Online Review Superstars
- Kidsfirst
- Dec 15, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 15, 2021
Feedback from family and friends remains the most important referral source for our kindergartens, but more and more, families will still go online to check us out before they even make time for a visit, or head back to Google to check reviews before making a commitment.
Google is our most consistent source of reviews, and the vast majority of these reviews score 4 or 5 stars.
We welcome all reviews, though, and they all provide valuable information and feedback.
Once in a while, a kindergarten will receive an unfair, or inaccurate review. Every Facebook and Google review is read, and we will act on any that fall into this category. It is not always possible to have them taken down – but we do our best.
The best way to drown out a negative, or inaccurate review is to encourage a flood of positive ones. So, if you feel as though your online reviews are not reflecting the positives of your kindergarten, or are worried about the risk of bad reviews, remember, there are things you can do to encourage a more balanced perspective.
Ask whānau to leave a review on the platform of their choice. They don’t have to leave it until they are moving on – most families are proud to be a part of their kindergarten, and more than happy to promote the benefits of a kindy education to others. Just let them know that your kindergarten has a Google Places listing (we’ve set one up for everybody), and that they are welcome to share the aroha.
There are so many ways that whānau are expressing their gratitude for the kindergarten experience online, everyday, like in this review for Kidsfirst Cashmere, which hits on some of the things that make kindergarten extra special:
“Such a fantastic kindy. The teachers are wonderful and kind – they spent time getting to know us as a family, and followed and supported our kids’ interests. The environment is the best – an amazing outdoor space, and calm indoor area. Our two children loved their kindy days, and as a family we felt welcomed into the kindy community. I was also really impressed with the support provided and additional visits facilitated by the teachers when we transitioned to school.”
And this one for Kidsfirst Northcote, again, focusing on kaiako and Big Backyards:
“I forgot I could leave some comments here to let people know how amazing this center is! The teachers are awesomely kind and patient. Apart from that, they have a good ratio, a big yard, endless resources, and toys. You will never regret it.”
Some of them, like this one left for Kidsfirst Hoon Hay recently, are short and sweet – but just as lovely:
“An amazing place. One of the best kindergartens I've had the pleasure of being involved with.”
Want to check it out for yourself? It’s easy, and quick to see your kindergarten’s Google Places listing and also for whānau to leave a review:
1. Go to the website google.com/maps, and you will be greeted with a screen like this:
2. Once in Google Maps, you can search for your kindergarten, using the search bar:
3. Once you have selected your kindergarten, click where it says the star total, and you can read reviews that have been left. Please note that if there has not been any reviews left, you will not have a star total, and can scroll down to begin writing the first review:
