The Power of Google Reviews: Why you need Google Reviews and how to start getting more today.
At Third Floor, we’re big on Google Reviews (relentless, our clients may tell you). But why? Well, let’s break it down, and we think you’ll start to share our enthusiasm, too.
In today's digital age, word of mouth has taken a new form—online reviews. Among the various platforms, Google Reviews are the most powerful out there, holding over 80% of online reviews. Your company’s Google Reviews (or lack thereof) influence customer decisions, build trust, and can significantly impact your online visibility.
Let's dive into the top five benefits of Google Reviews and how they affect your SEO.
Top 5 Benefits of Google Reviews
Boosts Credibility and Trust
When potential customers see positive reviews, they are more likely to trust your business. Google Reviews act as social proof, showcasing real experiences from real people. This credibility is often the deciding factor for someone choosing between your business and a competitor.
91% of consumers regularly or occasionally read online reviews, and 84% trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations (BrightLocal, 2023).93% of consumers say that online reviews influence their purchasing decisions (Podium, 2022).
2. Improves Local SEO
Google Reviews play a crucial role in local SEO. The more positive reviews you have, the higher your business is likely to rank in local search results. This increased visibility can lead to more traffic, inquiries, and ultimately, more sales.
Businesses with a high number of positive reviews are 1.7 times more likely to be considered reputable by Google (BrightLocal, 2023).
Having at least five reviews can increase the likelihood of purchase by 270% compared to businesses with no reviews (Spiegel Research Center, 2022).
3. Helps you to make improvements and build products and services your customers will love
Reviews provide valuable feedback about what you're doing right and where you can improve. This direct customer insight helps you make informed decisions about your products or services, enhancing your overall business strategy. Sometimes it’s valuable to get constructive feedback outside of public reviews, so we have suggestions in our guide to get both the positive and the constructive in a way that helps you to maintain great review rankings while still being able to learn and make improvements.
49% of consumers need at least a four-star rating before they choose to use a business (BrightLocal, 2023).
70% of consumers will leave a review for a business if asked (BrightLocal, 2023).
4. Increase Click-Through Rates
A business with numerous positive reviews is more likely to attract clicks. When users see high ratings and detailed reviews, they're more inclined to visit your website or physical location. This increased click-through rate can lead to more conversions and higher sales.
(Not sure if your website is up to the task? Check out our 4 Week Refresh package for a quick turnaround to get a website that makes your brand shine, and turns viewers into customers.)
Businesses with an average rating of 4.5 stars or higher receive 28% more clicks from Google Local Pack results than those with lower ratings (Search Engine Land, 2023).
5. Encourages Customer Feedback
Responding to reviews—both positive and negative—shows that you value customer feedback. This engagement not only improves your relationship with existing customers but also demonstrates to potential customers that you care about their experience.
Do Google reviews affect your SEO?
In a word, yes! Google's search algorithm considers numerous factors when ranking websites, and reviews play a major role. We could get techy, but we’ll spare you, and instead mention a few simple ways Google Reviews can affect your SEO:
Local Pack Ranking:
Reviews influence your placement in Google's local pack (the map and listing that appear at the top of local search results). High ratings and frequent reviews can boost your visibility to potential clients in your area.
Keywords and Content:
Reviews often include keywords related to your business, which can help Google understand your relevance to certain searches. This user-generated content adds to your website's keyword richness.
Click-Through Rates (CTR):
Positive reviews can lead to higher CTR, a factor Google considers when ranking websites. If users are clicking on your business more often, it signals to Google that your site is relevant and useful.
Ready to get those Google reviews from your clients? Download our free guide.
Asking for Google reviews doesn’t have to be awkward.
Now that you understand the importance of Google reviews, the next step is to start collecting them. To help you with this, we’re offering a free download that walks you through the process of requesting reviews from your clients effectively, and getting the type of reviews that will build your brand and messaging through the mouths of your clients!
Not all reviews are created equal, but since you can’t create your own, we have what you need to get the best reviews for your business without feeling weird asking, while at the same time caring for and serving your customers. Win, win, win.
This guide will provide you with:
Templates for email and text requests: Easy-to-use templates to reach out to your clients.
4 tips you can use to maximize the effectiveness of your Google reviews and personalize the templates specifically for your business.
Best practices: Strategies to increase the likelihood of clients leaving a review.
Plus a Bonus : Tips for in-person requests: How to ask for reviews during face-to-face interactions.
