BigCommerce stores provide powerful e-commerce functionality, but without visible trust signals, potential customers may hesitate to make purchases. Building credibility is critical to increasing conversions and customer loyalty.
Visitors often abandon online stores if they lack confidence in the products or the brand. Without social proof like Google Reviews, your BigCommerce store may struggle to convert casual browsers into paying customers.
Embedding Google Reviews on your BigCommerce store offers authentic social proof, builds trust, and encourages conversions by showcasing real customer experiences.
Why Add Google Reviews to BigCommerce?
Google Reviews provide a crucial layer of credibility and engagement. Here’s why they’re essential for your BigCommerce store:
1. Establishes Trust and Credibility
- Verified Feedback: Google Reviews are trusted by consumers because they come from verified users.
- Reassurance: Featuring reviews prominently builds confidence in your brand and products.
2. Boosts SEO Performance
- Higher Rankings: Google values user-generated content like reviews, which can improve your search rankings.
- Rich Snippets: Displaying star ratings in search results enhances click-through rates.
3. Increases Conversion Rates
- Social Proof: Reviews validate your product’s quality and reliability.
- Overcomes Hesitations: Authentic feedback addresses doubts and helps shoppers make decisions.
4. Enhances Customer Engagement
- Interactive Content: Showcasing reviews encourages customers to leave their own feedback.
- Community Building: Positive reviews foster trust and loyalty among shoppers.
5. Differentiates Your Store
- Competitive Edge: Highlighting reviews sets your store apart from competitors.
- Dynamic Content: Regularly updated reviews keep your store fresh and engaging.
All your Google reviews in one place
Collect Google reviews, manage every response, and display them where they matter most.
How to Add Google Reviews to BigCommerce
Now, let’s see how to add Google reviews to your website or store.
First, sign up for WiserReview. There is a free plan if you are just starting, but there are also upgrades available for medium and enterprise businesses.
Once you sign up for your account, you can see the WiserReview dashboard.
This dashboard is your control center, where you can manage all aspects of your review management. It provides a clear overview of your review collection, moderation, and display processes.
Don’t be overwhelmed. WiserReview is a comprehensive Google review management software that not only helps you add Google reviews but also collects and moderates them.
And the best part? It’s designed to be user-friendly, so you’ll find it easy to navigate and use.
From the dashboard:
Go to → Manage review section and click on the “Import” button.
From there, you have many options to import reviews from, select “Google review” or “Import Reviews via CSV”
Once done, you have a review showing in the manage review section.
Now let’s go to the “Widget” section.
Here, you have a wide range of widgets to choose from. Simply click on “configure” for any widget you need.
Each one is designed to build trust, credibility, and drive more conversions and sales through immediate consumer decision-making.
For example, we chose the “Review wall” widget for our second product.
This widget displays a dynamic wall of your Google reviews, creating a visually appealing and trustworthy display for your potential customers. And yes, we use Wiserreview’s Google review widget for this purpose.
Once you click on configure, you can see the widget customization dashboard. In it, click on “Filter”.
In it, select the “Review source” as Google review or CSV.
Now your review appears on the widget, and you can easily customize the widget to match your brand’s style.
It’s a straightforward process, and we’re confident you’ll find it intuitive and user-friendly.
Now, once it’s done, click on “Install” and choose from any of the three options.
- Javascript – Insert this script where you want the review widget to appear on your website.
- Iframe – Use this iframe code to embed the review widget in a specific section of your site.
- URL – Share this URL to display the review widget on a separate page.
Now the widget is live and ready to build trust and drive conversions.
We are also using this on our site, WiserReview and Wisernotify.
Here is an example of it:
And wait, that’s just the tip of the iceberg of what Wiserreview can do for Google review management.
WiserReview can:
1. Automated Review Collection
Create a smart Google review form with the following setup:
- Set up your Google review link.
- Add buttons for easy interaction.
- Display a star rating on the first screen to assess intent. If the rating is low, prompt for feedback. If the rating is high, direct the user to post their review on Google.
WiserReview simplifies the process of requesting Google reviews, automating personalized requests via email, SMS, or other messaging channels, making it easier for businesses to collect reviews.
Integrate the review form link with your existing POS, email, and SMS systems.
You can also post new sales data to the WiserNotify webhook API to automate the process. This streamlines review requests and enhances customer engagement through your existing channels.
2. Centralized Review Management
- Review Aggregation: WiserReview aggregates reviews from various platforms (Google Reviews, Yelp, Facebook, etc.), bringing them into one central dashboard. This helps businesses track their reviews and see insights in real-time.
- Review Monitoring: The platform notifies businesses whenever a new review is posted, allowing them to stay up-to-date with feedback.
- AI reply: WiserReview helps businesses respond to customer reviews automatically with AI.
3. AI-powered review display and sharing
- Automatically select positive sentiment reviews.
- Publish them live on your site.
- Convert these reviews into graphics and post them on your social media channels.
This enhances customer trust and promotes positive feedback across platforms.
Embed Google Reviews on BigCommerce
Adding Google Reviews to BigCommerce can be done using third-party widgets or custom code. Here’s how:
Steps to Embed Google Reviews on BigCommerce
- Choose a Review Widget: Popular tools include EmbedSocial, Elfsight, or Wisernotify.
- Generate Embed Code: Connect your Google My Business account, customize the widget, and generate the embed code.
- Add Code to BigCommerce:
- Log in to your BigCommerce admin dashboard.
- Go to “Storefront” and select “Script Manager.”
- Create a new script and paste the embed code into the designated field.
- Choose where the script should load (e.g., footer or specific pages).
- Save and Test: Save the changes, refresh your store, and verify that the reviews display correctly.
Best Places to Show Google Reviews on BigCommerce
Strategic placement of Google Reviews ensures they are seen by the right audience at the right time. Here are the best locations:
1. Homepage
- Why: The homepage is often the first impression customers have of your store.
- How: Use a review carousel or a summary of top reviews above the fold.
- Example: Highlight overall satisfaction and standout product features.
2. Product Pages
- Why: Product-specific reviews directly influence buying decisions.
- How: Embed reviews below product descriptions or near the “Add to Cart” button.
- Tip: Use filters to display reviews specific to each product.
3. Checkout Page
- Why: Shoppers may experience last-minute hesitation before completing their purchase.
- How: Display a snippet of positive reviews near the checkout button to reinforce trust.
4. Footer Section
- Why: The footer is visible across all pages, providing consistent exposure for reviews.
- How: Add a compact widget summarizing customer feedback with a link to “Read All Reviews.”
5. About Us Page
- Why: This page is ideal for sharing your brand’s story and values.
- How: Feature reviews that align with your mission and customer-centric approach.
Other Ways to Add Google Reviews to BigCommerce
In addition to embedding widgets, consider these alternative methods for showcasing reviews:
1. Static Screenshots
How:
- Capture screenshots of key Google Reviews.
- Upload them as images in a “Testimonials” section or page.
Pros:
- Quick and easy to implement.
- Highlights specific feedback effectively.
Cons:
- Static and requires manual updates.
- No SEO benefits from screenshots.
2. Third-Party Review Tools
Recommended Tools:
- Elfsight: Customizable Google Review widgets.
- EmbedSocial: Syncs directly with Google My Business reviews.
- Wisernotify: Adds dynamic, real-time reviews to your store.
Pros:
- Dynamic updates keep reviews fresh.
- Easy integration with minimal coding.
Cons:
- Subscription fees may apply.
- Relies on external services.
3. API Integration
How:
- Use Google’s Places API to fetch and display reviews dynamically.
Pros:
- Fully customizable and real-time updates.
- Seamlessly integrates with your BigCommerce store.
Cons:
- Requires developer expertise.
- Potential costs for API usage.
All your Google reviews in one place
Collect Google reviews, manage every response, and display them where they matter most.
3 Google Review Mistakes on BigCommerce Stores
Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your Google Reviews strategy is effective:
1. Ignoring Negative Reviews
- Impact: Omitting or ignoring negative feedback may appear disingenuous.
- Solution: Respond professionally to criticism and showcase a balanced mix of reviews.
2. Overloading Pages with Too Many Reviews
- Impact: An excessive number of reviews can overwhelm visitors and clutter your design.
- Solution: Display the most relevant and impactful reviews for clarity.
3. Using Fake Reviews
- Impact: Inauthentic reviews damage credibility and can lead to penalties from Google.
- Solution: Encourage genuine feedback from real customers to maintain trust.
Wrap Up
Adding Google Reviews to your BigCommerce store is a powerful way to build trust, increase engagement, and drive conversions.
By embedding reviews strategically and leveraging the right tools, you can create a compelling shopping experience that resonates with customers. Start showcasing your Google Reviews today to enhance your BigCommerce store’s credibility and performance.
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