When you search for your church on Google, what appears? And more importantly, how does your listing compare to other churches in your area? If there’s a distinct lack of reviews under your profile, it’s time to do something about it. The fact is your digital presence plays a pivotal role in outreach and engagement. Harnessing the power of Google reviews for your church can positively impact your visibility, credibility, and connection with current and potential members.

Why Getting Google Reviews for Your Church Is Important

Many church leaders assume that Google reviews are more relevant to businesses than religious organizations. However, this isn’t the case. Google reviews for churches are crucial for several reasons. 

Here are a few examples:

• Google reviews help build trust in your church. 

Authentic reviews from your congregation and visitors serve as social proof. They’re testimonials of your church’s impact and sincerity. Potential newcomers are more likely to see these Google reviews and trust the experiences shared by others. As a result, they feel more confident about taking advantage of your resources or visiting your church in person. 

In case you’re not convinced, research shows that 81% of people use Google to evaluate local establishments. 

• They increase your visibility in search.

Google reviews for your church contribute to your online presence. Positive reviews can enhance your search ranking when people type in queries containing relevant keywords. Ultimately, it’s easier for individuals seeking spiritual guidance or community involvement to discover your church on Google when you have reviews.

• Reviews are a source of valuable feedback. 

Every review, whether positive or negative, offers insights into your church’s strengths and areas for improvement. It helps you identify ways you can serve your members better. By embracing feedback, you can cultivate a culture of continuous growth and responsiveness to the needs of your community.

5 Ways to Get Google Reviews for Your Church

Understanding the value of Google reviews for churches is one thing—actually getting them is another. Of course, the simplest way is just to ask members and visitors to leave you a review. But you need to go about it the right way. And that means setting up a solid foundation for your reputation management efforts. 

Here are some best practices to follow:

1. Set Up Your Google Business Profile.

Claiming and optimizing your Google Business Profile is the first step toward getting Google reviews for your church. As reviews show up next to your profile in Maps and Search, it makes sense to ensure your profile is complete. Check that it includes accurate information, engaging visuals, and a compelling description of your church’s mission and values.

2. Add a Link to Your Google Profile on Your Website. 

One of the most effective ways to get Google reviews for your church is to make it convenient for people to leave them. Start by adding a direct link to your Google Business Profile on your church website. Place it in the footer of your home page or on the contact page for easy access. 

3. Ask Members to Leave a Review via Email. 

Reach out to your congregation through email newsletters or dedicated review-request campaigns, inviting them to share their experiences on Google. Personalize your requests to encourage genuine and heartfelt testimonials. Consider including a list of questions to guide them in writing their reviews.

Tip: BeyondSundays makes it easy to manage your online reputation. You can automate review requests and get valuable insights through analytics. 

4. Add a Link to the End of Live Chats. 

Does your church offer online support or counseling services? Consider integrating a prompt at the end of live chats encouraging participants to leave a review. Include a link to your Google Business Profile and ask them to describe their interaction.

5. Post an Ask on Social Media.

Leverage your social media platforms to amplify your request for reviews. Craft engaging posts inviting followers to share their thoughts and experiences, accompanied by a direct link to your Google profile for easy access. Sometimes, your followers just need to be reminded to leave a review. 

What Review Practices to Avoid

When it comes to getting Google reviews for your church, you need to be careful. There is a right way and a wrong way to handle feedback. Below are some practices to avoid. 

• Don’t ask for 5-star reviews.

Like any church leader, you want people to leave glowing reviews about your establishment. However, authenticity is paramount. Don’t specifically ask for 5-star reviews or positive feedback. Instead, encourage honest feedback, regardless of the rating, as it reflects the genuine experiences of your congregation.

• Don’t post fake reviews.

This should go without saying, but don’t inflate your review count with fake testimonials. Integrity and trust are foundational to your church’s reputation. Such misleading practices can undermine credibility.

Any Google reviews about your church should come directly from members and visitors. That doesn’t mean staff members can’t leave reviews. However, they should be transparent about their roles and focus on their unique experiences as part of your team. 

• Don’t offer any incentives.

Avoid incentivizing reviews by offering gifts or rewards. Doing so can compromise the sincerity of the feedback received. Reviews should stem from actual experiences and feelings, not the desire for material gain.

• Don’t ignore negative reviews.

Embrace criticism as an opportunity for growth instead of dismissing negative feedback. Respond thoughtfully and constructively to address concerns. This can demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement and reflect well on your church to others who read your Google reviews.

Takeaway

Getting Google reviews for your church can yield significant benefits for your community and outreach efforts. By fostering transparency, trust, and engagement, you pave the way for meaningful connections and sustainable growth. But remember, it’s not just about getting reviews—it’s about nurturing genuine relationships and amplifying the impact of your church’s mission. So, seize the opportunity to invite feedback, celebrate your successes, and embark on a journey of shared growth and transformation. Get started today and watch your church community flourish in the digital landscape!

Do you want to manage your church’s reputation better? BeyondSundays can help! Find out if our platform is right for you.