

So logging into a website as someone else is not considered imitating them? And creating false email account under someone else's name isn't either?

Hmmm..... I must need to read my dictionary again....

When you say the clients aren't tech-savvy, what exactly do you mean? Would they not be able to login and fill out the review form on their own if you sent them the link to do so?

I would adhere to the advice summit is providing.

You may be better off creating a document with step by step instructions to give to these clients to make it more genuine. This way everything is legitimate and you don't have to worry about flags of any color being raised. Maybe include a screen shot or two so they know they are on the correct road to completing the review.

Guys 2 minutes ago I got off the phone with a client of mine that is unhappy about him having 1 bad review out of 2 on google maps.


I told him the only thing to do is write reviews, and push the bad one down.

I was about to write a review, and realized His site is in my webmaster account.

So that only leaves, trading reviews with others.


whos game?

lol

now this is perfectly legit....lol i'm in but you have to give me one on yelp too. Deal?

do I have to register?


I guess

pm

thanks you two guys


I made that site in 45 minutes flat for a friend of mine. Its not much, I actually dont take on clients anymore since being on my own.

no problem. Glad to help